New to Sketchup

[Bill]

Thanks for an interesting statement/review!

Bill

[woodchucker]

I too picked up an ASUS I5 for $349 on sale... A K55A 500gb disk and 4gb of memory, added a 4gb stick and I am really happy. It's fast, and Win7.

Wish I had bought two or 3.

I could easily use them, 2 more for Linux.

[woodchucker]

If you like LInux Bill stay away from anything NVIDIA since they won't provide basic driver info to the Linux world. But if you like Linux you probably already knew that.

I stay away from NVIDIA

[Bill]

I didn't know that about Nvidia. I can't say I "like" using Linux. But I have built a Linux kernel, and I can use Linux if I have to. Most of the fun 15 years ago seemed to be in configuring a printer and other hardware to work. Since then, I believe, installation has gotten alot easier. I definitely appreciate the work of the open source community (SourceForge.org)!

Bill

[Bill]

Jeff,

As time goes on (especially after seeing Windows 8), Linux is looking better and better.

It's hard for me to like a trend in operating systems that gives me less and less power! Your thoughts too, I'm sure.

Bill

[Bill]

So here's the end, I hope, of my PC shopping story. Having spent plenty of time getting a feel for the laptop market, I just ordered this one, "Like new" for $527.

If it doesn't live up to its promise ("like new"--as in, it better work!), I have 30 days to send it back. They distributer had at least 10 more to sell-otherwise it would bother me more that I am buying used from an "unknown entity". I suspect it's probably refurbished. It's the best value I found in a 1920x1080 resolution laptop. And, it has Windows 7! : )

This model has a reputation for running a little warm since it has a

7200 RPM HDD, rather than 5400 RPM which seem to be more popular. I should probably let it run for a few days, to "stress test it" assuming this is not imprudent, is it (I never had a laptop)?

It's real easy to fall into "feature creep" looking at computers. I tried not to spend "stupid" money on this--hopefully it will work out. For heaven's sake, you can spend more on a laptop than a decent cabinet saw!

Bill

[woodchucker]

No burn in required.

Just make sure it has no viruses in it already.

[Bill]

Thanks, good idea! Will do.