Time for a new laptop

[apdxyk]

Macs used to be something. They keep repeating 'server grade' mantra without looking into the facts.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=site:dpreview.com+mac+yellow+screen&t=ffab&ia=web

 

[lwlee]

After looking at your new setup specs I'm surprised that you bought a separate travel laptop. The Alienware x14 looks like it would be a better travel option than the IdeaPad

I mentioned the reason. IdeaPad has a GREAT keyboard, full sized arrow keys/num pad better than the ThinkPad IMHO. Also that 16" 2560x1600 high rez screen is really great.
The Alienware x14 is lighter at 4lb but it only had a 14" 1920x800 screen. This is not an issue as a desktop laptop because my main screens are 34" and 27" high rez displays. I use the 14" screen as an ancillary screen. Also while both laptops are full powered so CPUs aren't hobbled, the Alienware has the better CPU. Alienware doesn't have the num pad.

 

[lwlee]

https://www.thexebec.com/products/xebec-tri-screen-2?


and
folding laptops

Gotta be careful of these "innovative" laptops like the Asus Zenbook. I really think you need to spend time with them to know their limitations. Nagging feeling that there might be something lacking with the design.

 

[d08]

https://www.thexebec.com/products/xebec-tri-screen-2?


and
folding laptops

Wait until this technology has gone through a few consumer cycles. Gimmicky stuff usually has reliability problems.

 

[d08]

I've been using HP equipment for 35+ years and it's always served me very well.

From what I understand HP consumer grade stuff is pure garbage but their business class is great. I've been a ThinkPad user forever when it comes to laptops but their problem is that while the design done in Japan is good, the component selection done in China is very poor. I've dealt with multiple ThinkPads when it's one issue after another. GF has one with a failing motherboard - keyboard stopped working twice, screen issues, USB ports not working, power input failed. This for a laptop that was sold as a premium business laptop not long ago and taken good care of.
Mine also had some components fail. The only really positive thing is that replacement parts are easy to find.

 

[spy]

consumer grade stuff is pure garbage

This is true of all consumer grade stuff, not just HP

 

[d08]

This is true of all consumer grade stuff, not just HP

HP used to be even the worst of the worst, their stuff was considered complete junk. I don't know how it is now as I don't follow this stuff intently.

 

[spy]

HP used to be even the worst of the worst, their stuff was considered complete junk. I don't know how it is now as I don't follow this stuff intently.

Maybe, I always try to avoid the consumer stuff from any brand. The thinkpads went downhill after Lenovo took over IMHO. I've had pretty good luck but limited experience with Dell equipment. The HP stuff has always shined, the last server I got from HPE is working out well too.

The only thing I try and pay extra attention to is not get sucked too far into proprietary solutions. That's why I've always avoided Apple equipment, even though it's pretty sexy on the surface.

"You don't want to get locked into 'open systems'."
--- anonymous IBM Rep.​

 

[long]

So I've been pricing gaming laptops that have a good video card in them. I'm disappointed that they only have one HDMI output. If my 2nd additional screen is a USB will the video card even matter? Am I asking for to much when I want 2 HDMI outputs?

 

[apdxyk]

So I've been pricing gaming laptops that have a good video card in them. I'm disappointed that they only have one HDMI output. If my 2nd additional screen is a USB will the video card even matter? Am I asking for to much when I want 2 HDMI outputs?

DP [Display Port] can be daisy-chained.