Quilting and Laptops

[Pat S.]

Need to buy a laptop.. Can anyone out there who is a quilter and user of laptops give me some advice . Besides using it for finances,emails, searching the web, wordprocessing and photo editing, I want to use it for designing quilts (EQ6), machine embroidery designs, watching The Quilt Show, etc. Do I need to shoot for something that handles a lot of graphics like the gaming computers or will regular computer do?

I already have a desktop but I am going to have knee replacement surgery and need something more portable.

thanks in advance for any info someone can share.

Dorothy

[Pat S.]

I have a Dell Inspiron and I love love love it. I don't design with EQ but I use Photoshop alot alot. It's a great laptop and we've always had good experiences with the tech support. I have a ton of pictures in it and still have enough room for tons more. Everyone in the family has a laptop and it's all wireless. What a bunch of geeks! :wink:

[Diane F.]

This question is VERY timely for me. My ancient computer (more than 10 years old), DIED this week. The other computer is getting old too (hard drive failed 6 mos. ago). It's time to spend some money...

I have never purchased a laptop before. I need a printer that has a scanner too. I think that I have the laptop selected (Dell model S17-162B), but the printer that I was considering has a significant number (20) of scathing reviews --with valid concerns. Yikes!

Advice?

[Diane F.]

Dorothy, I also have an Inspiron, it works great for me. I first got it when I started to take classes. The sales people at dell when I placed my order were really good. They asked me the what for's and all and I've been really happy. Btw, I do alot of Photos and EQ work. I got my DH a Toshiba for a B-Day/Christmas/Anniversary gift, he was stuck on the brand, he's happy with it.

A word to the wise, choose a model with solid construction for the screen, mine has a plastic border piece and broke. I can't really close my laptop without some persuasion :wink: you know us quilters, we get our way!

If you get a chance to visit your local electronics store/wholesaler make sure you're comfy with the keyboard and controls.

[Diane F.]

Any current laptop will handle what you need to do. You don't need to get extra fancy graphics card. If you were doing 3D graphics or playing games, my answer would be different.

Make sure you get MINIMUM 2Gb Ram, and get a decent sized hard drive - Say 250-320GB or higher especially if you take digital photos.

Look at the Dell website, and choose a laptop, and then start customising - go for the add-on's that don't seem to cost a lot more, and avoid the more expensive ones. I'm not specifically recommending Dell - they are good - but so are a lot of other brands. However the Dell website is great to "window shop" at the price changes as you add and remove options. Try all this with a couple of different models. You can then print out the summary for each and then compare the specifications to other brands.

Go for a "brand name" latop, and get at least 2 years warranty. I wouldn't pick the cheapest laptop you can get, but I wouldn't go with the highest priced one. Find the best value for money one. Best bang for your back and all that.

I'll take my IT support hat off now and get back to quilting.

Karen

[Diane F.]

I have a Dell my oldest son has a Apple he dose alot of photo on and like it alot Happy

[Cheryl K.]

BAsically, you need to check the requirements of the software you want to use. EQ6 has their computer requirements listed right on their website. Be aware that you have to have internet access to activate the software but you do no need to be online to use it.

Your embroidery software should have the requirements listed as well. Print them off and take this to your computer geek when shopping for your computer. Get as many usb ports as possible. You will need them for embroidery software because there is probably a dongle or serial key needed to use the software. You will probably also want to store files on usb storage sticks, and you might want to use a wireless mouse...sometimes all at the same time.

If you are installing software yourself, make sure you have a techie person to help with additional patches and drivers etc. I hate that part of it and don't understand it.

[Cheryl K.]

The response I have had is wonderful. You all have been a big help. I didn't know I could go on line and build a 'puter to my specs and do "what if's" kind of things. THen take that info and shop around. Info a big, big help!!

This is the first time for me on this site's Forum and it has been a wonderful experience. I will be returning more often due to the outpouring of your group's support.

Thank YOU ALL
Dorothy

[Cheryl K.]

This question is VERY timely for me. My ancient computer (more than 10 years old), DIED this week. The other computer is getting old too (hard drive failed 6 mos. ago). It's time to spend some money...

I have never purchased a laptop before. I need a printer that has a scanner too. I think that I have the laptop selected (Dell model S17-162B), but the printer that I was considering has a significant number (20) of scathing reviews --with valid concerns. Yikes!

Advice?

We have a Lexmark printer/copier/scanner and it is great. The ink is kinda pricey, but then again they all are. I'm pretty sure we paid about $50 for it. Very satisfied with it!
Sherry

[Cheryl K.]

Sherry, We also have a Lexmark all-in-one, and it has been very durable! As well as our HP 3 in one. You are definitely right! the ink is pricey, and DH and I agreed when and if these go, we'll be getting a Kodak all in one the ink is about $15 a piece. Much more reasonable.

Lissette

[Cheryl K.]

Just make sure when you buy the printer, that the different inks can all be replaced individually. Sometimes the colours are grouped into one cartridge and do not all run out at once.

Jean

[Cheryl K.]

Lissette, we've talked about the Kodak also. $15 for ink is amazing.

[Diane F.]

Thanks for the information! I used your inputs, checked Consumer Reports, various computer reviews, Dell's web site, etc...

I finally selected a Canon printer; it has 5 separate ink cartridges. I won't know how well everything "plays together" until I have my computer guy set up my system (this is my first laptop and wireless printer, so I don't want to "catch" something before I am protected!).

I wanted to comment about the K***** printers. One of the salesmen advised me to steer clear of them right now. He said that they have been getting a high number of returns.

[Nancy M.]

Think I heard/read somewhere that the reason the ink cartridges are so pricey (and yet the printer itself is relatively cheap) is that the cartridges actually have little computer chips in them which enable them to do their job....we're not just paying for the ink, but the computer chip is what makes them expensive. I don't go thru that much ink normally, but it does irritate me that I have to essentially pay for the same thing over and over! Nancy

[Nancy M.]

I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop that's a half year old and just love it. I do have EQ6 & EQ5(need to have it for EQ6 to run as 6 was an upgrade). Almost all the programs that were on XP worked on Vista (except the very old ones - and it was time to get rid of or update them anyways). Although I never take mine anywhere, I just love the laptop as it takes up less room than the desktop. Jan