Art Thieme Offline- The New Laptop Delivered!!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline for a while
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 01:43 PM

It's been over fives ssince we all pooled our money and bought Art a brand-new tower. it died and he now was using a great laptop w2hich Dan (olddude) refurbished and gave him. It suddenly died. He had a tech fried work on it for over 3 hiours wit no success. He misses us al a GREAT deal...all he has is tv without the internet and woould like to start out with something new. He caqnnot accept any money as he is on public assistance ad would be penalised (great country, eh?) if goes above what is allowed.

anyway, my Rog said Art would be a great candidate for a touch sacreen, or at least one which caqn handle Dragon. so, whay say ye, mudcatters? Can/should/will we buy him a new one? Dell has touchsreen for about 700, not sure abou other laptops. Someone else would have to be the one to keep donations log and facilitate the purchase, etc. I just can't this time.

I believe Art is a National Treasure and it is very important he be able to continue to share as much as possible, plus it makes communication easier. He has a new wheelchair which is very heavy, hard for him to get t the phone. It is not elefctric and he lost the ability to take a scooter out to the library, park, etc. on his own.he could drive either if he still had them.

Anyhow, looking forward to what you al think. And, Art says "Hi!"

luvyakat - please excuse the typos!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline for a while - 24 March 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 02:05 PM

Sounds like a great idea!

What are the possible technologies that Art can comfortably use?

There are tablets that are touch screens, there are all-in-one computers, and there are various small laptop types (netbooks, etc.)

How is Art's dexterity as far as typing or touching? You've used Dragon, Kat - what all devices can it be installed on? The questions that need answering are: is it now easier for him to sit at a table and type or touch a screen, and/or would it be easier to have a small device on his lap or lower work surface than a desk?

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline for a while - 24 March 2013
From: maeve
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 02:13 PM

I will always have something to give on Art's behalf, kat.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline for a while - 24 March 2013
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 02:22 PM

thanks, gals...SRS, it would probably be best if you speak with directly. he did tell me he reads by placing a book flat on a table, holding it with his elbow and forearm. if you want to do that, let me know if you need his number.

anyone willing to coordinate?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline,again-24March2013-help buy new?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 02:44 PM

I can't coordinate but I can contribute. Put me down for $50.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline,again-24March2013-help buy new?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 03:09 PM

bless your heart, ebbie

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline,again-24March2013-help buy new?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 06:24 PM

I think it's a good idea to give this project its own thread, so I moved today's messages over here. I'm in for a hundred, but who can coordinate it? Kat, mind having your arm twisted in public?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline,again-24March2013-help buy new?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 06:36 PM

"Someone else would have to be the one to keep donations log and facilitate the purchase, etc. I just can't this time." katlaughing, above

Joe, I think that kat is telling us that she's barely treading water on her own at the moment, not able to keep someone else afloat until she is well again. To mix a metaphor or two.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline,again-24March2013-help buy new?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 07:19 PM

thanks, ebbie, yes. joe, thanks for the pm and your generosity. typing with only my lefthand is very tiresome and bothering my good shoulder, arm, wrist, etc., plus there's much more serious stuff for which i have to be at rest most of the day. this week with a nine yr old in tow.

PLEASE SOMEONE ELSE TAKE ON THE COORDINATING.(if that is too much shouting feel free to edit.)

thanks from a very lonesome Art and me,

kat

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 07:23 PM

P.S. JOE, thanks for the new thread

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:20 PM

I can chip in some money, but I can't coordinate. I'm not tech savvy, and I have always avoided responsibility for other peoples' money!

(On a few rare occasions I had to coordinate retirement parties for coworkers, but only if nobody else volunteered. As checks came in, I held them until after the party, using my own money to pay for it just in case the venue went bankrupt or something. Then after the party I would cash the checks a few at a time each week rather than having to use a big chunk of time doing them all at once. I had complaints from people saying they were having trouble balancing their statements. I would just smile and say, "I told you that it would be better if someone else planned the party.")

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:35 PM

i think we used paypal   can't remember 8if we had a special acct or not

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:41 PM

I can coordinate it if people are using PayPay, checks, etc. I'm in the US, if that makes a difference for some donors.

Before people send, we need to know what we're aiming at. I have Art's old phone # in my cell phone, but I'm not sure if it is the number he has now. I'll PM Kat.

I'm a bit under the weather myself and coughing a lot - if we can give this a day or so I'll call Art and see what he is physically able to handle, and what all he might be doing with it. If we're just talking about Internet browsing and email then WiFi is what he needs for the minimum device. If he's burning discs, using it to play music, etc. then he needs something more robust. If he's playing World of Warcraft, we need something even more. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:44 PM

I posted a message to volunteer, but SRS beat me to it. Thanks, SRS. Tell me where to send my check.
Many of you may scoff, but a Windows 8 computer with a touch screen may be just the thing for Art.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:46 PM

I'm in for $50. Tell me when to send it.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:48 PM

I just PMed Kat that I'd coordinate! Humph! I'm in for an indeterminate amount.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 09:57 PM

you all sort it out, ok? and, thanks!

whatever, it needs to be a laptop size-wise.

i'll text you his number, SRS. you can pass it on if need be. i think a day or two wld be fine. i'll let him know you'll be calling

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 10:11 PM

folks, tks so much. PLEASE, everyone, do not PM me. i am wearing out my good hand, arm, and shouler. have to do ittle typing as possible. tks.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 10:40 PM

We're on the way! Let us know where to send a check. Thanks, kat, for getting this started.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 11:06 PM

Joe, you're using Win8. I have Win7 and will probably stick with it till Win9, so you'll have to be the go-to person for setup questions if Win8 is the OS in the selected device. Is that okay with you?

I'm not posting my mailing address here, send me a PM and include your real name so I know who it is actually from when it arrives. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 13 - 11:19 PM

i forgot to say to olddude/Dan: no offence intended re your previuos well-known generosity when you gave Art a laptop.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 12:19 AM

Dan has been a lifesaver for mudcatters again and again when it comes to computing!

What I hope we'll get here for a little bit are people's observations about the devices they use with regularity - those things with touch capability.

I looked up touchscreen monitors before, and I see the same thing now - they are very expensive. The all-in-one computers with a touch screen and the CPU tucked in under or behind really make them much more affordable than simply adding a touch monitor to a regular separate CPU. Tablets come in various sizes, the big ones are as or more expensive than the touch monitors, but what about a tablet and a handful of styluses for touching the screen to type?

Whatever we select, we need to sort out the size, CPU type and speed, RAM memory and hard drive size, the operating system, and if it is portable, the weight. What features of these will Art need, what would be overkill?

So what new devices have people been using that they can offer recommendations for? With touch screens, keeping in mind the flexibility of the device and the digital dexterity of the user. Or have you read any good reviews lately?

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 01:34 AM

I'll be glad to be reference point for Win 8, SRS. I have two of them to maintain now, so I know them well. Even without a touch screen, I think it's the way to go.
OK. so we've had three volunteers to coordinate this, and I trust SRS more than I trust myself. Rap/Mike, are you OK with SRS taking the lead on this?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 02:10 AM

Click here to see a 22-inch touchscreen monitor from Viewsonic. What more do you need besides a touchscreen monitor and a Win 8 desktop computer?
I've been having very good luck lately with Lenovo computers. They don't have all the extra "bloatware" that HP and some of the other computers have.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 05:06 AM

keep in mind Art has very little dexterity; not sure he'd be able to 7use a stylus. also,i don't know anything about touch screen monitors, but i knw he loves snd NEEDS the potability of his lapyop. fwiw

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 09:06 AM

Am in for $50 as soon as I'm told where to send it.

Mary Katherine

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 09:16 AM

Elaine and I would like to donate something to help our friend Art but we live in the UK. Would it be okay to send a cheque in £sterling? Or what?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: maeve
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 09:47 AM

RoyH- In similar situations we've had one or more Mudcatters who accepted donations for the cause via Paypal, then passed the money along to the coordinators. One issue of concern to address clearly are Paypal fees. Otherwise, there have been 'Catters who were able to accept UK donations by way of UK banking accounts, because they also have US bank accounts.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 09:56 AM

Heck, Joe, I don't care. Someone has to do it and Stilly volunteered first so the job's all hers.

I know for a fact that Art has Dragon Naturally Speaking 12 (I think it is), the home edition, as well as a headset with microphone.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 11:53 AM

Thanks, Mike - if he has Dragon Naturally speaking he's way ahead, and we can make sure the device plays well with it. And Joe, that's a good price for a touch screen. I was looking for reviews and they seemed to be starting in the $5-600 range and upward.

What do we know about the computer peripherals that Art still has? What equipment will he want to run? Will Chris be setting up for him?

