ProSoundWeb Community
Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => Product Reviews => Topic started by: Nathan Riddle on January 10, 2022, 04:59:24 PM
-
Intro:
If you're like me you hate the 'dongle life'.
As such, I have been searching everywhere for a decent laptop that I can use and recommend for all the various things I do in production.
Enter the Dell E5420 2021 Laptop.
It has everything a AVL + IT tech would need.
---
Preamble:
I do a lot of IT work, so a network port was required.
I like snappy speed. I can't stand a slow computer.
Touchscreen is just useful in so many ways.
I debated on the new macs a lot, and many other MFG/models.
Ultimately ports were my highest priority.
We bought 11 of these for my day job. They're fantastic. I did a ton of research and finally landed on this model.
My requirements: ethernet port, touchscreen, under 2k, 14", Win10Pro
My wants: finger print, USB A, TB3, good battery life
I wish it had a SD card reader instead of micro, but it's hard to get everything in one package without spending more.
I was worried about GPU performance, but I find it has no issues.
15" started seeming a bit too large for all the portable stuff I was doing. 14" is more manageable. And once I discovered the extra power of a 15" isn't necessary 14 is a no-brainer.
OFC the new MBC M1 chip is amazing and all that, but sadly while I heavily considered making one my daily driver they had a few things that I couldn't get over. 1 - lack of Ethernet (pedantic people can go away), no USB-A. I'd deal with the touchscreen and no face rec'g for the M1 chip and better speakers. But alas, I hate dongles.
Other laptops I compared/used:
-X1 carbon
-E7470 (2015)
-XPS
-MBP
-HP
-Lenovo Flex 14 (Ryzen 3500u) [great laptop for price ~$500]
-Lenovo C940 (10750H)
---
Body:
CPU - intel i5-1145g7 is a very powerful 10nm CPU and comes very close to i7-1165/85 counterparts in terms of performance (https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/Intel-i5-1145G7-vs-Intel-i7-1165G7-vs-Intel-i7-1185G7-vs-Intel-i5-11500H-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-4800H/3922vs3814vs3793vs4399vs3676), while still keeping TDP low for increased battery life.
I can't recommend the 14nm (10750H) offerings as they are super sluggish. I can't really recommend the 10nm 11500H based on power draw.
You might consider the e5421 variant with 11750H processor if you do a ton of rendering. But then you should be doing that on a TR or 5950X anyways. (or MBP M1 Pro Chip)
RAM - no this isn't LPDDR4X which makes me a bit sad for performance, but it is a big plus for upgraders. Easily put in any SODIMM kit that you like. I used TTZD432G3200HC22DC-S01 (https://www.amazon.com/TEAMGROUP-T-Force-Zeus-3200MHz-PC4-25600/dp/B09BQTC5QH/)
I'd get 16GB for 99% of applications. Win10 isn't that bad with memory management. Still, I got 32GB cuz...well why not for $110. Cas latency doesn't matter for Intel CPU's and our applications.
NVMe - Another plus is this is easily upgradable. Get the smallest size initially and do the upgrade yourself. I used the XPG SX8200 Pro (https://www.amazon.com/XPG-SX8200-Gen3x4-3000MB-ASX8200PNP-2TT-C/dp/B07TY2TN64)
GPU - the built-in G7 80EU is plenty good, even for lightweight gaming (AOE2:DE). Get the 1165 (G7 96EU) if you need a bit more; but it's unlikely. (or connect an external eGPU)
Touchscreen - 10 point touch screen, don't get privacy shield it lowers brightness and isn't all that functional. ~250 nits isn't very bright. It's okay in the sunlight, not direct sunlight though.
Touchpad - multi-touch capable, all the normal win 10 swipes and such. Can't complain.
Keyboard - backlit, it's okay; 99wpm, I can do ~115 on mechanical. I wanted a 10-key touchpad for IP addresses as I do a ton of networking. But found that just isn't that useful after using my 15" c940 for awhile.
