Farm laptop recommendations

Muckit

There has to be a few techies on here.
Laptop has given up the ghost. I might aswell b looking into a field of thistles to know what to replace it with and what is value!

I want to get separate office package (not 365).
Will b for excel and word mostly.
No gaming. Light internet use (as use phone mostly).

Advice please!!

Thanks in advance folks

ganmo

Would a desktop suit?

As for office programme I'd suggest open office, its free and very close to Microsoft office

patsy_mccabe

I know it's a head wrecker picking one, too many options.

Mine is a Laptop
DELL Inspiron 5567
RAM - 8 GB
Memory - 1 terabyte (1000 GB)
64 bit Operating System
Intel Core i5
Screen - 15"

Microsoft Office & Student 2016

Muckit

I would prefer laptop as anywhere can be 'the office.' Have wireless router for internet.

Patsy that seems like a good spec from my limited knowledge.

It's a pure head wreck trying to buy something l know little about!

Bought last one in 2012, thought it would have lasted longer but morherboard is fried according to repair lad that looked at it. Thankfully he can recover everything off hard drive.

Ard_MC

Muckit wrote: »

I would prefer laptop as anywhere can be 'the office.' Have wireless router for internet.

Patsy that seems like a good spec from my limited knowledge.

It's a pure head wreck trying to buy something l know little about!

Bought last one in 2012, thought it would have lasted longer but morherboard is fried according to repair lad that looked at it. Thankfully he can recover everything off hard drive.

My motherboard gave as well recently..havent replaced it yet. Might wait to the sales. Only used lightly so dont want anything to fancy either.

gctest50

Ask your accountant - you might be able to lease one, and have the payments 100% tax deductible

Tenigate

Lease a €400-500 laptop which is tax deductible anyway?

gctest50

Yip, hand it back n get a new one after a few years


- newer stuff is worthless after a few years anyway - no long lasting quality in stuff like that anymore

gctest50

Office :

http://www.libreoffice.org/


Good enough for the city of Toulouse etc

Toulouse, France’s 4th largest city located in south-west France, has saved one million Euro by migrating to Open Source office suite LibreOffice

today, 90% of the desktops (used by around 10,000 people working for the city) run LibreOffice.

The Lithuanian police force has switched to Free and Open Source office suite LibreOffice. LibreOffice will be replacing proprietary productivity suite on over 8000 workstations.

Muckit

I won't rule anything in or out yet. But would have thought to buy would be best value. I dont need or particularly want the latest kit or software.

What would it cost to lease a laptop for the year?

alps

This is the one

https://youtu.be/0n6mX8Q1waA

The dept inspectors have them....have to deal with all sorts of farmer attacks...

Very expensive new, but can be picked up for good value 2nd hand...ideal for milking parlour, dairy office type scenarios

G-Man

If you like your laptop to be a laptop and mobile get it tough with good battery and screen.

A SSD hard disk is tough and quick to boot/wake up when you open it up.look for a 256, 512 is probably quite costly and only needed if you have lots of stuff.. Thee regular spinning hard disk are cheaper, but slower to spin up etc.. IF you are mobile, you will notice it.

For main memory 8 GIGS ram is min now and should do you reasonable once you are not writing 8 novels and hundreds of browsers open.

Most displays should be least HD - 1920 x1080.. If you are reading a lot its great. anything else is like a grater on the eyeballs.

I use HP elitebooks myself - they are professional use - very portable and tough not tough mudder tough but lets say salesman or workshop tough.

They are sorta expensive, but available 5-600 refurbed. I find they are lightweight great battery life and feel very solid i.e. it goes everywhere, without worrying about nicks or scrapes and it has them a lot now.

Oh yea - it also has keyboard drainage, so several cups of tea have spilled into it and it still goes and goes.

Look for a 840 G3/G4/G5 in 14 inch or 850 g4/g4/g5 in 15 inch.

They also do a 12.5 inch 820 - very portable..

