Questions about laptops and cell phones

[Johnny1975]

Thanks Winston. I just tried Recuva but when I saw the results, I couldn't make head or tail of it. I need to recover the video from my phone. Do either of those programs do that?

What did you see when you ran it? Did it show a list of files that are recoverable? Did you see a video extension on any of them? You can usually preview the recoverable files. The interface is easy to use. Did you read the help menu in the program? If Recuva doesn't work, try another one. If you haven't written any more data to the phone since you erased the video, the chances are very good that you can still recover the file. But video files are big so they may be a little more difficult to recover.

I saw a huge list of files. Some recoverable, others not. But it doesn't matter now, because I've made lots of videos since I deleted it, so it's probably gone. Besides, I can just do it again. It's not a problem.

[Winston]

Finally got a new laptop. Here in the US they are cheaper than in Asia. The US has better deals on electronic and computer products it seems for some reason.

I got mine from Walmart. It's an HP with 4 GB RAM and 500 GB hard drive space, for $299. Is that a good deal? What do you all think?

Is 4 GB RAM enough? I'm not a gamer. I do play a few games though like Star Trek games and flight simulator games and tennis games like Virtua Tennis. Those don't take up too much memory. I also run Super Nintendo emulators that play SNES games on PC, which use little memory too.

So is 4 GB RAM enough? The thing is, I usually have many browser tabs open and multiple applications too, which usually slowed down my other laptops. My previous netbook, which is a small mini laptop, only had 1 GB RAM, and was slow as molasses. So 4 GB should be a huge upgrade. haha.

Some told me 8 GB RAM would be better for games. But I'm not a gamer so I don't need that right? Plus those ones cost a lot more like 400 or 500 USD, unless you buy them refurbished. But if I can I prefer new to refurbished.

It also has an Intel Pentium processor that is Silver N5000. Is that ok? Are there any geeks here that have opinions on this stuff?

So far the new laptop is nice. Big screen and runs smoothly. Much faster than my other ones. And this forum looks great on it.

But these new ones all have Windows 10. And man, it has so many bells and whistles you don't need. It keeps trying to turn your laptop into a smart phone too, and keeps trying to connect and integrate everything with Microsoft. Geez. It's so pushy in that sense. It even tries to get you to use Microsoft Edge browser too, and claims it's better than Chrome and the rest. And makes it your default browser so that you have to go through steps to change it. Man Microsoft is so self serving. lol

Do any of you use Microsoft Edge browser? Have you tried it? Is it better in any way? Or is Google Chrome still the best?

Also, Windows 10 seems to be resource heavy. It makes the Windows startup take a long time to load. Geez. Why do they keep coming out with new Windows systems? Windows 7 was fine and stable and smooth and had all I need. Why do they keep making new ones? It's annoying.

[TruthSeeker]

No 4GB ram is not enough. Get 8GB. Did you get a 17"? It's worth it because it's great for watching stuff. If you didn't you can take it back. Also make sure to get a 17" case.

[Winston]

This is the new laptop I got from Walmart.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-15-bs234w ... /410372666



I also got an external mouse and keyboard too, so I can type longer essays and books comfortably.

Does anyone know if this laptop's RAM can be upgraded from 4 GB RAM to 8 GB RAM in case I want to?

Also do any of you use a wireless keyboard or wireless mouse? What's the advantage of that? Isn't it a pain to keep having to replace batteries in that? I mean, how far away do you need to sit from the computer or monitor? Geez.

[TruthSeeker]

It really depends. Why didn't you get it from Best Buy? They have a better selection. I would consider taking it back and getting a 17.3" screen with 8GB minimum ram.

[TruthSeeker]

Also I find with the 17.3" the keyboard is larger and you don't need the external keyboard. Yes, I use a wireless mouse and change the batteries every 2-3 weeks. There are also rechargeable wireless mice where you don't have to change the batteries.

[TruthSeeker]

This is the one I recommend you get.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-330 ... Id=6224501



Why get 4GB and then go through the hassle and expense of upgrading to 8GB? Just get this one.

[TruthSeeker]

There's also

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-vivob ... Id=6278310

[Winston]

Wow Truthseeker, that one is nearly $500. That's more than I need. What's wrong with 4 GB RAM? The one I got seems to work fast and smooth so far. If I'm not a gamer, why would I ever need 8 GB RAM? I looked online and it looks like to upgrade the RAM to 8 GB would cost 80 dollars. Dang.

Also, my laptop screen is 15.6 inches, which is pretty big already. Good enough for watching movies. And it's fairly lightweight too.

Also Best Buy tends to be expensive and has the highest prices. I've been there many times before and they don't have good deals like Walmart does. lol

Man I didn't know you were such a computer geek. lol

[TruthSeeker]

You were saying it will cost $80 to upgrade the RAM so why not just take one of the ones I recommended? Plus you gotta understand a laptop is an investment. It will last roughly 5 years if you take care of it. So that's only 100 dollars a year. Peanuts. You gotta think of these things.

[TruthSeeker]

If you are just browsing webpages, writing blogs, watching movies then 4GB is all you need but if you are running multiple programs at the same time you will see the difference the extra 4GB makes. I have a 17.3" screen and it's great for watching movies.

[snede]

I'm using a notebook with 32GB RAM. Sometimes it isn't enough.

Other than that, go with a Solid State Drive (SSD)