Chassis - plastic, but IDC, build quality is 'fine'
Ports - Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6, HDMI 2.0 (https://assets.hardwarezone.com/img/2015/07/HDMI-versions-key-features.jpg), 2xUSB-A 3.0 (https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59135144d482e99e6a24a30e/1528827180166-SVKE5S3WHMVM62MZNMNS/USB+3.2+20+GBPS+and+Thunderbolt+3?format=1000w), 2x TB4 (DP 2.0, 40Gbps) (https://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/8495582933/USB_insert.jpeg)
Battery - make sure to get a 4cell battery; will last all day
Speakers - they suck, same with 3.5mm TRRS port. But they get the job done for speech. Compared to MBP... it's no contest.
Windows Hello/Fingerprint reader - 'They' already have your fingerprint from the super high-res wedding photos on Facebook and your retina scanned from all the facetime/selfies so don't bother with the 'too much tech' argument. It's convenience and it's nice, best feature for logging in by far. Why don't the new Macbooks have this yet but still have have a massive mustache. Plus the camera has a shutter so you can watch movies, naked, in bed if you want, without fear.
Extended Warranty - get it, seriously. Mine came (from eBay) with a trackpad issue. submitted for a replacement. Tech came out next day, took her all of 10min and problem solved. No cost.
Win10 Pro - is a must, delay updates (or disable all together), remote desktop, etc.
Get office products from somewhere like brytesoft
Go buy Mixing Station (https://dev-core.org/mixing-station/#download) and get to mixing!
---
Where to buy?
eBay, seriously. Upgrade the RAM/NVMe drive easily on your own. Make sure it's 'new in box' and has a dell warranty. (or buy it after the fact). And you've saved ~$1k of sticker price.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/latitude-5420-laptop/spd/latitude-5420-laptop/cto1l542014us?redirectto=SOC&configurationid=8ec0f607-1fc5-4aaf-acae-ddb8d3a7adcd (https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/latitude-5420-laptop/spd/latitude-5420-laptop/cto1l542014us?redirectto=SOC&configurationid=8ec0f607-1fc5-4aaf-acae-ddb8d3a7adcd)
---
AVL+IT software I install:
+---1 - Main
| | Ninite.exe
| |
| \---Windows10Debloater-master
| | LICENSE
| | README.md
| | Windows10Debloater.ps1
| | Windows10DebloaterGUI.ps1
| | Windows10SysPrepDebloater.ps1
|
+---2 - Productivity
| | BraveBrowserSetup.exe
| |
| +---Office 2016
| +---Foxit Phantom PDF
| +---Chrome
| +---Windows7Games_for_Windows_11_10_8
| |
+---3 - IT
| | Advanced_IP_Scanner_2.5.3850.exe
| | ccsetup586.exe
| | HandBrake-1.4.2-x86_64-Win_GUI.exe
| | ImageGlass_8.2.6.6_x64.msi
| | OBS-Studio-27.1.3-Full-Installer-x64.exe
| | Tftpd64-4.64-setup.exe
| | Wireshark-win64-3.4.9.exe
| | teraterm-4.106.exe
| | balenaEtcher-Setup-1.5.122.exe
| | AeroAdmin.exe
| | rufus-3.17.exe
| | vs_community__604981674.1635340116.exe
| | UserBenchMark.exe
| | SupportAssistLauncher.exe
| |
| +---VNC
| | VNC-Viewer-6.21.920-Windows.exe
| | tightvnc-2.8.63-gpl-setup-64bit.msi
| |
| +---HashOptionRightClick
| | AddHashOptionRightClick.reg