I know, I need to call Art. I don't want to wear him out with questions we already know the answers to.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: GUEST,SINS
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 11:59 AM

Let me know where to send some money.
Mary

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: ranger1
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 12:18 PM

I'm in, won't be much, but I'll do what I can.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 05:15 PM

WIN 8 touch laptop AND keyboard and moose. Yes, a laptop comes with keyboard and touch pad but they SUCK, especially for anyone with limited dexterity. I gots ta have me reular keyboard when not mobile and I definitely gots ta get me moose b'y!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: wordfella
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 06:28 PM

I'm in. Let me know where and how.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 08:16 PM

I'm also in - I miss Art.

sandra

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 09:59 PM

I called Art this evening and asked him some questions about the equipment he has been using and what work for him.

He has Dragon speaking software but it hadn't been installed, so he hasn't actually used it. The last computer was using was a laptop, prior to that, a desktop. His son took the laptop to work on it, but it sounds like there was an ominous message coming through from the non-operating system. He has a mouse, that's the extent of his extant computer equipment.

He uses a keyboard, types with one finger, but he has ALWAYS typed with one finger. ;) He works with the laptop on a table, he doesn't use it in his lap. He hasn't heard of tablets (and they aren't set up for how he uses his computer.) He has started using Skype and was planning to use a web cam with the laptop right before the laptop died. So a computer with the usual components that include a built in web cam or one that can be set up, would be useful. He's working with someone in Idaho who is doing a book of his songs, and they apparently send material back and forth and talk. The computer will be used for some scholarly applications, not just email and mudcat browsing.

I left a message for Chris so I can discuss the pros and cons of the various pieces of equipment and to determine how much space they have. An all-in-one would be be economical space-wise, even moreso a laptop, but there are also reasons why a small desktop with a touch monitor would work. I'll see what Chris says, I won't try to read the tea leaves without his input.

I'll take a little time this evening and write back to each of you who expressed an interest and give you my contact information. Ballpark I'd guess we're looking at equipment costing somewhere from $700 up to possibly $1000.

Here are a few low cost starting points:

The traditional box and monitor

Dell Inspiron starts at $300 for the basics and for as little as $80 more you can get a good amount of memory and hard drive space. And to any of these you can add a monitor for $109.

Hewlett Packard has Dell beat by a few dollars on the box and the monitor. Dell had free shipping, so does HP.

All in one, touch screen

Dell has various touch computers and the all-in-one starts at about $800.

HP's basic All-in-one starts at $800 but there is a $250 sale going on.

And then there are places like Amazon that sell lots of stuff. Here are a few Lenovos to look at.

They have laptops and ultrabooks that are comparable to each other and to the other computers.

Just basic research. I don't know if any of these links are durable, they're probably cookie-driven so they may simply take you to the home page and you can poke around from there.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 10:10 PM

I am as far from a computer geek as someone with a 'puter gets (except perhaps for Bobert. *grin*. Just let me know when and where to send a check or where to send through paypal. I'll keep an eye on this thread in case instructions appear here about when and where in order to cut down on the amount of "coordinating" you need to do, Maggie. I know what a big job that is.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 10:26 PM

I sent messages to everyone who has expressed an interest so far in the thread. That is 11 of us so far.

We can decide, with Chris, what the best configuration is and then shop around. Product reviews from ZDnet and Cnet and other tech saavy sites are always useful for comparison.

Art thinks that shipping to Chris will invite the least speculation as far as how the computer arrives or how it was paid for.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Mar 13 - 11:26 PM

Shipping to Chris is a good idea. Perhaps to avoid a problem with public assistance, it should be Chris's computer which he loans to Art.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 01:17 AM

I got the email, SRS. I'll get the check into the mail tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 09:39 AM

Get him a trackball so he doesn't have to move his arm so much.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 10:54 AM

i agree, a track ball has helped me

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 01:07 PM

So do I need to send you a PM Maggie or what? I'm in for something but I don't know how much.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 01:17 PM

I couldn't organize a piss up in a brewery*, but I can send a donation; just tell me where.

* borrowed from Morticia.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 01:21 PM

SRS, I didn't get the email from you but am in for $50 as mentioned previously, just let me know where and when to send, OK?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: maeve
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 01:44 PM

I'm sure she'll send along another batch of PMs to new gift-givers when she's free to do so.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 03:34 PM

You bprrowed spme piss from Mort?   Geeziz Kendall.....You really are some sort of pervert aren't you?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 06:08 PM

Mary Katherine, do you have a Mudcat account so you can receive a PM, or are you a follower of the Mudcat Facebook page?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 06:38 PM

Last night I called Art and we spoke about this project (he says "thank you!") and I asked him some questions about his ability to handle and use various devices and components.

He isn't familiar with tablets, so I'd already crossed that off my list when Chris, who I spoke with today, said they would probably confuse him. There are issues with the operating system and stuff in the previous computer; several people have not been able to correct the problems so a new computing device is called for.

A keyboard is manageable, and he has a mouse he likes that Chris has adjusted for proximity to links. Chris thinks the touch feature of the screen would be helpful as motor skills decline. And I think after discussing the size of the room and the furnishings, as well as the security measures that Chris has put into place, that a laptop with a touch screen is going to work best. They don't have a dedicated spot to use the computer, it gets moved around, so asking Art to move an all-in-one or a CPU and monitor isn't practical. They use a movable hospital table that fits over the top of the bed or a chair.

Chris agrees that the built in web cam would be very helpful, and Art will be using the computer and it's mic and speakers for Skype, so this would give a total video experience. When he streams movies he uses headphones, and he and his wife have different tastes in movies and viewing, so this would probably continue.

Because he is doing scholarly work in reference to his music, he does need a burner so he can load disks that he made from all of his cassettes back when he was working on that Smithsonian project. (And Chris tells me that this project has been great to energize Art, keeping him involved and feeling useful.)

I think our goal is to find the largest touch screen laptop we can afford with the features discussed. Chris can manage most of the software, Art uses a lot of open source stuff, but we should upgrade to Win8 Pro or whatever the high-end is called; the least expensive way to do that upgrade is to get it OEM (original equipment manufacturer - Dell, HP, whoever).

Chris will check in and trace this thread so he can keep up with what we're doing.

I have asked each person in my boilerplate blurb (sent by PM) that if there is any extra, do they agree that we should donate it to Max and Mudcat? So far I've heard all approval on that.

If any of you are wanting to donate who don't have a regular mudcat account, contact me via my work email. dwyer at uta dot edu. The troll has already figured out that one, it isn't secret. Put "Mudcat computer" or something like that in the subject line and let me know who you are and what you want to donate and I can give you my address or paypal information. No foreign currency or checks, please, they're too hard to cash. Find one of our members who has accounts on both sides of the pond who can make the conversion easily. Thanks!

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 06:23 AM

Money orders okay? That's what I used to donate to Mudcat in December.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 10:22 AM

If you can do it in US dollars - otherwise, do you know someone who uses PayPal?

I looked at the Dell touch screen laptops this morning:

New Inspiron 15, New Inspiron 14R, and New Inspiron 15R

I'm not convinced that the searches I do result in durable links. If you go to Dell and navigate "for home" and scroll down to the blue selection box ("Shop for Dell PCs, Accessories and Services) and on the right under "New Touch PCs and Tablets" you can select "Touch Laptops" you'll see that there are two with 15.6" screens. These have a small price difference between them, only $50. The OS would add to it, but I don't think we'd need to add much more.

These are all 64 bit computers - Chris, if you see this, will that make a difference in the Dragon software you have now? IE has a browser for 32 bit and another for 64 bit, but not all companies differentiate.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 07:04 PM

Shopping part II:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/

If you click on "Laptops" and then on the left of the screen choose "Touchscreen" and then select the screen sizes for "12" - 14.9"" and "15" - 16.9"" you'll find three of those are fairly affordable. The HP Pavilion TouchSmart 15z-b000 Sleekbook starts at $650. These laptops don't have an internal DVD/CD player. It's $70 to upgrade to the Win 8 Pro 64. The external optical drive (the DVD/CD player) is a USB device for $50.

The TouchSmart 14t-b100 series has an inch smaller screen for $599.99 base price. The 14.0-inch diagonal High Definition BrightView LED-backlit Display is 1366 x 768. On the hard drive, for $10 you can make the 500gig hard drive go from 5400 to 7200rpm. $50 for the DVD/CD external player.

Free shipping.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: deepdoc1
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 07:34 PM

Don't forget
Costco . I believe thet double the mfr warranty right out the box. I'm also in for some gelt, so PM with the suggested amount, whatever is needed.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Mar 13 - 08:06 PM

Thanks - I looked at Sam's Club and Costco. They each have one that is in this range, but isn't any particular savings over the online price from the manufacturer. There are other places to look still.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Elijah Browning
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 01:35 AM

Hello All,

Again, this community is amazing. Can't begin to tell you what this means. To update on the current laptop, I've seen references to this issue being a corruption in the OS, a hardware issue and everything in between. I trust the fellow that last looked at it. The "how-to's" we've found on the fix are slightly shorter than War and Peace and have only a few more steps than Melville put into Moby Dick on how to gut a whale. Now "like the Mary Ellen Carter" the ol' girl could "rise again" with a wipe of the OS and a fresh sweep. What got us to this point is still an unknown.

