[nfbcs] Recommendations for new Windows Laptop

Wed Aug 15 16:49:58 UTC 2018

I have one of these as well, and really like it. I’m not sure it has a 15 inch model though.

Jim

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 15, 2018, at 9:40 AM, Currin, Kevin via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I just got a Lenovo ThinkPad T470p, which I really like. It has a quad core processor, 16 gb RAM, solid state drive, and 512 gb storage.  Its around $2,000. It is also incredibly light.
> 
> I know this is a pricy computer, but I was fortunate to have some grant money to pay for it.
> 
> ________________________________________
> From: nfbcs [nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Nimer Jaber via nfbcs [nfbcs at nfbnet.org]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 12:23 PM
> To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List
> Cc: Nimer Jaber; steve.jacobson at visi.com
> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Recommendations for new Windows Laptop
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 1. Windows Signature machines tend to be machines without extra bloat,
> although those bloat programs can be removed as well.
> 2. The laptop you need depends on you and yoru needs. It also depends on
> your budget and how much you wish to future-proof.
> 
> In general, the minimum specs I recommend is 4 GB of RAM, 8 is better. 16
> tends to be overkill, but it is good if the reason for the computer is for
> a lot of multi-tasking, with many browser tabs, lots of programs, or
> programs that take up more RAM. Office and the web would not be an example
> of this unless you regularly have 40 tabs open. Some laptops have RAM which
> is easily accessible and can be upgraded, and getting a machine which
> allows for this kind of configurability may be something you wish to
> consider. The processor should be an I5 or greater, anything else will
> introduce hick-ups and lag, particularly with individuals who rely on
> asistive technologies, but an I5 typically runs well, most especially if it
> is a quad core processor. I7 or I9 processors are overkill for most people,
> but it is good for future-proofing. the processor in a laptop is difficult
> to replace, so this is an area where, if you can afford it, you may want to
> go higher-end rather than lower. Note the type of laptop that you get. The
> ultra-portable laptops have ultra-low voltage processors, which means less
> power, even though the processor says I7. the quad core I7 and the
> dual-core I7 are very different as it comes to performance. Those laptops
> tend to be more expensive, but lighter too, which may be good for students
> or individiuals who are on the road a lot. The hard drive should definitely
> be a solid-state, for durability and longevity, but also for speed. For the
> hard drive, get the size that meets your storage needs. You may be able to
> get away with a smaller drive. Also, some laptops allow for swapping out
> drives by simply unscrewing a screw from the bottom of the machine.
> Manufacturers may charge you more for the hard drive with a larger size
> than it would be worth to purchase a drive yourself and install the
> operating system on it. Screen size is important, and it is worth examining
> your needs as it comes to screen size before purchasing a laptop. The
> keybard is also important. While you can use an external keyboard, and in
> my case, a mechanical keyboard, you may want to really take time to
> evaluate different laptops by typing on their keyboard to determine if the
> level of tactile feedback and the click is something you can live with, if
> the spacing of the keys is to your liking, etc. Some laptops have no
> application key, and some have even gotten rid of the function row. While
> keys can be remapped easily enough, it is still important, in my view, to
> get a laptop and a keyboard with which you can be comfortable.
> 
> Thanks, and if you have questions, please let me know.
> 
> 
> On Wed, Aug 15, 2018 at 11:07 AM Steve Jacobson via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> 
>> Curtis,
>> 
>> How did you get an HP without Bloatware?  I've used HP's through work with
>> clean installs and it makes a big difference as you have indicated.  All of
>> the HP's I have purchased personally, though, have had a lot of extra stuff
>> on them including various tools from HP that were difficult or impossible
>> to
>> use with screen readers.  You have obviously found a source that offers
>> clean machines and that interests me.
>> 
>> Best regards,
>> 
>> Steve Jacobson
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfbcs <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Curtis Chong via nfbcs
>> Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 10:54 AM
>> To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Curtis Chong <chong.curtis at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Recommendations for new Windows Laptop
>> 
>> Greetings:
>> 
>> I recommend a laptop which is free from vendor-specific software (i.e.,
>> bloatware) with a memory capacity of 16GB using an I7 processor. For the
>> hard drive, it is worth paying extra for a 512 GB SSD flash drive. This
>> will
>> speed up your boot time immensely.
>> 
>> I myself bought an HP ProBook 450 with the above specs, and I have been
>> quite happy with it.
>> 
>> Of course, you will be getting Windows 10. This means that your speech and
>> magnification technology absolutely needs to be kept current since
>> Microsoft
>> introduces a major update to the operating system twice each year.
>> 
>> I hope this helps.
>> 
>> Cordially,
>> 
>> Curtis Chong
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfbcs <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Ida B via nfbcs
>> Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 9:50 AM
>> To: nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Ida B <behreini.ida at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [nfbcs] Recommendations for new Windows Laptop
>> 
>> Hello,
>> 
>> I am looking for a great windows laptop for my needs. I use JAWS and
>> ZoomText in conjunction. I also run my code on programs like Eclipse,
>> Visual
>> Studio, and other IDEs. I value power and efficiency above all else and am
>> willing to invest in a quality laptop. Any suggestions? I heard the Dell
>> xps15 and Surface Ultrabook are good choices, but want to know how they
>> handle screen readers, programming, and other intensive use.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Ida
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>> 
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>> 
>> 
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> 
> 
> --
> Cordially,
> 
> Nimer Jaber
> 
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