| | RemoveHashOptionRightClick.reg
| | Add Hash_SHA1-256-512-MD5.reg
| |
| +---syncthing-windows-amd64-v1.18.0
| +---ffmpeg
| +---iperf2.0.9
| +---iperf3.1.3
| +---always-on-top
| | always-on-top.exe
| | readme.txt
| |
| +---oldcalcWin11Win10
| \---ExpressPCBSetup
|
+---5 - Shortcuts
| Network Connections.lnk
| Syncthing.url
|
+---6 - np
| | dLive-Director-1.90-Installer (1).exe
| | XilicaDesignerSetup_4.3.0.exe.zip
| | EASE_Focus_v3.1.160.zip
| | reaper642_x64-install.exe
| | Install_Waves_Central.exe
| | Studio-2-Software (1).zip
| | BvNet-USB-Driver-Install-2_08_28_B.zip
| | DNA-System-Engineer-7.02.22-Updated-Presets (1).msi
| | direct_win (1).zip
| | Custom-Control-App-1.2.4-Installer.exe
| | Custom-Control-Editor-1.2.4-Installer.exe
| | SQ-MixPad-1.5.0-Installer (1).exe
| | wireless-workbench-win-6.15.0.zip
| | Touchstone_Setup.exe
| | TouchstonePro_Setup.exe
| | PreSonus_StudioLive_24.4.2_AE.doc.zip
| | LightkeyInstaller.zip
| | Vista3_R3_21712.exe
| | foo_enhanced_spectrum_analyzer 0.9.4.2.zip
| | foo_musical_spectrum.zip
| | ImageGlass_8.2.6.6_x64.msi
| | CrystalDiskInfo8_12_1.exe
| | neets-soundbar-sb1.zip
| | NeetsProjectDesigner1.27.1.zip
| | NeetsCentralControl1.5.4.zip
| | v60hd_rcs_w300.zip
| | XTouchSetup_4.1.0.exe.zip
| | ArmoniaPlus-2.0.0.124.zip
| | EAWResolutionSetup-v2.8.1.8.exe_.zip
| | fat32format.zip
| | AFMG Licence Manager.zip
| | CD_EASE4.4.67(B26)_ProgramOnly.zip
| | EASE_Focus_3_GLL_Database_2020_07_29.zip
| | EASE_SpeakerLab_UserFiles_SL1REG-B00000-001-000-SDA-054752-254723 (1).zip
| | EASE_SpeakerLab_UserFiles_SL1REG-B00000-001-000-SDA-054752-254723.zip
| | EASEGuard_EA4REG-J00000-001-000-SDA-054751-707957.zip
| | rePhase 1.4.3.zip
| | REW_windows-x64_5_20_4.exe
| | ArtaSetup1941.exe
| | DATS_V2_setup.zip
| | OBS-Studio-27.1.3-Full-Installer-x64.exe
| | Stream_Deck_5.1.3.14750.msi
| | 4KCaptureUtility_1.7.5.4825_x64.msi
| | DaVinci_Resolve_17.4.2_Windows.zip
| | 4kvideodownloader_4.18.5_x64_online.exe
| | bbflbk5.exe
| | Wireshark-win64-3.4.10.exe
| | PacketSender_x64_v7.2.3.exe
| | DWGTrueView_2022_English_64bit_dlm.sfx.exe
| | Epic Pen Setup v3.9.117.0.exe
| | BEHRINGER_UMC_Driver-V5.12.0.zip
| | BEHRINGER_FLOW_v5.12.0_2021-06-15_setup.zip
| | SimplyPUT_PC.zip
| | AllenHeath_SQ_v4.86.0_setup.zip
| | Focusrite_Usb_4.65.5.658.exe
| | fut_usb_win.zip
| | driver_usb_win_1212.zip
| | friture-0.48.msi
| | Smaart8Setup.exe
| | DIALux_evo_10.0.exe
| | Capture 2019.2.9.msi
| | Capture 2019 Library.c2z
| | Central_Offline_v12-7andApps_Win.zip
| | ProPresenter7.7.1_117899527-Setup.exe
| | ProPresenter6_Win_6162 (1).zip
| |
| \---Image_MetaData_Stripper_10-Win32-MSVC2008
|
\---aoe2
\---Age of Empires II Definitive Edition
-
This is a timely post as I'm considering replacing my current 2014 MBPro audio laptop. I bought my Mac used before discovering that a couple of pieces of software that I use aren't supported on Macs. I know that there are options like Bootcamp to run PC apps on Macs, but Armonia needs an Ethernet port and, like you, I'd rather not have to keep track of a dongle so I'm thinking about redoing my laptop platform choice.