What is for sure is what this laptop did for my Dad. He's been working on a new project, a book of collected songs, and Skyping with the grandkids. The security cable was twice as long as normal and covered about 75% of the room. On days he could get in a chair, he could use it on the table like a desk. On other days, he could click on a Netflix movie as is sat over him in bed. Close enough to "old" technology to be familiar to him and far enough ahead to be easy to manage and move. olddude, you really sent him a window to a world he is feeling less and less a part of. Thank you.

The specs on the machine you are looking at look wonderful. I've been keeping his old desktop as a backup, but honestly am not sure he could get much use out of it now. Still, even after five years, it is a good and serviceable PC. With your permission, I'd like to refresh the system to factory default, maybe throw on Open Office and some free antivirus, and donate it to either the nursing home if they can use it or some similar institution that can. Please let me know if you are OK with my doing that.

Thank you again for all you've done. I've got lots of words, none of them worthy. Thank you.

C.T. (E.B.)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 06:46 AM

IF it can be done in USD? Just how far north do you think I live? >;-)

I can do it in KCD (Kent County Deer). 10 Red Squirrels = 1 Rabbit; 2 Rabbits = 1 Partridge; 100 Partridge = 1 Deer. It gets a bit complicated because the values are based on DST. That's Deer Saving Time which, of course, changes upon the winter and summer solstices. The exception is, of course, the Moose which is a constant value for both the Cow and the Bull with 2 Cow = 1 Bull (= 10 Deer, again, depending on DST). I would add the breakdown of the Turnip, the Spud, and such but I am sure you get the gist of it.

I'll check the exchange rate as soon as the Bank of Kent County opens... Tuesday, after lunch, I think.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 09:19 AM

Heh. Gnu, I wouldn't mind venison for your cut on the new machine. :)

Elijah(!), if the old CPU can't be put into use by you to backup stuff or run something small I can't see the group of us putting any restrictions on where it lives next. A five-year-old machine is light years behind what they do now. Art needs lightweight and movable connectivity, so while the old machine worked for him for several years, we can see that needs have changed. I just wish we could do more.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 10:26 AM

fine by me, Chris. it would have been a lot harder, beforeee, without all the time and energy you put into the first one. i am also so glad to how much Dan's gift brought to him.

ain't it grand?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 12:44 PM

It certainly is, kat. This here Café never ceases to warm my heart. I am blessed that I wandered in by mistake a dozen years or so ago.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 01:50 PM

I sent off a check the other day- and just now I realized I should have asked to whom to write it. I wrote it to you, Maggie, but...?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 03:25 PM

SRS: yes I am a Mudcat member, name Mary Katherine, I should be able to get PMs. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: dick.hamlet
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 08:34 PM

I'm in for $100. We need a clear post (or PMs) on where to
send a check and who to make it out to.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ron Davies
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 08:40 PM

I'm in for $50, and I echo Dick Hamlet's request--we need specifics on checks.

Ron

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 10:45 PM

Unless SRS posts otherwise on this thread, pm her directly regarding how to contribute via paypal or personal check. It is not appropriate or safe to post that information on the public forum and an awful lot of work for her to be responsible for culling the thread to initiate new pm's to folks wanting to contribute.

Thanks, Maggie, for taking this on. Having coordinated a few similar projects myself I well appreciate what a commitment of time and energy is required. Let me know if I can help with coordination, though experience says with these wonderful Mudcat projects that many hands contributing even a few dollars each, (10 people contributing $5.00 each is $50.00!!!!) and only one hand coordinating makes for much lighter and efficient work and over-all success for such lovely projects.

fwiw, and probably not much, check to see if Inspiron processors are now upgradable, should the need arrive. They didn't used to be.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Mar 13 - 11:21 PM

How about if we toss in a 1TB external drive? That way his stuff doesn't go kaput if the computer fails.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 12:00 AM

I came in this evening to find several messages and remarks in this thread about donations. Great - it is moving along! And I am sure a Tyrannosaurus hard drive would be welcome (but what a terri-byte!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 01:54 AM

When the soot and smoke of my apartment house fire drove me from my home last November, I salvaged the external hard drive.

I feel very fortunate. I plugged it in and voila! there were all my files, documents and settings. It was well worth the hundred bucks.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 04:42 AM

WD (Western Digital) Passport portable external is highly spoken of here. If Art's files are of the size they might be, a 2TB might be well worth consideration. Here, WAY OUT in the boonies of the Frozen White North Woods, 1TB $90, 2TB $150.

Dunno what I am talking about so those who do should speak to this... I had a thread on portables a short time ago and much help was offered.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 09:29 AM

Art's on wifi, no? Well, in either case the external HD could be plugged into a router and used separate from the computer.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 09:41 AM

I don't know if he has a router to plug into - I suspect the WiFi is generalized for the entire facility. There are 1 - 3T drives on sale regularly these days. Memory is cheap. :)

I've sent a report to Joe Offer to keep him abreast of how our project is going. I've seen some PayPal activity and I'll get to the post office tomorrow and see if any checks have arrived. This is moving along. It's good to see how we can work together to make something important happen for one of our most valued members!

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Mar 13 - 11:37 PM

PMs are rolling in, and I expect to find several checks at the post office next week. We should be able to do some serious shopping pretty soon.

Anyone want to offer links to interesting machines? We're looking at laptops with touch monitors, and I'd like to see what is the largest monitor we can manage. As Art's mobility decreases a large monitor with the browser size adjusted for what he can reach will give him connectivity for some time to come.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Mar 13 - 09:32 AM

Mebbe one of these as well. (I done been checking on computer stuff fer folks with problems like Art's.)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Mar 13 - 09:39 AM

And one of these, so he can work in bed when he wants to (several companies make them).

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 30 Mar 13 - 10:09 AM

Good finds, Rap.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Mar 13 - 11:35 AM

that lapdog is neat for anyone! tks, Rap.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Mar 13 - 05:17 PM

I didn't get my check in the mail in time for it to be picked up today, but It will go out on Monday.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: GUEST,Autoharper
Date: 31 Mar 13 - 03:19 PM

Please repost the mailing address where one can mail their check, as well as the PayPal address.

-Adam Miller

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 13 - 05:20 PM

Rather than post personal addresses here, Stilly will send the information to Mudcat members via PM upon request. It seems that members of the Facebook Mudcat page can request the information there, also. Does that help, Guest, Autoharper?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Mar 13 - 09:11 PM

Autoharper, the Troll has shown us all the risk of posting personal information on threads, no matter well-intentioned we are. If you you're a member, log on. If you're not, email me at my work address, that the troll has already sussed out. dwyer at uta dot edu . I'll reply via a personal address and give you the particulars.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: BK Lick
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 12:09 AM

Here are two lists of those who have said they want to be counted in.
The first group have specified dollar amounts, the second have not.

  BK Lick         $100
  dick.hamlet     $100
  Ebbie           $50
  Janie           $50
  Joe Offer       $100
  Mary Katherine  $50
  Ron Davies      $50
  
  catspaw49
  ChanteyLass
  deepdoc1
  GUEST,SINS (Mary)
  kendall
  maeve
  ranger1
  Rapparee
  RoyH
  Sandra in Sydney
  wordfella
  

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: BK Lick
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 12:13 AM

Five months ago I wrote to Chris, saying that I believed an iPad Mini
would be the best way to get Art back online and that I would like to
facilitate a fund-raiser on Mudcat to make that happen. After some back
and forth Chris decided that he'd rather not ask the Mudcat community
for help if he didn't have to and Dan (olddude) had offered to provide
a refurbished laptop which he thought might be more familiar to Art
and therefore easier for him than having to learn a new system.

For the last three years I've been volunteering at a nursing home and
assisting a resident with his computer usage as his physical facility has
been declining. We quickly switched from his desktop PC to a MacBook
laptop which was a huge improvement for him.

For the last year he's been using an iPad very successfully. Like Art, he
is wheelchair bound and for some months has been allowed out of bed
only for a few hours each day because of a slow-to-heal pressure sore.
The iPad has been a lifesaver -- he's watched more than a hundred
Netflix movies streamed over wifi, the built-in Mail app and Safari
browser are easy for him to use, and there's even an (inexplicably free)
Dragon Dictation app which works beautifully.

I recommend the iPad Mini because it weighs half as much as the full
size iPad, would be much easier for Art to handle, and costs $329
compared to $499. It has voice recognition equivalent to Dragon
Dictation built-in -- there's a microphone icon on the keyboard which
can be used in any application where text is to be typed.

