PC Tech Thread

Thanks and @duncs - so definitely scratch the X
Wondering whether it's worth getting the Book over the Pro. I've been happy using the Pro but it does struggle occasionally with too many programs open, or overheats (driving a separate monitor), and I don't find the keyboard great for extended use. Might visit an actual shop and see what the Book feels like.

I've had surface pros for a about six years or more now. They used to be a real arse ache for drivers but have improved loads over the generations. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one.

Yeah I'm pretty happy with the surface pro I've been using. Just wondering if the book is worth the extra cost if it might last longer and be more comfortable to use.

I'm looking at a new laptop from John Lewis as I have a voucher to use. These two look the same bar the graphics card:

hp-pavilion-15-cs3009na

hp-pavilion-15-cs3001na

I'm sure the Nvidia one is better than the other but is it £150 better? It is for general family use.

I'll ask in here as I think it's the best place.

I'm going to get upgraded to a Lenovo ThinkPad with usb c. Unfortunately, no ethernet and the usb ports aren't great to allow display adapter (I have a VGA monitor at home, work hdmi monitors aren't great...) And ethernet adapter.

So.
A decent usb c dock with ports that allow ethernet connection, hdmi out, usb ports.
Powered is probs best?

A decent monitor that'll fit on my desk, and work nicely with laptop as keyboard monitor above.
Budget is not a lot.

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CalDigit-TS3-Plus-Thunderbolt-Dock-Space-Grey/dp/B07CVMV8VC/ref=pd_sbs_107_1/257-7278606-3305224

I'm guessing that's about half the cost of my work machine.

Was thinking more like this:
https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/accessories-and-monitors/docking/universal-cable-docks-usb/Lenovo-USB-C-Mini-Dock-UK/p/40AU0065UK

I have one of these
https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/dell-adapter-usb-c-to-hdmi-vga-ethernet-usb-30-da200/apd/470-abry/networking
It's ok, doesn't have a USB c port and only one usb but does the job.

I also have one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-Multiport-Charging-Compatible-Nintendo/dp/B07QJB1RTD

which is bargain priced but no ethernet.

https://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware/laptops-home-office/docking-stations

Gives this one at £29.99: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/akasa-ak-cbca22-18bk-usb-type-c-5-in-1-dock-4k30hz-hdmi-rj45-port-usb-30-ports-x-3

"Akasa AK-CBCA22-18BK USB Type-C 5-In-1 Dock, 4K@30Hz HDMI, RJ45 Port, USB 3.0 ports x 3"

"Premium 4K video, Ethernet and USB dock. Features 4K HDMI, a RJ45 port (10/100/1000 Mbps) and 3 USB 3.0 ports."

For a monitor, how about:-

23.6" AOC 1920x1080 with HDMI for £94.99

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/236-aoc-e2470swh-fhd-monitor-1920x1080-60hz-1ms-100m1-250cd-m-hdmi-dvi-vga-speakers

Although that's just the cheapest 1920x1080 with HDMI. There are plenty in the price range up to £120 from better makes (BenQ, iiyama, etc).

You're not going to get more than 1920x1080 without spending £200+

If I wanted to do some screen records and make the pointer more visible - e.g. have a ring around it or make it vibrate when it clicks or something, what are my options in Windows? Any downloads you suggest?

And to get a high resolution screen record (as high as possible) there are no shortcuts other than having a high resolution display, right?

@aggi and @Greenbank

thanks!
I've got an aoc monitor and I've just looked around the back and seen it can take hdmi in. so that's a bit easier/nicer.

Re. the pointer, ideally something simple that just downloads and functions as I'll be asking multiple people to do it with varying levels of ability.

what are my options in Windows?

look under accessability, I found the the invert colours function really helped for my parents to see the pointer on their 4k TV

Not on windows at the mo so can't do this - but from memory this just changes things like size right? I can't do anything like stick a ring around it a la https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOHBX23sMZw&feature=emb_title

Whoops - replying to an old post, didn't see Spotter had replied until posting.
You can't put a circle around it, but you can make it pretty obvious with a large lime green cursor

https://www.howtogeek.com/273878/how-to-change-the-size-and-color-of-the-mouse-pointer-in-windows/

1 Attachment

There are a few Visibility Options including 'trails' and 'draw ring on keypress' in the old Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options [edit: as per @Spotter]

It seems like it should be possible to mirror your physical display to a virtual one with higher resolution, then capture that. But never tried.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast

I think resolution is fixed at 1200 x 800 though

Does anyone have a recommendation for a mouse under £20 shipped?

At this price level there's probably not much difference, but ideally something wireless and that I don't have to buy using Amazon.

If you can stretch a little I have had a logitech M705 for years, hardly ever have to change the battery and works fine, they can be found for low 20s.

edit: seem to have gone up in price recently actually!

Thanks for the recommendation - looks like they go for around 35 now, which is a bit more than I'd like to spend as it'll only have occasional use.

I have a Logitech M590 which was £25 and I'm perfectly happy with. There's probably a cheaper option without bluetooth.

I'd probably go with whichever logitech fits your budget.

That sounds simple enough, I'll do that

just installed an m2 SSD, which from a geeky perspective, was pretty cool

anyway, part of the reason for the new drive was to try and rid myself of this annoying stuttering that my system gets, despite all efforts to track it down

I have two questions. One - can I extend the Archive drive so that it swallows up the 700gb odd unallocated space without losing any files?

two - can I delete the efi system partition from disk 1? I want rid of any 'reference' to old operating systems/partitions.

Thanks!