Timmaay

https://euronics.ie/product/lenovo-ideapad-310-156-notebook-silver-80sm01jluk/

Good value laptop which should last you several years. Not sure about a copy of office that is on the laptop itself, used to cost 2/300e. If it's basic enough excel stuff then Google sheets would do you, for free.

Muckit

Thanks everyone for your help and contributions. Much food for thought. I knew ye were a smart bunch!! Keep the helpful tips coming!

maidhc

Laptops are a disposable item these days. Id get something half decent like an enterprise class HP/Dell/Lenovo. It doesn't matter which I don't think, but the enterprise ones generally have a three year on-site warranty.
#
Makes
I use a Dell Precision at work, an old Thinkpad T420 for farm stuff and when I am working at home. I also have a HP Probook 450 that worked out free with a cashback promotion HP had on (it was reduced 1/2 price as it had a scratch on the lid).

The Thinkpad is probably my favorite laptop of all time. I have it since 2011, and used it all day every day until 18 months ago when I got the Precision. Even though it is old it has an SSD so it zips along and it has a fantastic keyboard.

The Probook is fine, but slower than the Thinkpad even though it is new and has more ram and a better processor. The lack of an SSD makes a big difference. The Precision is a tank, and really quick, but a bit big to move.

All three have been fine in terms of reliability.

CPU
In windows laptops at least you have three options, i3, i5 and i7; were they diesel engines in a car I'd describe them as 1.4,1.6 and 2.0. I don't think a normal user notices a difference.

RAM
Get at least 6, maybe 16.

Hard Drive
Get a SSD drive. It makes the laptop like night and day to use. I have fitted them to most of my employees computers for productivity reasons alone (I only have three in fairness )

Other things
Get a good keyboard. nearly all new laptops have "chicklet" keyboards, which have gaps between the keys. I find these unpleasant, but some love them.

If I was buying something in a hurry right now; id consider this, but would be wary of they keyboard:
https://www.businessdirect.btireland.com/products/lenovo-thinkpad-l570-intel-core-i5-7200u-8gb-256gb-wins-10-pro-20j80020uk-CY2B.html?q=thinkpad

thestinge

For spec:
A SSD is a must, 128/256 GB loads if can afford 500GB all the better.
An intel processor, i5 loads for what you need, i7 overkill.
8GB Ram will suffice.
I'd recommend a 15" screen, not as portable as 13" but easier on the eyes.
Avoid touchscreens.

Re software I've always used a cracked version on MS Office, this takes some comp knowledge and without it I'd definitely use OpenOffice.
As poster above said you can also use google sheets, can be very handy when out and about as can view docs on smartphone.
Very handy when need to check the DOB of some animal or another in a hurry.

Regards brands I have a Dell, a bit pricey but a serious machine.
Used to have toshibas in the past and always found them good, heard different things since though.
Acer, HP, Asus, LeNovo all vary between good and bad.

I cannot emphasise the Solid State Drive enough, it is worth every cent.

What's your budget and I'll put together a Dell machine for you to consider?

Muckit

I move fast. I've a machine ordered.

Hp pavilion x360(it touch screen!)
Windiws 10
I3 7100u processor
8GB RAM
128gb ssd drive

Hopefully it'll do what l need!

Bit late now but what do ye think of 128gb drive? The lad l had looking at old machine reckons it small spec with win10 and other programmes. Can someone reassure me all will be well!?!

croot

thestinge wrote: »

For spec:
A SSD is a must, 128/256 GB loads if can afford 500GB all the better.
An intel processor, i5 loads for what you need, i7 overkill.
8GB Ram will suffice.
I'd recommend a 15" screen, not as portable as 13" but easier on the eyes.
Avoid touchscreens.

Re software I've always used a cracked version on MS Office, this takes some comp knowledge and without it I'd definitely use OpenOffice.
As poster above said you can also use google sheets, can be very handy when out and about as can view docs on smartphone.
Very handy when need to check the DOB of some animal or another in a hurry.

Regards brands I have a Dell, a bit pricey but a serious machine.
Used to have toshibas in the past and always found them good, heard different things since though.
Acer, HP, Asus, LeNovo all vary between good and bad.