I recognize my view will be unpopular in this forum -- you all are
thinking about large touch-screen laptops and 2TB hard drives -- but
I think I'd be remiss not to give my opinion. I do believe I know what I'm
talking about, based on my experience assisting my resident. An iPad
Mini will do everything Art wants to do, and is small and light enough
to be held in one hand.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 01:41 AM

Autoharper is indeed a member and a very good musician. (Hi, Adam! I've met you in Juneau a couple of times.)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 02:06 AM

BK, I was initially asking about devices including the pad or tablet, but after talking to Art and Chris, it sounds like he needs the higher level of functionality of a computer, and the touch screen is to compensate for loss of motor skills due to multiple sclerosis. Chris thinks a pad would just confuse Art, and when I asked Art if he'd seen one, he sounded disinterested in something so newfangled. He's working with someone on a book and using discs - something the pads aren't equipped to work with or to burn, as far as I know. It's a matter of getting all of the functionality we can in a device he can handle. I'm glad to read your thoughts and to know that you have had Art in mind.

I'm not going to post a list of the donations from people because they vary widely and not everyone is able to give as much as they would like, but they're giving something. A couple of days ago I sent the list to Joe, and I'll keep both Joe and Kat in the picture so there is accountability. So far the amount that has actually reached me is $175. I didn't name an amount for myself because in the tidying of things I'll probably pay the tax or something like that. I don't know how much it will come to.

Ebbie, your envelope arrived in Saturday's mail. Thank you! Three donations have arrived via PayPal and their senders know they arrived.

Thanks, all!

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 11:10 AM

It dawns on me that there is a compromise in the tablet/laptop debate. I'll see how many of these laptops come apart to have a tablet and keyboard. That might just be a feature of tablets, coming with keyboards, but if it doesn't add too much to the cost, a larger version of separate parts might be the best of both worlds.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 05:58 PM

Sorry to come on the scene late. Have you considered anything like the Acer 15.6" touch screen laptop?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Acer+-+15.6%22+Touch-Screen+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive/8794056.p?id=1218895847432&skuId=8794056#tab=specifications

I've had good experience w/ my earlier model Acer. This one weighs only 5 1/2 pounds & is an inch thick--easy to handle or hide. It is touch screen & has CD/DVD drive. Sounds like you already have enough money to buy it. If not, I'll be happy to contribute. PM me.

I would suggest using the free version of AVG Antivirus & adding (also free) MalwareBytes, rather than using any paid antivirus programs. Both are easy to get off the Internet.

Best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: bbc
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 06:00 PM

Sorry about that! Previous message was from me. I didn't realize Mudcat had thrown me off, till I tried to trace the thread & discovered I couldn't.

bbc

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: bbc
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 06:04 PM

I think April Fools Day is affecting me. Let's try that link again!

Acer Laptop at Best Buy

Sorry about that!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 06:08 PM

It srtikes me that we're going abou this bass ackward. Has anyone asked Art what he wishes to do with the computer?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 07:03 PM

if you read the whole thread, he and his son both do, Dick:-)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Apr 13 - 08:26 PM

Yes, I spoke to Art and then I spoke to Chris. That's why we've narrowed the search to a touch-screen laptop. Thanks for the link to Acer. My first laptop (many years ago) was an Acer and it was a workhorse that got me through graduate school.

My report on talking to Art.

Here is my discussion with Chris, Art's son.

A message from Art's son, Chris, who logs on as Elijah Browning.

Chris thinks that working on this scholarly project (a writer from Idaho is working with Art, via Skype and email, on a book of Art's song lyrics) is energizing his dad. And right there, if we can keep the interesting work accessible and keep Art contributing the music he loves via a piece of equipment, that can be our biggest motivation on making this choice.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 02:46 AM

this thread has doubled while I was away at our National Folk Festival. Hooray.

money sent

sandra

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 10:18 PM

I'm on the lookout for useful reviews.

Walt Mossburg published a review of the Dell XPS, which is a laptop that can act like a tablet. A thick tablet, but a tablet. It tries to be two things, and is both an expensive laptop and a bulky tablet. But it can do both and it isn't a bad computer.

Its strongest point is the screen, which is especially bright, crisp and very responsive to the touch. It has a sturdy body, partly made of carbon fiber. It was able to run everything I threw at it, handily and speedily. This included not only Microsoft programs, like the latest version of Microsoft Office, but traditional desktop programs from competitors, such as Adobe Reader, Google's Chrome and Apple's iTunes.

On the Start Screen, it ran tablet-type, full-screen apps like Twitter, Kindle, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Dell has cut way back on the amount of craplets—unwanted software or trials and come-ons—it preloads on this machine.

But it starts around $1200, so I think the flip functionality burdens this device with a higher price tag than necessary to meet Art's needs. The 15R and 15Z look like they'd offer value for the price and a larger monitor as well. (I hope this link goes to the Dell touch laptop page)

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 02 Apr 13 - 10:33 PM

"It was able to run everything I threw at it, handily and speedily."

I can't imagine anyone else that could do a better job at this than SRS! You have really thrown yourself into this, lass. He is lucky, as are those of us who care are appreciative for and of your effotrs.

Thanks SRS.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 12:24 AM

Thanks, Gary. I see a couple of new PayPal deposits. I've sent PMs to the senders to acknowledge them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 12:41 AM

Since the issue of clumsiness/lack of dexterity has been mentioned, I strongly recommend a toughbook of some sort, rather than a standard laptop. All it takes is one drop to the floor and the group is back to fundraising.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: BK Lick
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 12:56 AM

From this c/net article:

Acer president Jim Wong said touch-screen laptops will eventually dominate the PC market, although he also warned that Windows 8 may take a while to win over computer users.
[...]
In October of 2010, Steve Jobs said that Apple had done "tons of user testing on this, and it turns out it doesn't work. Touch surfaces don't want to be vertical," referring to touch on laptops. And so far that philosophy appears to be intact at Apple, none of whose computer products -- as opposed to its iPhones, iPads and iPods -- feature touch screens.

Wong also had a lot to say about Windows 8, starting with the fact that it isn't likely to be an immediate hit.

Windows 8 is a "new system that consumers must learn and the learning process will prevent the operating system from taking off quickly," he said. Wong, however, argued that criticism of the touch interface has been unfair.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 11:26 AM

I suspect they err on the side of not moving it if there isn't strength to lift it. Chris, do you think there is a chance this will be dropped, or has Art accustomed himself to deliberate moves to avoid this?

I'll look at more product reviews and compare some this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: maeve
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 11:45 AM

I've sent my gift, SRS. Thank you for your efforts. Thanks also to those who have posted helpful suggestions and some productive, thoughtful questions.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Apr 13 - 12:27 PM

Got it!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 12:52 AM

Here, in no particular order, and not organized, but I'll add hyperlinks, is information I pulled from NewEgg, Acer, and HP this evening:

Devices to look at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230959

ASUS VivoBook S500CA-DS51T (UltraBook) 679.99

This has a solid state disk for programs/and a regular drive for data. No DVD
3 USB - 2x USB 2 and 1 USB 3
Webcam
15.6" touchscreen (1366 x 768
Intel Core i5 3317U(1.70GHz)
6GB Memory 500GB HDD
Intel HD Graphics 4000
1366 x 768
Windows 8 64-Bit
LAN and WLAN (wireless)
4.6 pounds


Intuitive touchscreen built for incredible Windows 8 experience
Premium brushed metallic texture with Chiclet keyboard offering high durability and

elegant look
ASUS SonicMaster technology, delivering surprisingly full sound from built-in speakers.
2-second Instant On resume time from hibernate mode
Worry free auto back up when battery life falls below 5%
32GB x 3years free ASUS cloud storage (valued at $49.99)
1 year Accidental Damage Protection with 30 days Zero Bright Dot Guarantee

Cloud storage (or use the 1TB hard drive

**Need to add a DVD burner - external

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230770

ASUS VivoBook S400CA-DH51T 14" Touchscreen Ultrabook

Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz
4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD + 24GB SSD
1366 x 768, Intel HD Graphics 4000

Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz
Screen 14" (1366 x 768)
Memory Size 4GB DDR3
Hard Disk 500GB HDD + 24GB SSD


Communication Gigabit LAN and WLAN
Dimensions 13.3" x 9.4" x 0.7"-0.8"
Weight 4 lbs.

USB 2 x USB 2.0; 1 x USB 3.0
Video Port 1 x VGA
1 x HDMI
Audio Ports 1 x Headphone-out & Audio-in Combo Jack

Card Reader SD only
Webcam 0.3 Mega Pixel web camera (Fixed type) (typo? 1.3mp?)