I have my eye on a Dell Vostro 14 5410: Core i7-11390H. I'm willing to forgo the touchscreen, and this has everything else you mentioned as far as ports are concerned. I've seen them on eBay for ~$800. Do you think the Vostro would meet my needs?
My Audio Apps:
Ease Focus 3
Powersoft Armonia & Armonia+
Meyer Mapp XT
Reaper
Room Eq Wizard
iTunes for Apple Lossless test tracks
-
This is a timely post as I'm considering replacing my current 2014 MBPro audio laptop. I bought my Mac used before discovering that a couple of pieces of software that I use aren't supported on Macs. I know that there are options like Bootcamp to run PC apps on Macs, but Armonia needs an Ethernet port and, like you, I'd rather not have to keep track of a dongle so I'm thinking about redoing my laptop platform choice.
I have my eye on a Dell Vostro 14 5410: Core i7-11390H. I'm willing to forgo the touchscreen, and this has everything else you mentioned as far as ports are concerned. I've seen them on eBay for ~$800. Do you think the Vostro would meet my needs?
My Audio Apps:
Ease Focus 3
Powersoft Armonia & Armonia+
Meyer Mapp XT
Reaper
Room Eq Wizard
iTunes for Apple Lossless test tracks
I buy all the computers for our resort and Dell has been my choice for years. I stay away from Vostro as they seem like a consumer laptop. Keyboard, build and trackpad seems "cheap and flimsy". Nathan picked a good series. Latitude series are my first choice. There are 3 series. 3000, which is an upbranded Vostro, 5000, which is an excellent laptop and my first choice and the 7000 series which is what I really want but accounting always shoots down. They can get expensive.Of course, for them, I get the even more expensive XPS. They're "sexy", not my words. Nice laptops but I do prefer the 7000 series.
I have a new 5000 series in my office and I want to keep it. Nice keyboard and screen. My laptop is a 10 year old Latitude. Still runs great.
Dell has good sales and that's when I usually buy.
-
This is a timely post as I'm considering replacing my current 2014 MBPro audio laptop. I bought my Mac used before discovering that a couple of pieces of software that I use aren't supported on Macs. I know that there are options like Bootcamp to run PC apps on Macs, but Armonia needs an Ethernet port and, like you, I'd rather not have to keep track of a dongle so I'm thinking about redoing my laptop platform choice.
I have my eye on a Dell Vostro 14 5410: Core i7-11390H. I'm willing to forgo the touchscreen, and this has everything else you mentioned as far as ports are concerned. I've seen them on eBay for ~$800. Do you think the Vostro would meet my needs?
My Audio Apps:
Ease Focus 3
Powersoft Armonia & Armonia+
Meyer Mapp XT
Reaper
Room Eq Wizard
iTunes for Apple Lossless test tracks
Vostro would meet your needs, but you'd give up a few things: TB4, USB-C charging. Processor is likely a tossup (they're all already thermally limited).
I think you'd miss the touchscreen more than you think once you use it some. But agreed; it isn't necessary.
You should use foobar2000 for the test tracks.
I buy all the computers for our resort and Dell has been my choice for years. I stay away from Vostro as they seem like a consumer laptop. Keyboard, build and trackpad seems "cheap and flimsy". Nathan picked a good series. Latitude series are my first choice. There are 3 series. 3000, which is an upbranded Vostro, 5000, which is an excellent laptop and my first choice and the 7000 series which is what I really want but accounting always shoots down. They can get expensive.Of course, for them, I get the even more expensive XPS. They're "sexy", not my words. Nice laptops but I do prefer the 7000 series.
I have a new 5000 series in my office and I want to keep it. Nice keyboard and screen. My laptop is a 10 year old Latitude. Still runs great.