I cannot emphasise the Solid State Drive enough, it is worth every cent.

What's your budget and I'll put together a Dell machine for you to consider?

Good advice here and just one thing to add on HP or Lenovo. The business spec laptop of these brands bear no resemblance to the home user model's. Business specs of these models are top notch and long lasting. Think of it a bit like chainsaws or power tools in general. Professional versus home use. Big difference.

Also seeing the problem with your last laptop was a fried motherboard make sure not to use the new one on a cushion or on your knees as this blocks air flow, overheats the laptop and is the biggest killer of motherboards. Always have them on a hard surface so that the fans can work properly.

ganmo

If you only plan to use it for office work 128 gb is plenty of space.
Pictures and video gobble space

ganmo

croot wrote: »

Good advice here and just one thing to add on HP or Lenovo. The business spec laptop of these brands bear no resemblance to the home user model's. Business specs of these models are top notch and long lasting. Think of it a bit like chainsaws or power tools in general. Professional versus home use. Big difference.

Also seeing the problem with your last laptop was a fried motherboard make sure not to use the new one on a cushion or on your knees as this blocks air flow, overheats the laptop and is the biggest killer of motherboards. Always have them on a hard surface so that the fans can work properly.

To remedy that
https://m.iwantoneofthose.com/gift-home-office/wood-ibed-lap-desk/10992184.html

croot

Muckit wrote: »

I move fast. I've a machine ordered.

Hp pavilion x360(it touch screen!)
Windiws 10
I3 7100u processor
8GB RAM
128gb ssd drive

Hopefully it'll do what l need!

Bit late now but what do ye think of 128gb drive? The lad l had looking at old machine reckons it small spec with win10 and other programmes. Can someone reassure me all will be well!?!

Well windows 10 can take up around 40 GB so after you have installed other software. You could be left with about 70 GB or so. Buy an external hard drive or even get a caddy for the hard drive out of you old laptop.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Kingston-2-5-hard-drive-external-enclosure-SNA-DC-U-w-cable-SSD-laptop-/231187891140

orm0nd

Muckit wrote: »

I move fast. I've a machine ordered.

Hp pavilion x360(it touch screen!)
Windiws 10
I3 7100u processor
8GB RAM
128gb ssd drive

Hopefully it'll do what l need!

Bit late now but what do ye think of 128gb drive? The lad l had looking at old machine reckons it small spec with win10 and other programmes. Can someone reassure me all will be well!?!

From reading your OP post I think it will suit your requirements,

Some good advise given in the replies but suggesting a machine costing over 1K would be an overkill imo , you can always upgrade memory if needed. not expensive nowdays like in the past.


have a hp i5 here for last 6 years & never a glitch. It originally had a 1TB HDD but I got a 250 gb Samsung ssd on amazon for very small money & use that now.

Had a rush of blood to the head on Black Friday & bought a 8th generation I5 with a 1 TB hdd on the dell website , have heard good reports on tha 8th gen chip so looking forward to playing with it over Xmas

Good luck with your new machine

thestinge

Muckit wrote: »

I move fast. I've a machine ordered.

Hp pavilion x360(it touch screen!)
Windiws 10
I3 7100u processor
8GB RAM
128gb ssd drive

Hopefully it'll do what l need!

Bit late now but what do ye think of 128gb drive? The lad l had looking at old machine reckons it small spec with win10 and other programmes. Can someone reassure me all will be well!?!

128GB will be grand.
Your few office files will struggle to ever get near 1GB so after thats it's just photos, multimedia etc..

Muckit

Thanks everyone for your help. Alot of brains on this forum! I know when I'm out of my depth!

I have a wd my cloud hard drive hooked up to wifi. Bought it over a year ago but never got into habit of uploading to it. Is there such thing as an 'automatic sync' when l'd be on my wifi network?

I will have another stab at it once l get new machine.

ganmo

Muckit wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your help. Alot of brains on this forum! I know when I'm out of my depth!