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314034

Acer Aspire V5-531P-4129 Notebook Intel Pentium 987(1.5GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory (bbc sent a link to this model)

500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel HD Graphics    $549.99

4GB Memory 500GB HDD
Intel HD Graphics
Touchscreen (15.6") 1366 x 768
Windows 8
8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive

LAN - 10/100/1000Mbps
WLAN - 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN
Bluetooth - Bluetooth 4.0+HS
1.3 Megapixel HD Webcam (1280 x 1024)

Has DVD drive
5.51 pounds

Limited Warranty period (parts): 1 year
Limited Warranty period (labor): 1 year

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model-datasheet/NX.M2HAA.009

Acer M5-581T-6405                   $599.99
dual core

15.6" monitor (1366 x 768)

Windows 8 - 64-bit version - 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3337U processor (1.8GHz/2.7GHz w/ Turbo Boost) - 6GB DDR3 memory - 500GB hard drive - 20GB solid state drive - 15.6" HD widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit display (1366 x 768) - Intel® HD Graphics 4000 - Mobile Intel® HM77 Express - DVD±RW DL - stereo speakers - Dolby Home Theater® v4 audio - webcam - multi-gesture touchpad - Wi-Fi - Bluetooth® 4.0 - HDMI® - USB 3.0 - card reader - 8-hour battery - 1-year limited warranty

Hard Drive Capacity         500 GB
Hard Drive Interface         Serial ATA
Hard Drive RPM         5400
Solid State Drive Capacity         20 GB
Optical Drive Type         DVD-Writer
Optical Media Supported         DVD-RAM/±R/±RW

5.7lb

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834312457

lenovo IdeaPad U310 (59365302) 13.3" Touchscreen Ultrabook $649.99

Intel Core i5 3337U(1.80GHz)
4GB Memory 500GB HDD
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Touchscreen 13.3" 1366 x 768
Windows 8

LAN and WLAN (802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN)
Bluetooth
Dimensions - 13.1" x 8.9" x 0.71"
Weight - 3.7 lbs

2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
HDMI   1 x HDMI

webcam

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834256844

HP Pavilion 15-b150us TouchSmart Sleekbook AMD A-Series A8-4555M(1.60GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 750GB HDD 5400rpm AMD Radeon HD 7600G $749.99

6GB Memory 750GB HDD
AMD Radeon HD 7600G
Touchscreen (1366 x 768)
Windows 8

Communication LAN and WLAN
Dimensions 15.19" x 10.2" x 0.95"-0.97"
Weight 5.6 lbs.

LAN 10/100Mbps
WLAN 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN

USB 1 x USB 2.0; 2 x USB 3.0
1 x HDMI
Audio Ports 1 x Headphone-out/microphone-in combo jack


Card Reader Multi-format digital media card reader for Secure Digital cards and Multimedia cards
Webcam HP TrueVision HD Webcam with integrated digital microphone

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Build your own HP Pavilion TouchSmart 15Z-b000 starts at $649.99 (with a few additions - $790)

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Laptops/HP-Pavilion/C7F18AV?HP-Pavilion-TouchSmart-15z-b000-Sleekbook

+$70 for Win8 pro
+$20 750GB 7200rpm drive
+$50 for SuperMulti DVD/ burner
Comes with 802.11/b/g/n WLAN - $15 more for bluetooth

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 12:58 AM

All but the last one would need some modification - the upgrade to Windows8 Pro, and some the external DVD burner. I have built machines at both Dell and HP, and I'll look around to see if others do it. I didn't take time this evening, and now I'm headed to bed. But this should provide food for thought.

Though I think there is at least one smaller monitor (14") here, these are mostly based on the lower-end price of the larger (15") monitors. There are 17" monitors but they are several hundred $ more expensive. 15" is pretty good, so I am not planning to look for larger sizes unless some great sale (that doesn't fall in the "too good to be true" category) comes along.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 09:26 PM

I second gnu's comments, Maggie. Awesome work you are doing.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 09:53 PM

If it was necessary to decide right now, what would the top three picks be, what do they cost, and how close are we to being able to purchase what is needed in terms of what has been donated and received thus far?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 04 Apr 13 - 10:09 PM

I hope my check has arrived. Like so many others, I wish I could do more.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 12:06 AM

Sorting through various messages, emails, I can't connect up a moniker with one check. (Too many conversations.) PM if you have an account to logon. Gerald in Australia, your check is here.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 12:42 AM

A little more poking around tonight.

If we look around without the touchscreen option, I find a 17" monitors for the price of the 15" touchscreen.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-17r-5721/pd?oc=fncwv08h&model_id=inspiron-17r-5721

Dell Inspiron 17R. A couple of reviews talk about the fans being noisy. I don't think I've ever had a Dell that didn't have a noisy fan. (reg $788, on sale for $649)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Touchscreen Toshiba Satellite U845T - S4155, pre-built

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?poid=2000053277

Toshiba doesn't have the easiest site to navigate, but they do have some customizable computers and some touchscreens. I am wrapping up my research for this evening, but I'll look later to see if they have a touchscreen that is customizable. I see a fair number of Toshibas around campus where I work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 05:44 AM

I abhor noisy fans. The fan in my HP laptop is quite quiet and it still bugs me. Perhaps it is "psychosomatic" in a way... I remember the days when a noisy fan in a desktop meant new fan RFN! I had a custom built PC for which I kept a spare fan on hand.

Re the laptop, my 17" HP has only 3 USB ports. I find the keyboard and touchpad very awkward so two of those port are taken up by a wireless mouse and a keyboard when it sits on my desk. I suppose I could get used to the touchpad but I hate the keyboard and it's proximity to the touchpad means *I* have to keep the touchpad turned off while I type (carpel and cubital (spg?) tunnels, me).

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 09:45 AM

Get yourself a USB hub and put the keyboard and number pad on that. They don't need the highest level USB to work.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: autoharper
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 03:25 PM

If one of you would be kind enough to send me the PayPal address or snail mail address where I can make a donation, I would appreciate it.
-Adam Miller

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: gnu
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 07:40 PM

SRS... some days, it's a good day to get outta bed on acconta ya learn sommat. USB hub.... thanks!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 07:42 PM

My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite, Maggie - a hand-me-down from my sister when it was about a year old. I've had it about 6 years now and because it is old it is slow but continues to be very reliable. I also only use it when I'm traveling or when I need to work from home because I can't access my work remote desktop from a Mac system.

Toshiba laptop reliability ratings with Consumer Reports were quite high for several years, but last I checked, had dropped considerably.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Apr 13 - 11:31 PM

gnu, get one that has a power source, it will run more devices. And you don't need to pay a small fortune, I'd guess $15 to $20 will get you a good one.

Janie, thanks for the Toshiba thoughts.

autoharper, email sent. Do you want me to remove your email address from the thread?

I have some paperwork to do here, and I'll post more later this evening. A couple of more PMs to send for checks received.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 12:43 AM

Just looked at the most recent reliability ratings from Consumer Eeports. If I interpret them correctly, there is now such diversity in hardware within brands that the Consumer Reports survey was not designed to capture that the reliability ratings are not useful in anticipating the reliability of specific models and hardware driven features among brands.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 12:45 AM

Comparing computer prices and availability at Staples

http://www.staples.com/Acer-Aspire-V5-571P-6464-156-Touch-Screen-Laptop/product_130417

Acer Aspire V5-571P-6464 15.6" Touch Screen Laptop   $699.99 (on sale 599.99)

(Acer info: http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NX.M49AA.027 and
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model-datasheet/NX.M49AA.027)

3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i3-3217U 1.8GHz 3MB L3 Cache Processor
4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz Installed Memory
500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
15.6" HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit Display
Windows 8 64-bit

1 x HDMI with HDCP Support, 1 x LAN/VGA combo, 1 x Headphone/Speaker/Line-out Jack, 1 x Microphone-in Jack, 1 x DC-in Jack for AC Adapter, 1 x Kensington Lock Slot

1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
Laptop Network Card        802.11b/g/n
Laptop Optical Drive        8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
Laptop Webcam        1.3 Megapixel HD Webcam (1280 x 1024)
Laptop Hard Drive Speed        5400RPM


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.staples.com/Acer-Aspire-V5-571P-6407-156-Touch-Screen-Laptop/product_130416

Acer Aspire V5-571P-6407 15.6" Touch Screen Laptop $729.99 (on sale $599.99)

3rd Generation Intel® Core™ 1.9GHz 3MB L3 i3-3227U Cache Processor
6144MB DDR3 Dual-Channel Memory
500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
15.6" HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit Display
Windows 8 64-bit
Laptop Hard Drive Type        5400RPM

1 x HDMI Port with HDCP Support, 1 x LAN/VGA combo port, 1 x Headphone/Speaker/Line-out Jack, 1 x Microphone-in Jack, 1 x DC-in Jack for AC Adapter, 1 x Kensington Lock Slot
Laptop Network Card        802.11b/g/n
Laptop Optical Drive        8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive

These computers are on sale, the original price is the Acer price, but they would need the Win8 Pro upgrade, and the cheapest price for that is $139 plus tax and shipping from NewEgg for an OEM edition. The sale price is a wash if the manufacturer of the computer will upgrade for $80 and offer free shipping.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 12:50 PM

Donations received as of last night are just over $700. I think the devices that meet the basic specs may run as high as $850, quite lower if I find a sale, but free shipping on a custom item might trump a retail sale that needs an OS upgrade.