Dell has good sales and that's when I usually buy.
7000/3000/XPS series all give up ports, but I too am a huge fan of the 7k series.
-
I looked at the DELL/HP/Lenovo options when I brought my new machine a few months ago (replaced a Dell Inspiron 13 5000 i5 13" 2-in-1) and couldn't seem to find one for a decent price with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, ended up going with an MSI Summit EVO 13, a bit confusing as to what spec is available in which countries but it seems the UK gets the black/rose gold with a 1TB Phison PCIe SSD, 16GB RAM and an i7-1185G7.
https://www.msi.com/Business-Productivity/Summit-E13-Flip-EVO-A11X
Seems powerful enough for my needs, well it runs Euro Truck Simulator on ultra graphics setting, good battery life (expected with an evo machine), fast charging, all aluminum construction and as for ports it has one regular USB A port, with one USB3.2 USB-C port and two TB4/DP/USBC ports (also used for the USB-C PSU), plus a microSD card reader (although you need a tool to remove the cover for it). No Ethernet (it's too thin) but has Wi-Fi 6E and that's fine by me as I've now had two laptops without ethernet so have got used to it.
On the security front it has hello facial sign in and a fingeprint scanner, plus the webcam has a physical on/off switch that physically disconnects the camera from the computer.
As for price I paid £1,098 in the UK though I believe in some markets it's a bit more expensive, making them less of a deal going by the reviews. Here is a bit cheaper than a simarily specced XPS or HP x360.
-
I looked at the DELL/HP/Lenovo options when I brought my new machine a few months ago (replaced a Dell Inspiron 13 5000 i5 13" 2-in-1) and couldn't seem to find one for a decent price with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, ended up going with an MSI Summit EVO 13,
No copper port. There are a billion of these types of laptops. Not the point of my review/post.
-
I bought a Dell Precision laptop 3 years back, and haven't looked back. Incredible machine.
Dell Outlet regularly has pretty fantastic pricing. I got my laptop for almost 60% off of sticker price. You can stack most discounts/coupons on their site.
-
I bought a Dell Precision laptop 3 years back, and haven't looked back. Incredible machine.
Dell Outlet regularly has pretty fantastic pricing. I got my laptop for almost 60% off of sticker price. You can stack most discounts/coupons on their site.
My work desktop is a Precision. Great machine. Fast and lots of I/O ports. And I got it from Dell refurb Outlet. That's where I've gotten most of our work computers over the years. They have great sales but lately I'm not seeing stock and pricing as good as pre-Covid times. Value between new and used isn't what it used to be so I've been buying new Dells lately. But I'm seeing a lot of very long delivery dates on some models.
-
I bought a Dell Precision laptop 3 years back
My work desktop is a Precision. Great machine. Fast and lots of I/O ports. And I got it from Dell refurb Outlet. -snip- Value between new and used isn't what it used to be so I've been buying new Dells lately. But I'm seeing a lot of very long delivery dates on some models.
Precision 5xxx/7xxx does not have copper NIC (current version(s))
Precision is 15/17" formfactor.
Precision 3xxx is basically the 15/17" version of latitude 5xxx 14" series.
I highly recommend the 14" class of laptops over 15/17" for everything except coding.
-
Ditto on Dell. My personal laptop is a used Latitude e7470 i7, FHD, 16gb ram, 500gb nvme. I'd like to get something more beefy and bit more durable if I get around to do live multitracking haha ;P
My "audio work" / "mixer configurator/controller" laptop is a used Getac V110 that is stuck on w8.1 because it BSOD's when trying to install any newer OS, but I love the compact and swivel tablet form factor...
If I were to combine, I may have to look at Lenovo...
-
Precision 5xxx/7xxx does not have copper NIC (current version(s))
Precision is 15/17" formfactor.
Precision 3xxx is basically the 15/17" version of latitude 5xxx 14" series.
I highly recommend the 14" class of laptops over 15/17" for everything except coding.
