My Tablet PC is on the ropes... and as much as I wanted to get another, I couldn't... I got a "normal" laptop... It is still pretty cool.
I got another Toshiba, the last one was mostly trouble free for the last 5years, I can't really complain. I did consider a few other machines...
- HP TouchSmart TM2. This is a convertible Tablet PC, like my old one, except smaller. While it was my first choice, it was also around $1000... and so I opted for being able to return home...
- Toshiba Satellite T135D-S1325RD. This borders on the Ultra-Portable range. It is small, with a 13.3" screen. It was a hard one for me NOT to get. It runs about $600, but Office Depot had it on sale for $530. I might have been able to come home, but it wouldn't have been fun...
- Toshiba Satellite T115S-S1120. I actually bought this one... but then found out that the processor was just a single core, unlike the previously mentioned machines. IT was on sale for $470 at Office Depot...
- Toshiba Satellite L505D-LS5007. We almost had a winner, but I really wanted a smaller machine with more battery life. The price was certainly right, $550... on sale for $400 at Office Depot. The size was the only issue... and if I was dedicated to using it as my only machine, I might have gone for it...
- Apple iPad... Sorry, but it really wasn't seriously in the game. Aside from not being available yesterday, the performance is sub-par for a real computer. The price wasn't bad for an Apple... but I need WAY more flexibility.
- Toshiba Satellite® L515-S4010... We have a winner. A little more battery life than the big machines and a little smaller. It also has a little bigger screen and built in optical drive compared to the little ones. The price was marked down from $570 to $500.
So, that is what I looked at and what I ended up with. I'm still getting used to Windows 7 (Home Premium). I like it, but it is a big change from where I was. I have MS Office 2010, FireFox, Thunderbird, Open Office and most of the rest of the stuff I need loaded up...
The "old" Tablet PC isn't going to go away. I loved having the ability to write on my screen and a lot of the functionality of the Tablet. We aren't sure what the problem is, but we are going to play with it and hot rod it some. It doesn't HAVE to start up on Monday morning to go to work anymore, so there are some things we can try...
Anyone have a license for Windows Vista or Windows 7 laying around that they aren't using anymore? I've heard that it can be 'mostly' upgraded to run those... I've already upgraded to a 320GB Hard Drive and 4GB of RAM. The problem might be an intermittent issue with Windows (we have just completed a fresh install to test) or it could be a motherboard issue...
In with the new... ;^ )
I am a laptop fan too Lane. I always try the fresh and new technology but end up back with a laptop. I have never tried a Toshiba but sounds like it has been fine for you.
Congratulations on getting your new toy, Lane! And may I say, I'm happy you made a choice that allowed you to go back home!
Emcee
I've had a Tablet PC for about a year now.
Ask me how many times I've used it in the field!!
But there is a new one from Lenovo that I almost bought because it is so small and light. The only reason I didn't buy it was because it has the Windows 7 Starter version on it and I was told that operating system may not run some of my regular programs.
Also, it only holds 1 or 2 GB of memory.
Lane,
I'm thinking I might be in the market for a new one soon. Thanks for the information on the Toshiba model.
I am due to get one this year. My wife actually got a new one first, as she was pregnant and could not get up the stairs to her desk top machine.
I has a Toshiba Satellite some years ago ... it was a great machine. I loved it every day until it was stolen out of my truck - AT A SETTLEMENT!
I got so lucky - I have the HP touch smart - and love it - but I bought it just as they pulled all the computers for the vista / windows 7 exchange - and I only paid $759 and had a $300 gift card - so out of pocket $459 - it does get kinda hot - but I love it
Lane-Congrats on your new addition to the family. Thanks for the rundown on those you considered. I have an HP Pavillion Entertainment PC and I love it. Have fun with your new Toshiba.
Ralph - There is an upgrade for $80 to take Windows 7 Starter to the Home Premium version... I didn't like the limitations of Starter, either.
Thanks for the comments, everyone.
I think my next laptop will be a Toshiba - I am not really all that happy with Dell's.
Lane, thanks for the info. I am thinking of adding a tablet PC to my portable office with my Macbook Pro that can boot to any Windows OS. Question that I have is do you put any extra software on your tablet PC in case your tablet get lost or stolen?
My laptop is really getting some age on it. I will look into Toshiba.
I have an Acer TravelMate C310 (convertible tablet) that really needs to retire. I, too, have rarely had it in the field, but I do like being able to sign letters on it so I can't (?) go back to anything else. I have been looking at the HP Touchsmart TM2, but am concerned about the running hot comment that Thesa made. My Acer runs extremely hot and one of the main reasons I don't take it with me. I have been waiting for months for the new processors to run on the TM2, but, I am concerned about the price point. Thanks for the review.