I have a wd my cloud hard drive hooked up to wifi. Bought it over a year ago but never got into habit of uploading to it. Is there such thing as an 'automatic sync' when l'd be on my wifi network?

I will have another stab at it once l get new machine.

You might be able to set it up as a networked drive where it appears as another hard drive in my computer but I've never done it

Panjandrums

This post has been deleted.

Subcomandante Marcos

Muckit wrote: »

I move fast. I've a machine ordered.

Hp pavilion x360(it touch screen!)
Windiws 10
I3 7100u processor
8GB RAM
128gb ssd drive

Hopefully it'll do what l need!

Bit late now but what do ye think of 128gb drive? The lad l had looking at old machine reckons it small spec with win10 and other programmes. Can someone reassure me all will be well!?!

If you find you're running low on space after a few months you can pick up a hard drive and cradle to replace the CD ROM drive for small money online and just slot it in where the CD drive is now, easy job to do, all you need is the new parts and a screw driver.

Edit, just saw that you have a drive on your wireless network, so you're flying.

croot

Muckit wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your help. Alot of brains on this forum! I know when I'm out of my depth!

I have a wd my cloud hard drive hooked up to wifi. Bought it over a year ago but never got into habit of uploading to it. Is there such thing as an 'automatic sync' when l'd be on my wifi network?

I will have another stab at it once l get new machine.

That is a good drive. It has two hard drives which are mirrored (exact copies of each other). If one goes the other should be fine so you are sorted. The WD software that comes with it has a load of options for backing up and syncing. Good luck with it.

Sign up for Dropbox (or similar) for free as well. Put any file's you need when you are out and about into it and they can be viewed on the phone anywhere.

Muckit

It is something l have to look at croot. I dont know if it has that backup, l think that's the newer model, now l could be wrong. I googled and think it has a usb slot at the back for memory stick to do the same thing.

I had a play with it last night on the phone and it automatically synced and saved photos. I had got a new phone during the year and forgot to download the app.

I think you have to consciously save documents from laptop. But can't check that yet.

Smallglass

Hi,I'm looking for opinions of this laptop,general farm use,Internet,no gaming etc.Budget €5/600.
Thanks in advance!!
http://www.harveynorman.ie/computing/laptops/lenovo-yoga-520-14-core-i3-8gb-128gb.html

Muckit

Very similar spec to the hp l bought.... only l gave ton and a half more for it! I'm no computer expert but I'd say go for it. lenovo are good make.

Hard Knocks

Did you consider the surface pro?

whelan2

Daughter got a lenovo chrome book laptop for christmas, was 225 euro in Tesco , working fine so far.

orm0nd

orm0nd wrote: »

From reading your OP post I think it will suit your requirements,

Some good advise given in the replies but suggesting a machine costing over 1K would be an overkill imo , you can always upgrade memory if needed. not expensive nowdays like in the past.


have a hp i5 here for last 6 years & never a glitch. It originally had a 1TB HDD but I got a 250 gb Samsung ssd on amazon for very small money & use that now.

Had a rush of blood to the head on Black Friday & bought a 8th generation I5 with a 1 TB hdd on the dell website , have heard good reports on tha 8th gen chip so looking forward to playing with it over Xmas

Good luck with your new machine

just to follow this up ...laptop took 3 weeks to arrive about 8 days longer than scheduled, but my warranty ran from date of purchase

I got a customer satisfaction rating email from Dell and gave out

I had already got a great deal on BF but they offered me a 10% cashback as a good will gesture


I know I can be PITA , but sometimes it pays off

SomethingElse

Smallglass wrote: »

Hi,I'm looking for opinions of this laptop,general farm use,Internet,no gaming etc.Budget €5/600.
Thanks in advance!!
http://www.harveynorman.ie/computing/laptops/lenovo-yoga-520-14-core-i3-8gb-128gb.html

Looks decent. It doesn't say what generation i3 processor is in it though. Probably no ethernet either but this may not matter.

I wouldn't touch the Surface Pro.