I have even given up on that since you can daisy chain Display Port. I have a travel 19" monitor that fits in my backpack and weighs 1 pound. I have to admit I just carry tons of dongles for the same reason almost every case in our company has a pair of .50 reading glasses in them. I carry a 2020 13.3" Macbook Pro which I find myself using more and more of. I am waiting for someone to leave so I can grab one up that has the esc key as a hard key. I also carry an X1 Carbon Gen 4 I think, it is a beast with dedicated graphics and 32GB of RAM. I have Fedora Linux on that box and I run VirtualBox so I can boot Windows if I need be. For lighting and sound we have dedicated laptops of various vintages. Video I use Dell SFF computers. They fit in a Pelican and are thermally much more stable than a laptop. The streaming machine with OBX is a 19" Supermicro.
Lots of different tools for different jobs. I was a Thinkpad guy for 25 years. If I was buying a Windows Laptop Dell would be my choice too. The XPS's are very nice lightweight machines IMHO, I think as nice as the X1 Carbon and the keyboard is better.
I don't know about you Nathan but I still have a desktop too. Google Drive and docs, Having our AD in Azure and 1/2 the apps migrated to AWS EC2 I don't install much software anymore but I have two 32" 4k monitors and two ancient 21" 4:3 Samsung 214T's. These are medical imaging grade monitors. I find that the 4:3 format is better for shell windows and it is so easy on the eyes. They are getting hard to find. I have a stash of about a dozen and I relamped and replaced the inverter caps that go bad in all of them so they should cover me until I am dust. But anyway I still like to work with the desktop all day, I have a killer keyboard, graphics cards. 64g of memory and it doesn't make any noise. The laptops stay in the backpack.
-
PSA
Fix for Broken Audio
https://www.dell.com/community/Latitude/Dell-5420-i7-i5-Ice-Lake-Audio-amp-USB-Hub-issues/m-p/8301582/thread-id/46125
-
Thread Necro but I replaced my Getac v110 for a Dell Latitude 5420 rugged. Works great but I do miss the twist screen of those early tablets. The getac is now a media player/backup.
i7-8650U, 16gb RAM, 512gb nvme, 1080p touch, iGPU + dGPU (disabled in bios for battery life), ready for w11/w12 when we're forced out of w10 :(
-
For the field Windows based laptops of your picking - I use 17.3" HP Workstations with RJ45's on them. Yeah for field use having RJ45 ethernet capability on the laptop is the way I prefer as well - not sure how much longer that will be an option without a "dongle". :)
For the office, like Scott I'm a Desktop kinda guy with 27" monitor simply because it's the largest that will fit into this desk. 32" monitor on video security setup that sits atop the 27" for the PC. Also setup with 4-port KVM so I can maintain laptops easily just connect to docks. Logitech gaming class keyboard and vintage Logitech LX3 gaming class mouse.
-
Yeah for field use having RJ45 ethernet capability on the laptop is the way I prefer as well - not sure how much longer that will be an option without a "dongle". :)
RJ45 ports are becoming rare on laptops. I need to find one for my day gig as my LAN port just died on my laptop. Dell Refurbished had some nice Precisions but they didn't have LAN ports and I've found that those USB dongles are not 100% reliable.
-
RJ45 ports are becoming rare on laptops. I need to find one for my day gig as my LAN port just died on my laptop. Dell Refurbished had some nice Precisions but they didn't have LAN ports and I've found that those USB dongles are not 100% reliable.
I hadn't even considered reliability for ethernet out in the field. In the home office, when docking an HP Envy on a USB "Dongle" I need to reset the power on the "Dongle" from time to time when the video drops out going to the KVM and ourboard monitor.
Computers are great (to include any processor controlled device) until they aren't. Every piece of micro-processor controlled device I've ever encountered requires power-down or complete "Reset to factory defaults" every now and again. All of them and I'm including things from my day job like avionics automatic test equipment and tactical fighter aircraft (no brand or make/model mentioned as they are all the same anyway) - yep, sometimes we "Re-Boot" the aircraft to clear avionics faults.