I've let everyone know if their donation arrived. If you sent something and haven't heard from me, send a PM.

I don't want this to go on for too long or to overshoot the goal. We want this computer to be as close as possible to the footprint that Art needs so Chris doesn't have to spend much time in tweaking it into accessible conformity. I've sent an email to Chris with a few fine-tuning questions. I hope we'll announce a decision very soon.

Apologies if I'm repeating myself. Redundancy seems to help if newcomers to the thread are skimming the early posts.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 01:57 PM

Hoping more donations come in, SRS, but if not and you need to raise a bit more I can dig a little deeper if 8 or so others who have also already donated can come up with just a bit more. Would be a shame to not be able to get what is really needed for want of $200.

Also, people may not realize that $2.00 or $5.00 from enough people adds up, and there may be folks who would like to donate who might feel embarrassed to contribute because they have only a very little they can spare, and think it would be insignificant.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 02:54 PM

We've had a range of donations from people, 15 so far. Ah ha! One more has arrived via PayPal.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Janie
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 04:58 PM

Money "in hand" is all that can be counted on. If you have "pledged" but haven't yet ponied up, please do so ASAP or let Maggie know that you won't be able to do so equally ASAP via pm so that she knows where she stands and can contact those of us who might need to sweeten the kitty a bit more and tell us by how much.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: BK Lick
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 10:10 PM

By my count, 20 folks have posted in this thread that they intend to contribute something.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Apr 13 - 10:57 PM

BK, I'm not counting heads on the thread - sometimes things happen and pledges don't go through. And I received cash from people who didn't say anything in the thread. We can use cheerleaders here.

We're close to finishing, and I didn't get to the post office today. I'll check in the morning and see if anything else came in.

Thanks everyone! It has only been a couple of weeks but I think we'll be able to finish this soon. Today I worked in the yard and forgot to come in to call Chris before it got too late. I'll try tomorrow. I do have to mow the back half of the back yard and dig the other half of the garden, so Chris, if you read this, I carry my phone in a pocket when I'm working. You can call me if there is a time that is convenient for you.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 01:52 AM

What Janie said. I too can dig a bit deeper.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 02:04 AM

I sent a couple of PMs to people who contacted me early when this started. I suspect they didn't expect fund raising to move so fast. We are very close.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 12:07 PM

Another county heard from. . .

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: kendall
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 01:53 PM

I mailed my contribution this morning.
I had an Acer; noisy and troublesome.(Like my ex wife)

Now have a ASUS, much better. (Like my present wife)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-24March2013-help buy new one?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 13 - 11:21 PM

Well, folks, we are there. Kendall and Spaw put us over the top!

Thanks, Kendall and Spaw! And Kendall, when did you have that Acer? I had one in the late 1990s and it was a champ.

I spoke with Chris this evening and will read a few more reviews before the final choice (so Kendall, please do tell me when you had that Acer, because there are a couple in the running!) I've ruled out the HP, because their touch screen that allows for customization needs an external DVD player. Chris agrees that while using the external 1 Terabyte HD (that Rap intends to send) is one thing, but anything else dangling off of it might just be too much stuff, or might be misplaced.

I have Chris's information for shipping, email, phone, etc. and I'll copy him on any of the orders and tracking and such.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 01:31 AM

Wonderful!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 05:15 AM

YAH!!!!!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Janie
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 06:37 AM

Hurray!!!!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 07:21 AM

Three cheers!

And three more for SRS!!!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: GUEST,SINS
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 09:40 AM

Thank you for organizing this, SRS. Well done.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 11:43 AM

I've moved the checks and paypal donations received so far into one place and will apply it to a credit card to use for the purchase. If there is extra, that goes to Mudcat. If possible I'll post reports along the way. I've honed this down to a few, and I'll take one last look at reviews.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 02:16 PM

Adding my voice to the chorus of THANKS.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 02:19 PM

Don't know why the thread was closed? We're not finished here yet. It might as well be the place where the announcement of what machine is purchased is made.

I'm going through the suggested machines and companies - so far I've tracked down specs for Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo, they each have their own little twist on what is offered. Some have larger screens, others have some solid state drives or cache to speed things up considerably. WiFi only on some, WiFi, ethernet and bluetooth on others.

More work is needed on this, but I have other things to do also, so I'll get back to the specs again this evening.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 04:12 PM

Not windows 8! OMG

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 04:14 PM

SRS, you have done a great job of making this thing go; thank you so much.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 04:47 PM

I know, Kendall, I wouldn't have it on any of my machines. But Chris thinks it'll work for Art. I'm a power user and don't want the nonsense in there that has more to do with tablets and portable devices.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: bbc
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 06:39 PM

From what I hear, Win8 is intended for touch screen use, so it may be great for Art. I just hope the learning curve isn't too steep. My son offered me a free copy (legit), but, since I didn't have touch screen, I didn't see the use. I was just getting set-up on Win7. Thanks so much for this labor of love, Maggie!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 07:07 PM

I'm looking at the options that will make his use of this computer easy and noticeably better that other machines - why have a new one if it doesn't have great new bells and whistles? Speed is moot on some things - he doesn't use software that will care if his hard drive works at 5400rpm or 7200rmp, and the processor speed isn't noticeable between 2.4 and 2.5gig. But add solid state and you're getting somewhere - so the questions I'm answering have to do with what gets exchanged. It looks like an external DVD player is in play still, though I thought I'd ruled it out. I'd use an external player if I could have a computer that is just on and ready to go when you push the start button (solid state for the OS means they are a lot faster).

This is a learning process for anyone who is interested: the thread will be here and might be up to date for a month or two if someone else decides to shop for a laptop. I'll share my findings and reasoning when choices have to be made. I'm still asking question - I emailed Chris - he says WiFi alone is fine (not all of the devices have a data port). I suspect he'll be getting a few more of those kinds of questions from me as I work.

Every time I start on a new company's offerings I find reasons to fall in love with their machines - and then I find something that isn't quite in the perfect profile. These present choices, they aren't really problems. Getting a WiFi only machine might open the way for solid state, etc.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 07:25 PM

I have and Acer Aspire One that's three or four years old and it works great (Windows XP). We just bought another one for my wife (Windows 7) and she really likes it. They can get a little (and just a little) warm on the bottom but unless it's used on top of a radiator I don't think it's enough to do any damage.

No, they're not particularly noisy. The wifi works fine.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 07:30 PM

As for WIN8... easily circumvented if ya know how. Took me WAY to long to learn the "fix" but I am using it now in regular WIN desktop mode which is about 99.99% of the time. The rest of the time, I am switching from the WIN8 startup screen to my desktop. Consider it an "option" to be played with at will... at the click of a mouse.

In "regular mode" I can do many more things than I could with Vista. I will not detail the features. Suffice it to say that the upgrade is fine as soon as you learn how to disable it at will, return to the regular desktop and STILL enjoy the upgrade... or go back to the WIN8 startup screen IF you care for more abuse.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Janie
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 08:37 PM

Wonderful work you have done, and continue to do on Art's behalf, SRS.   Educating the rest of us (not just you, but the experiences of others sharing here) will also help the rest of us out as we have occasion to contemplate new purchases and upgrads for ourselves.

Well Done!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 09:17 PM

Last summer my son shopped around for a small laptop with a solid state drive. I was the one taking him to various places to look and we discussed how he would use it. Later he put a solid state drive in his desktop computer and reinstalled his OS and programs onto the new smaller solid state drive with the data all stored on the standard hard drive. This speeds up the computer.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 09:57 PM

Well done, Mudcat, and well done, SRS!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: GUEST,Joe at the Women's Center
Date: 08 Apr 13 - 10:53 PM

I wouldn't worry about Windows 8. If Art doesn't like the new stuff, [Windowskey-D] will take him to a Desktop that works remarkably like Windows 98, XP, ME, Vista, and 7.

But Win 8 has great Solitaire and Mah Jong.

I'm imagining Art will mostly use a browser. All he has to do is click the icon for whichever browser he chooses to use, and he's back just like he used to be.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 12:27 AM

Yippee! Such good news!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 13 - 10:36 AM

I've heard about the Win8 emulator to look like other desktops - and know that it was designed for touch screens and portable devices - so I think we can have the best of both worlds here.

I'm thinking about external DVD drives. Does anyone have one that they recommend? I'm finding that some can be used with operating systems up to Win7 but don't mention Win8. Usually that isn't a problem - has anyone heard anything about Win8 and how it plays with external devices?

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 01:24 AM

Once the cash from various places all hits the same place this puppy will be ready to order.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 06:07 AM

YAH!

than soon afterwards, Art will be back

sandra

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 06:19 AM

"has anyone heard anything about Win8 and how it plays with external devices?"

