Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/office

cerviarborist

cerviarborist

Very stable member
Location
Florida, USA
I'm in the market for a laptop or perhaps a tablet computer. I'll be using it for consultations, and want to be able to prepare proposal/bid/contract documents to print on site, as well as research and identify bugs and crud via internet. Currently I have to go back to my home office to compile my notes into reports and proposals and then drive back to deliver them or get signatures, and it's making me nuts!

I'd also like to be able to complete and print hazard tree evaluation and appraisal forms, which has me considering tablet style laptops which allow the use of a stylus to speed up completion of templated forms.

My go-to source for most purchases > $100.00 has been Consumer Reports, and they seem to favor Macbook and Macbook Pro over PC platforms. To date I've only used windows machines, so if anyone is using a Macbook I'd particularly like to hear your thoughts.

I've also enrolled to take a 24 semester hour online course in entomology and pest control technology, so my laptop will need to be able to keep up with the demands of online studies during the upcoming year.

I haven't selected a wireless internet provider yet. I'm in Florida, so anyone with any comments on wireless internet services in Florida is encouraged to chime in as well.

Thanks in advance for reading and contributing!
 
Re: Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/offic

I use a macbook pro. It has worked extremely well for me (besides running out of space due to all my pictures and music). I run Word, Excel, Quickbooks, etc. with no problems. I'm really happy with it. It took me about a week to figure out how to efficiently use a mac, but now I can transition between a mac and pc with no trouble at all. I've had this computer for about 4 years and its been great.

Part of the reason for getting a mac was that I was sick of having programs freeze up on pc's all the time. Ctrl Alt Delete really started to drive me crazy.
 
Re: Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/offic

Mac all of the way!

Jim helped me get my first mac setup. after dropping twice it died. I bought a new one and did the setup by myself. easy as clicking buttons...no need to know what is going on behind the keyboard.

the days of mac/pc compatibility are ancient history.

last week I was talking with the computer tech people at the university. they are going to change over to all mac since mac is a better platform and mac/pc/linux can all run with ease

here's a way that Jim shared the mac/pc cost...

buy a pc...put the 'savings' in a payroll account then pay yourself back, at minimum wage, when you have to figure out how to get the pc squared away...glitches...lockups...the payroll account will empty quickly...then what?

w/mac it just plain works...it is a tool not a personality.

watch for sales at Micro Center

get a refurbed unit from mac..great deals and they have full warranties
 
Re: Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/offic

Great posts! I appreciate the insight. Keep them coming! Anyone have thoughts to share on wireless internet providers?
 
Re: Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/offic

The macbook pro. We switched to all Macs at home and love em. Keep the desktop clear to keep performance at a peak. Back up pics and files on an external hard drive.

I don't use wireless IP though. But there is usually an unsecured wireless network nearby!
 
Re: Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/offic

Mac by a mile. Get the Macbook Pro, with plenty of memory.



You won't regret it. I have a Fujitsu tablet computer, it's supposed to be top of the line. I have never once used the tablet feature. If you are good with typing, you can easily get by without the tablet.


SZ
 
Re: Best Laptop/Notebook computer for field/offic

We run an all Mac office & macbooks for mobile/home use.

Couldn't imagine going back to what feels like 1990 on windows machines.

Macs just work. IT would just about be a redundant industry without PCs.
 
Ok, I\'m sold! I\'m looking at a Macbook Pro 15\"

I really need suggestions now, for what software to order with it. If you gents and ladies wouldn't mind sharing insight on what software applications you can't, or wouldn't want to live and work without, I'd really appreciate your recommendations.

If there's an application that you found failing to meet your expectations, please let me know that as well.

I'm starting classes on January 4th, so I'm going to be pulling the trigger in the next few days. If you've got a recommendation for the lowest acquisition cost on a warranteed Macbook Pro 15", I can use all the help I can get.

Thanks again for all your contributions!
 
Re: Ok, I\'m sold! I\'m looking at a Macbook Pro 15\"

be sure to check prices of programs at school, student discounts can be substantial

I have MS Office version X, its time to upgrade though.

photoshop Elements was a gift from my sis and I'm learning how to use it. it's darn powerful and a good value if you feel like you need to use its capacity. there are other editing programs that are cheaper and might do enough, from what I gather, Elements will do it all...short of pro tools.

Firefox browser...if there weren't a learning curve I would look at Chrome. I don't have the mental capacity to learn all of the new options though.

if you don't have a decent pack, get one. after looking for a good value with the right amount of space and features. costco had these for about $45 so I snatched one:

http://tinyurl.com/yhfh4d7

it is comfortable to carry, the straps are curved, access is easy, the pouches and compartments function and aren't just gobbed on like most bags.
 
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