So, yeah in our world "Dongles" are not a preferred solution and ultimately lead to more headaches and troubleshooting. Manufacturers are miniturizing today's laptops more and more - to the point they are nearly a folding tablet with keyboard. Hard wired networking for them is going away as things get more and more "Dumbed Down" to consumer level.
-
I completely hear you on the dongle thing. I've been frustrated since 2013 when Apple pulled ethernet from their laptops.
But, on a positive note with USB-C, you can have ONE dongle that gives you all of the ports you need. I found one that wraps the cable neatly right into the dongle, so it fits nicely in my bag. Includes HDMI, Ethernet, USB - A and SD card reader all in one.
On my things I'm searching for list is a USB dock with power delivery and integrated power supply that is about the same size as the power adaptor I'm using. There are few out there, but then use an external brick, which sucks. If I could get those ports to hang out in the power adaptor, that would be a win!
-
But, on a positive note with USB-C, you can have ONE dongle that gives you all of the ports you need. I found one that wraps the cable neatly right into the dongle, so it fits nicely in my bag. Includes HDMI, Ethernet, USB - A and SD card reader all in one.
Hey Brian,
Can you post a link to your ONE dongle solution please. I'm still in analysis paralysis regarding upgrading to a somewhat newer MB Pro for my Smaart / MAPP 3D rig, or combining everything on a Dell. I really like the displays on Macs, but hauling around two laptops is a bit of a PITA.
-
Hey Brian,
Can you post a link to your ONE dongle solution please. I'm still in analysis paralysis regarding upgrading to a somewhat newer MB Pro for my Smaart / MAPP 3D rig, or combining everything on a Dell. I really like the displays on Macs, but hauling around two laptops is a bit of a PITA.
I have 2 docks, both HP - don't know how they stack up against other brands but can tell you they work pretty well on my HP laptops.
HP USB-C G5 72C71AA for the HP 8770W's
LINK (https://www.ebay.com/itm/374976475437?epid=18057223276&hash=item574e56f12d:g:7T0AAOSwsyZk66k8&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0PlReR2BlY7zTyDZp04bTCf5IQMAqqmdk7J1N8cq5qotGlb%2BlULzAdQsiEsqwogkVH5o%2F5UftXNpfNXSPFQ%2FnIVBvWYRqH2gYBQINz%2Faxee0u3L55UQA1%2BuhEOPfgp3%2Be3uQzTimEXG%2BRvokApKbcj5lj8hHlLJH5cieYUOuBvAD8oV9L152TVJqSpOiQBooRKn8eMy5ID18ahtdlFcs5DfdvT5ewmtVUeffzfsCiKy%2FrKfxSlnDDwHKOQH7uL1piEF%2BB7bPGtA3gg4P0J9pMC4%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR6jNwfHlYg)
HP Thunderbolt Dock 230W G2 for the HP Envy
LINKY THING (https://www.ebay.com/itm/304360585809?epid=26029177738&hash=item46dd4dfa51:g:1c4AAOSw2sFh5gCb&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8FUOXUZAeNQy1UM12tjnfvwxOzD3W5vodwUYxaYfWO2CIZ8X7MZNzf6BNYFYUzLo4ac6nn3N5sPUg0njj3yBkEpGHVyD6anvwAkLb1Pc9dREimBXVLVUuUO7J%2BsQRTD4cRYy2a3TupaaVss%2B5GCxL060CDuBoKnUftqXHmb9Da%2BuRn%2FVQdvsSkqsCuVf8TyH18Y3QWrGVqO6T3lPo%2BLAWIxECGryBqI%2B61srtOVHYvwP2tClw6WmugRQYhifqJMbInKetFUDxuwks2h4Nl9AfOpfgCAISurN7nPAQ4nQqlzc7LW7fi3OBV9oQmpGkxXJXA%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR4iM2PHlYg)
-
RJ45 ports are becoming rare on laptops. I need to find one for my day gig as my LAN port just died on my laptop. Dell Refurbished had some nice Precisions but they didn't have LAN ports and I've found that those USB dongles are not 100% reliable.
