Top 5 Laptops of 2014

[MULTIZ321]

Top 5 Laptops of 2014 - by Brooke Crothers/ Laptops/ FoxNews.com

"Laptops are facing a lot of competition from tablets and even large smartphones, but they’re still the mainstay device for getting work done. Here are the best of 2014..."

An attendee photographs the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3, during an event in New York May 20. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)


Richard

 

[Elan]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 3000 2-in-1 w/11" screen ($399).

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-i3147-37...&qid=1419183287&sr=8-1&keywords=inspiron+3000

It's a pretty impressive little machine, and is similar in design to the Lenovo Yoga 2 11. Screen fold back completely to go to tablet mode. Full touch screen Windows 8.1. It's not the fastest machine, but it's powerful enough for my work, which is pretty cpu and graphics intensive (schematic capture, waveform display, etc). Weighs a little over 3lbs, and battery life is impressive; 6 to 8 hours, I'd guess (haven't measured). For another $80 or so, one can swap out the 500GB HD for a 250GB SSD. I plan to do this, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

This unit should be great for travel, especially in tablet mode on an airplane.

 

[Beefnot]

The Surface Pro 3 would be perfect if they designed a keyboard with a strong hinge at the base where the magnetic connector was, so that it could be comfortably used on the lap and the screen opened to whatever angle suits one's fancy. As it stands now, it is best suited for the table.

 

[Elan]

I think the Lenovo Yoga, ASUS Flip and Dell Inspiron nailed it with their hinged keyboard design. I wanted the keyboard to be always available (attached), but out of the way when not needed. Their 360 degree hinge design allows this and any angle in between.

 

[Passepartout]

Interesting to have a "Best Laptops of 2014" article when there's only 10 days left of 2014 and Consumer Electronics Show opens in a couple of weeks. I betcha there will be a new list soon.

So far, I'm happy to NOT be in the market for a new one. I REALLY like the usability of the Lenovo Yoga 2 for it's ability to emulate a laptop, tablet, easel, or 'tent' form. As Elan said, others are following the lead. Imo, soon this will be the 'standard' form in laptops.

Jim

 

[Ken555]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 3000 2-in-1 w/11" screen ($399).



http://www.amazon.com/Dell-i3147-37...&qid=1419183287&sr=8-1&keywords=inspiron+3000



It's a pretty impressive little machine, and is similar in design to the Lenovo Yoga 2 11. Screen fold back completely to go to tablet mode. Full touch screen Windows 8.1. It's not the fastest machine, but it's powerful enough for my work, which is pretty cpu and graphics intensive (schematic capture, waveform display, etc). Weighs a little over 3lbs, and battery life is impressive; 6 to 8 hours, I'd guess (haven't measured). For another $80 or so, one can swap out the 500GB HD for a 250GB SSD. I plan to do this, but haven't gotten around to it yet.



This unit should be great for travel, especially in tablet mode on an airplane.

Good to hear. Time Warner is sending me one of these for free as part of a new install and I'm looking forward to testing it. Replacing the drive with a ssd is a smart move.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Elan]

Interesting to have a "Best Laptops of 2014" article when there's only 10 days left of 2014 and Consumer Electronics Show opens in a couple of weeks. I betcha there will be a new list soon.

So far, I'm happy to NOT be in the market for a new one. I REALLY like the usability of the Lenovo Yoga 2 for it's ability to emulate a laptop, tablet, easel, or 'tent' form. As Elan said, others are following the lead. Imo, soon this will be the 'standard' form in laptops.

Jim

I would have purchased a Yoga like yours, but the Dell was cheaper and the Lenovo never went on sale. They're pretty comparable in terms of hardware, it seems. I've had numerous Dell machines and been happy with all of them. We'll see how this one holds up.

 

[Beefnot]

I've read that Lenovo customer support is quite poor. And after previously owning a Lenovo computer and Lenovo laptop that both had their share of issues, I remain highly skeptical of their quality.

 

[Glynda]

Macbook Air

Love, love, love my 13" Macbook Air. Bought my first about 3 1/2 years ago. My first Mac computer. I never looked back to Windows. Then about a month ago, I spilled almost a full Diet Coke into the keyboard. Fried it. Apple wanted $750. upfront to send it to be rebuilt. I bought a new one instead as my daughter works for Apple and gets a discount. Debated between the Macbook Pro and the Macbook Air for the same amount of money but the Air won because of weight. Love the new one though I was almost as happy with the old. This one definitely has a longer battery life.

 

[Passepartout]

I've read that Lenovo customer support is quite poor. And after previously owning a Lenovo computer and Lenovo laptop that both had their share of issues, I remain highly skeptical of their quality.

It's closer to nonexistant as far as I can see. When my Yoga 2's touchpad went bad, I was happy that Best Buy took it, fixed it and returned it without hassle. I don't think it will be anytime soon, but next time, another brand and research their support first. This Lenovo may have been bought with more of an eye on low price and style than was prudent.

 

[Miss Marty]

Lenovo


Lenovo Recalls 544,000 Laptop Power Cords
because they can overheat and cause fires or burns

Consumers can contact Lenovo at (800) 426-7378 weekdays between 9 am to 5 pm Eastern or visit the Lenovo recall page to learn if your cord is being recalled and how to order a new one.

 

[Elan]

If anyone is looking for what should be a decently performing travel laptop, this would be a good deal:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...?ClickID=domxooc0mtoxw2z0shookh00oczo0bsr0hhx

Similar to the Dell unit i bought, but minus the "fold to tablet mode" that the Dell (and others mentioned) have. Still, for $249...............