Ahhhh, yup. I am surprised you didn't hear me when 9/10 times it didn't see my WD Passport. Even tho it said WIN8, it said that on a sticker and not on the box. I returned it thinking I could wait until WD sells on that says WIN8 right on the box instead of on a sticker. And, yes, I did check all three USBs and updated the driver (all were latest verion) and the devices were working properly and I disabled them all and rebooted and plugged and unplugged and swore profusely and loudly. And, late last week I went back to the store to check on them. I noticed something odd. Every box had a sticker but the stickers were not in the exact same place. Obviously, a human attached the stickers BUT - when and where? Until I see it printed on the box, I ain't spendin any coin.

I have also just discovered that when I plug a 3.5 to RCA jack into it I can watch ONE You Tube video with audio. Before I can get audio again, I have to remove it and plug it back in, sometimes several times. I have learn that if I plug it in slowly and kinda tease it (I am gettin aroused) before it's all the way in I can get it to see the device on the first or second try. Hmmm... I am gonna try headphones. Be right back.... cuppa tea first.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 07:00 AM

I finally got it understand I wanted speakers as the default. Set the default, clicked apply, okay. Watched a vid. Next vid, no souund. Back to manage devices. Reset the default and apply was not available. Clicked okay. It seems to be working. We'll see what happens next time I use the TV and then try to switch back to speakers to watch The Cleverlys on the big screen.

Have I mentioned The Cleverlys on other threads?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 07:11 AM

Sorry for all the typos but I am only on my fourth cup of tea.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 12:52 PM

Thanks for your remarks, gnu! I'll make sure any external devices are marked to fit.

We've had an infusion of extra cash - I'm going to revisit the devices and larger touch screens and see where we can apply this with the most effect for Art.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 03:38 PM

SRS, you are a Champion! Thanks for all of al your hard work. I remember how mudh we both put into the last one and that was nothing, 'course it was a "secret," so we coudn't get as much inpo, but Chris ws in on it. Still he was busy with family, then, too. Anyway, THANKS!!

luvkat

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: BK Lick
Date: 10 Apr 13 - 06:18 PM

A c/net article reviewing these seven soon-to-be-released laptops or desktop/tablet hybrids:

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S
Price: $799 Availability: June 2013

Next-gen Macs
Price: $999 and up Availability: TBD

HP Elitebook Revolve
Price: Unknown Availability: TBD

Razer Edge
Price: $999(starting) Availability: Late March/early April

Dell XPS 18
Price: $899(starting) Availability: April 16th

Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon 27
Price: $999(starting) Availability: June

Intel Haswell CPUs
Price: Varies Availability: June (rumored)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 01:09 AM

I've added a Sony to the list (it has everything!).

Finding the touch versions in the sea of laptops takes a lot of sorting through the offerings.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 05:55 AM

WTF? Lost a long post and could NOT get it back. Recapped it and posted it and the page refreshed and it's not here??? How appropriate! Here is the recap...

Oh sweet Jaysus! That WHOLE post is gone forever? I got back to the page and it's just gone. Screw all the stuff I said about my hour messing with the broken auto update in WIN8... I am sure they will fix it. Odd that FIXit is not supported by my present operating system!!!!

Re "We've had an infusion of extra cash - I'm going to revisit the devices and larger touch screens and see where we can apply this with the most effect for Art.", I am SOOOO happy to hear that. The $ donated is to get Art the best he can have. Get it. Get more than he needs. He's worth it.

I have thoughts about the external hard drive. Perhaps it could be sourced locally by Chris so that if MY problems happen with Art's LT, it can be easily returned for a refund until the manufacturers catch up to WIN8? And, mine did work but I had to plug it in over and over until my LT saw it. I think (?) the problems will get fixed by update... but that's a guess, at best.

NOW... I shall copy the above before I submit message. Sometimes I forget and fate fucks me over.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 05:58 AM

It's there. I can see it.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 11:43 AM

The goal, when I stand beside myself and look at the process, seems to manifest in a search for an all-in-one that Art can use on his lap. There isn't such a thing. :) All-in-one computers that sit on desk tops and take up more space than a laptop and aren't portable have the larger screens, well over 20". The largest touch screen laptop that I can find right now is the 15.6" variety.

Here are the basic specs on the machine that comes out on top when comparing all of the various features we've identified for Art:

Sony
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666519995#specifications

VAIO T Series Touch Ultrabook ($949.99)
Model number: SVT15112CXS
15.5" full HD touch display
Dual Core 1.80GHz
Optical drive: CD/DVD player/burner
Win8 / 64 Bit
24GB Solid state drive (This means it starts in seconds)
Ethernet/WiFi/Bluetooth (he can use a data cord or WiFi)
Screen size 15.5" (1920 x 1080)
Webcam 1.3MP
USB 3.0: 1 (charge) does this mean it charges via this port? Must check.
USB 2.0: 2
Storage Type : Serial ATA Hybrid
Storage Capacity : 750GB + 24GB Hybrid4
Storage Technology : 5400rpm Hybrid
5.2 pounds
Free shipping

In this search I've found some other very good machines out there with slightly different mixes of components. I'll save those to post later so I don't confuse people too much. Unless someone has something really damning to say about this machine and/or Sony (customer service, reliability, etc.) I think we've found The One.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Elijah Browning
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 02:23 PM

This looks wonderful! I'm going to be saying "thank you" about a million more times. Windows 8 shortcuts are really going to work well. Essentially what I was doing by creating an html page with shortcuts that opened out of the Start Up folder. There will be hurdles as with any new system, but I really think this will work well for what Dad needs to do.

Thank you!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 04:23 PM

SRS, as I read the info on the computer, I think the "charge" feature on the one USB port, means that it will charge cell phones and Walkmans and the like, while the computer is turned off. All USB ports will charge things when the computer is turned on.
And as I told you privately, my Sony Vaio was the best computer I ever had.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 13 - 09:56 PM

Here is a review in PC Magazine, it gets an editor rating of "Excellent."

I'm not worried about the touchpad remarks because Chris is going to disable the touchpad if a mouse is in use, and Art prefers the mouse.

The similar products it compares to are all devices I found on my own and ruled out for small reasons, basically that some part of the formula was missing, the DVD drive wasn't there or the screen was a little smaller, etc.

I'm shopping vendors right now, though it will probably come directly from Sony.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 05:32 AM

Touch pad. I taped an old plastic card (credit card size) to the laptop so I can flip it over to access the touch pad. This almost ensures I don't turn it on by mistake. Yes, it is easy to do... I would be typing away, concentrating on the keyboard with a peaked cap on, look up to proof read and wonder how the heck I got to... where the heck am I? It is not foolproof (go ahead). Maybe I should patent my invention?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: bbc
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 08:48 AM

Sounds good, Maggie! ARe you ok for funds?

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 09:23 AM

SRS, thanks for all this good work - I note the price above (which does/does not factor in taxes and shipping costs?)is more than earlier guesstimates - let me know if I can send along another check or if there is already sufficient in the Mudkitty.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 10:31 AM

Like I said, we had a late infusion of cash and I think we're perfectly positioned for this.

I've shopped a lot of different online sources - it looks like Best Buy is the lowest price, and there is a Best Buy near Chris. We've exchanged email about peripherals - Art is set for a mouse, he doesn't need a case - and I think the easiest and fastest way to get this to Chris for the finishing touches (functionality for Art) is to pay for it and have him pick it up at a store near him, so we may be finished with this tonight or tomorrow!!!

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 07:24 PM

Great job, SRS!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: bbc
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 08:16 PM

Sounds good! If you're going with Best Buy, might as well get a Reward Zone card; they're free & will give you a point for every dollar spent & a $5 review for every 250 points (My son works at a Best Buy).

Best Buy Rewards

Thanks again, Maggie!

Best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: bbc
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 08:17 PM

Sigh! That should read $5 reward, instead of review. Brain misfunctions more & more as I age!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 10:19 PM

bbc, read it as reward! lol!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Janie
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 10:25 PM

Three cheers (even four!) for SRS!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Apr 13 - 11:48 PM

All has been launched - the email saying to pick it up hadn't gone out by 10pm, but tomorrow Chris should be able to pick it up and start customizing for Art. Any time now we could be hearing from Art himself.

:)

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Apr 13 - 05:28 PM

We're in limbo - to make this go fast I ordered it online for store pickup on Art's end. Best Buy is taking a long time to verify the order - I checked with VISA, they're fine with it. Perhaps because I have never ordered online from Best Buy they are taking their time.

Once it is picked up Chris still needs time to do some work - take out some of the nonsense programs that the Sony folks add to the machine and to set up Art's software. He also sets it so if the mouse is in use the touchpad is disabled.