Dell Precision 5540 (at dellrefurbished.com) with i7-9xxx, 64GB, with gigabit ethernet port ~$920.
-
Dell Precision 5540 (at dellrefurbished.com) with i7-9xxx, 64GB, with gigabit ethernet port ~$920.
Funny cause I just recommended that computer to someone this morning. But it is an older laptop and it's their premium line.
I've been buying used laptops for years from the Dell Refurbed site and I'm starting to see less of them with LAN ports so you need a dock. And that Docks are getting more expensive.
-
Funny cause I just recommended that computer to someone this morning. But it is an older laptop and it's their premium line.
I've been buying used laptops for years from the Dell Refurbed site and I'm starting to see less of them with LAN ports so you need a dock. And that Docks are getting more expensive.
I used to buy refurbished Lenovo laptops but no longer find the depth of "deal" that Dell offers.
I don't understand the consumer (and Steve Jobs) desire to eliminate wires at all costs. Our use cases are more dependent on "this has to work everywhere, every time" but the continued path to everything being wireless is, IMNSHO, misguided.
-
Hey Brian,
Can you post a link to your ONE dongle solution please. I'm still in analysis paralysis regarding upgrading to a somewhat newer MB Pro for my Smaart / MAPP 3D rig, or combining everything on a Dell. I really like the displays on Macs, but hauling around two laptops is a bit of a PITA.
It's a NOVOO USB C Hub 8 in 1 NVHUBCXGY8PLX
-
I used to buy refurbished Lenovo laptops but no longer find the depth of "deal" that Dell offers.
I don't understand the consumer (and Steve Jobs) desire to eliminate wires at all costs. Our use cases are more dependent on "this has to work everywhere, every time" but the continued path to everything being wireless is, IMNSHO, misguided.
It's the cost of making thinner laptops. Some aren't thick enough for a LAN or USB-A port. Wifi and USB-C are the only connection options. If they can figure out how to charge a laptop wirelessly, the C ports will disappear. And they've probably figured that one out.
I love the Dell Refurbed site. I purchase computers as part of my day gig Management gets new Dell computers, everyone else gets the refurbs which I try to buy on sale. I stay with "A" grade and have had zero problems with any of them. Don't need the latest i7 CPU to run docs, spreadsheets and email.
-
Not sure what you are all talking about?
You can still buy new Dell laptops that have RJ45-NIC's on them.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/latitude-3540-laptop/spd/latitude-15-3540-laptop/
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/latitude-5430-laptop/spd/latitude-5430-laptop/
I use a QGeeM hub when I need more ports.
-
Not sure what you are all talking about?
You can still buy new Dell laptops that have RJ45-NIC's on them.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/latitude-3540-laptop/spd/latitude-15-3540-laptop/
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/latitude-5430-laptop/spd/latitude-5430-laptop/
I use a QGeeM hub when I need more ports.
They still make them but I'm finding more users here that want MS Surface or Dell XPS laptops. I'm seeing Dell Precision laptops without a LAN port and that's close to top of the line and bigger than the 2 I mentioned.
I'm finding that Surface has become the status laptop to get when your IT dept won't buy you a Mac. Which is another laptop with no LAN port.
-
They still make them but I'm finding more users here that want MS Surface or Dell XPS laptops. I'm seeing Dell Precision laptops without a LAN port and that's close to top of the line and bigger than the 2 I mentioned.
I'm finding that Surface has become the status laptop to get when your IT dept won't buy you a Mac. Which is another laptop with no LAN port.
Then values are not in line with needs.
NIC = highest priority
No dongles = next highest priority
The laptop model preference is not weighted the same.
I want a pony. But need a draft horse.
I realize I'm being a bit cranky. But jeez, get your priorities straight.
Do you want a laptop that does the job, or do you want a fancy/nice laptop with features that aren't as important?