This is probably the last update until we're to a point where Chris can take it over to Art. I don't want the old "watched pot" syndrome to kick in.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 Apr 13 - 10:50 PM

Thank you, SRS. You took on the job and got it done.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 12:57 AM

I'll second that

now you can get back to your normal life & we can all wait patiently while Chris does his substantial bit (thanks, Chris) & Art gets back.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 04:45 AM

I am sure the kettle will whistle in in due time. Again, bravo SRS!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 05:02 AM

In my experience, Sony doesn't add much in the way of "nonsense programs" (bloatware) to their computers. Of all the Windows computers, I think Sony computers are some of the best.

Don't ask me about HP. I sold all my HP stock, and for good reason - but then it went up 50 percent in value, after years of stagnation....

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 11:28 AM

I sent this note to Joe just a few minutes ago - his polite inquiry about finally ordering this thing may be occurring to others as well:

Joe - I did order it! Online from Best Buy on Friday, with it set for Chris to pick it up in his town. Alas, it seemed to hang in their system. I cancelled the online order that still was at the "order received" stage 36 hours later (there are processing stages and it is supposed to send you an email to pick it up 30 minutes later) and will try going to the store and paying and filling in the order to have Chris pick it up. We had hoped he could pick it up Friday evening. Multiple calls to Best Buy assures me that the processing of the online order is out of the hands of the customer service folks. I'll be posting an account of this today, but I did say in the thread that I've ordered it, I just haven't given a blow-by-blow account of the wait for Best Buy to act.

I am going to give this first attempt a few hours to clear out of their system and this afternoon I'll go over to the store and pay for it so that the transaction goes through at the point of purchase and then have it set for Chris to pick up. And I'll call the store in his area to be sure they see it on their end and will hand it over to him. I think both Chris and I hovered near the computers yesterday, checking for email from Best Buy saying to pick it up, and this morning when I checked in it still showed "order received" and none of the verification and processing stages reached.

That's Plan B. Hopefully that will be sufficient. If not, I'll order it from Sony. A savings of $20 from Best Buy is only good if you can actually get the machine you order!

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 01:19 PM

Plan B has been instituted, but I called the store where it will be picked up instead of going to a store in my town. Waiting to see if this works.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 01:36 PM

The problem with BB could be that they don't have the stock on the shelf and have to order it from Sony. When I deal with Future Shit I can see if it is in stock in their warehouse and in my local store. Does BB have such a feature on their website?

I also find that I can buy inexpensive stuff from FS at VERY good prices but I have to have it shipped and free shipping has a $20 minimum so I keep a list and when it gets above $20, I order. I do not order online. I go to the store, buy a gift card in the amount and have them order it for store delivery. That way, my credit card never sees cyberspace.And, I get to talk to Dave... Dave knows everything and sometimesfinds substitutes cheaper AND suggests other stuff on accounta he asks me what I am doing with my gear and what I would like to do with it. If he isn't in, the two young ladies that fill in are drop dead gorgeous. Of course I would rather deal with Dave but it is some solace.

Yes, I do ramble on at times, don't I? Ya think I didn't notice?

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 02:36 PM

It is on the shelf, in stock in every store I looked at. And (!!!) it went on sale TODAY (so they have to have it in the store)! I just got a call from Minnesota asking if I was aware that a computer was being purchased. . . .geez, guys, the Internet is supposed to be instantaneous. But in this case, they messed up the first sale, I cancelled it, and the order today was for $100 less. That $100 is for Mudcat - truly making this the best buy!

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 03:39 PM

✔ Mission Accomplished!

It is in Chris' court now, and he has a large family and a job so don't expect the same level of chatter that I post around here. Once he's able to fire it up and get things set for Art, then I expect we'll hear something.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: maeve
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 04:01 PM

Thank you so very much for all of your efforts, SRS, and thanks also to those who gave what they could, and to each person who has offered information/suggestions/caveats, etc. Art Thieme is important to quite a few folks here and elsewhere, and I appreciate your care and attention to each element of this gift.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 04:35 PM

Thank you Maggie.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: gnu
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 04:51 PM

Gained $100 due to a mess up? Well there ya go. The Gods (spirits, faeries, circumstance, whatever) have smiled on Mudcat... upon... nah, I won't go there.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline-help buy new one?-WE DID IT!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 07:30 PM

Chris emailed - he has it in his hands.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 10:31 PM

Hooray! I'm sorry you had to go through all that extra aggravation, but I'm glad Mudcat benefitted.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Apr 13 - 11:12 PM

well said, ChantyLass, I'll second it.

sandra

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 13 - 12:37 AM

I'm looking forward to finally hearing from Art!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 13 - 01:28 AM

You got $100 off by waiting until today? Good job, SRS!

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 13 - 09:46 AM

Kind of the reverse - Best Buy lost $100 by putting me off and causing the transaction to be redone 2 days later. The oddest thing about that whole process - I called to ask why the transaction was taking so long and I was assured by the customer service people that they had no control over the financial transaction end of things (that is apparently overseen by humans, it isn't automated.) That tends to fly in the face of typical understanding of what tasks are included under the heading "customer service." YMMV

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: bbc
Date: 15 Apr 13 - 10:38 AM

Well done, Maggie! All's well that ends well!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 15 Apr 13 - 11:27 AM

Loud cheers and many thanks for all your hard work!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 13 - 02:50 PM

as Art says:ONWARD AND UPWARD!!!

GREAT JOB, SRS! Thanks!

kat

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 09:24 AM

I checked with Chris - he is working long days this week so thinks this weekend he may have a chance to start the modifications on the laptop needed before it works well for Art. Would someone who is comfortable with Win8 post the instructions for setting it up so it emulates Win7 as far as the screen look and functionality? Was that you who mentioned it, Joe?

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Apr 13 - 11:26 AM

The cash overage has been transferred via PayPal to Mudcat Cafe Music Foundation.

Rapparee is donating a 1TB external hard drive for regular backup of the new laptop. He'll sort out delivery with the vendor and let Chris know how it will be arriving.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 01:13 PM

I had a note in the mail from Art and Carol Thieme today:

Dear Maggie + All of the Mudcat Involved in This,

With humble gratitude, I once again want to send my sincere thanks for your providing me with a window to the world via the new computer. It has features which ought to make it extraordinarily handicapped accessible. Chris ought to set it up very soon, and I'm truly looking forward to having it.

We are doing pretty well here. I hope you are well there. Once again, thanks.

Art + Carol Thieme

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 07:09 PM

YAH!! a real letter!

Art is (almost) back

sandra (doing her version of the happy dance)

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: gnu
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 07:46 PM

Saints be praised! Saint SRS first.

Sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, SRS, but you deserve it.

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- New Laptop W/ Son for tweaks
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 10:13 PM

Chris tried to post a couple of days ago, but apparently it was one of those messages that didn't stick. He said they were up for a visit and took the computer to Art and Carol - they went out for dinner and introduced them to the computer.

Right now they're working on an issue - it isn't staying logged on to the WiFi. Chris, if you visit here again before you do more troubleshooting with your Dad, you might want to look into one of the intermediate logon software programs. My university and others (i.e., Max's Penn State) use XpressConnect - it works with phones and tablets - see if it, or something like it, would work with the Sony. It saves your logon information and does the connection for you. It would be saved as a desktop icon.

This is one of the systems that will work with remote desktop, so I hope some of the tinkering can be done without needing to drive there.

Anyway, any time now we should see Art back online!

We have ignition!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- The New Laptop Delivered!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 10:28 PM

Here is the list of donors on this project:

maeve
Ebbie
Janie
Sandra in Sydney
deepdoc1
dick.hamlet
Mmario
SINSULL
BK Lick
ChanteyLass
Gerald Myerson
Ronald Davies
Maureen (lurker at Mudcat)
Mary Katherine
Autoharper
CAMSCO Music
Kendall
Catspaw49
Kathy Miner
Joe Offer

Because of the Best Buy cock-up, we realized a considerable savings. You can each calculate that 20% of your donation ended up going to the Mudcat Cafe Music Foundation.

I sent a little bit to round out the donation to Mudcat to an even number. My donation was primarily in research and shopping. And now that I am totally in love with the computer we sent to Art, I have to remind myself that I don't really need a laptop. :)

Art, there are a lot of people who love you and your work. I'd like to share the remarks, but I'll do that in a phone call one of these days.

SRS

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- The New Laptop Delivered!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Apr 13 - 11:28 PM

I had a wonderful talk with katlaughing this evening - our Ringleader in this project. I wanted to share the news that Art has the computer, and they're working on the connectivity issues. She's a huge Art Thieme fan, as am I. It's nice to be able to share good news.

Any time now!

Subject: RE: Art Thieme Offline- The New Laptop Delivered!!
From: BK Lick
Date: 23 Apr 13 - 02:06 AM

Right now they're working on an issue - it isn't staying logged on to the WiFi.

I had a similar issue with the nursing home resident I work with. The IT staff solved it by assigning a permanent network login to the computer's MAC address.