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Need a basic business 17" laptop that will work with existing software!

post #1 of 18
2/16/10 at 8:27pm
Thread Starter 
One of our office folks needs a basic 17" laptop (desktop replacement) that will work with Photshop 7, MS Office 2000, and our existing printers, which are all fairly new. XP-Pro would be the OS of choice, but Win 7 would do, I guess in 32 bit mode. I can't find any 17" laptops that don't include Win 7 64-bit, and we don't want to have to replace our office just to make Mr. Gates happy. Our other 4 computers (and our entire office) are happy with XP-Pro.

Any suggestions? Just the basics needed for this unit!
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post #2 of 18
2/16/10 at 9:00pm
You might have to look into refurbished or 2nd hand models if you want to stay with XP.

New models are being delivered with Windows 7 with all needed devices drivers. Just looking for XP devices drivers would ruin your replacement/retrofit units.

cheers ...
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post #3 of 18
2/16/10 at 9:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hiloguy View Post
One of our office folks needs a basic 17" laptop (desktop replacement) that will work with Photshop 7, MS Office 2000, and our existing printers, which are all fairly new. XP-Pro would be the OS of choice, but Win 7 would do, I guess in 32 bit mode. I can't find any 17" laptops that don't include Win 7 64-bit, and we don't want to have to replace our office just to make Mr. Gates happy. Our other 4 computers (and our entire office) are happy with XP-Pro.

Any suggestions? Just the basics needed for this unit!
Well this might work for you- The ASUS K70IC which gives you the option of ordering with XP Pro plus it has a dedicated graphics card which is a bit better for photoshop. Plus, it starts out under $1,000.

Here's the linky:
ASUS K70 IC Link
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post #4 of 18
2/16/10 at 9:07pm
I am not sure if they would install XP for buyers though as the option only states W7 64-bit pre-installed. The rest is just a DVD or CD to be included (?)

I might read it wrong also.

cheers ...
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post #5 of 18
2/16/10 at 9:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by qhn View Post
I am not sure if they would install XP for buyers though as the option only states W7 64-bit pre-installed. The rest is just a DVD or CD to be included (?)

I might read it wrong also.

cheers ...
True qhn, but at least they still offer XP Pro.

Not many places left that are willing to do that, plus for his photoshop requirement the GT 220M is better than the Intel HD4500.

The best suggestion would be to call them up and inquire into this issue.
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post #6 of 18
2/16/10 at 9:31pm
Good point.

If they offer XP then there is a possibility of drivers being available. Call them up as you suggested would be the best bet.

cheers ...
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post #7 of 18
2/16/10 at 9:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by qhn View Post
Good point.

If they offer XP then there is a possibility of drivers being available. Call them up as you suggested would be the best bet.

cheers ...
Wow, you agree with me.

Just teasing of course.

Oh and I have to help a fellow Hawaiian out.
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post #8 of 18
2/16/10 at 10:25pm
Thread Starter 
OK, but what but what about Adobe Photoshop 7, Office 2000 and all the other programs we're running on that machine that we'd sure like to keep the way they are. I looked up the compatibility of some of these and all seem to require at least some expensive upgrades to run in Win 7, and then they will ony run in 32-bit mode. Seems most new laptops are shipping with 64-bit, which I guess is nice if you're a gamer, but this is for basic chores in a publishing company office.
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post #9 of 18
2/16/10 at 10:29pm
Well, 32-bit will run on 64-bit systems. The trick is the proper drivers and while systems nowadays have 4GB of RAM, 32-bit systems will only recognize 3.2GB of that RAM. It doesn't mean that the whole 4GB isn't there it's just a limitation of 32-bit systems.
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post #10 of 18
2/17/10 at 12:55am
Thread Starter 
OK. Good plan to call about the laptops that at least come with the XP disc, since one would assume (not always a safe thing to do) that the drivers are available to make it fly. According to the MS compatibility reports, Niether Photoshop 7 nor Office 2000 will run under W-7. Does that suck, or what? I recently converted a new Dell XPS M1530 to XP-Pro (available only with Vista) and I love it! It's so sad that when MS finally came up with an OS that was a good, stable platform for business use, that to keep feeding that insatiable greed they have to drop it and force everyone to spend tons of money on unneeded "upgrades."
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post #11 of 18
2/17/10 at 1:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hiloguy View Post
OK. Good plan to call about the laptops that at least come with the XP disc, since one would assume (not always a safe thing to do) that the drivers are available to make it fly. According to the MS compatibility reports, Niether Photoshop 7 nor Office 2000 will run under W-7. Does that suck, or what? I recently converted a new Dell XPS M1530 to XP-Pro (available only with Vista) and I love it! It's so sad that when MS finally came up with an OS that was a good, stable platform for business use, that to keep feeding that insatiable greed they have to drop it and force everyone to spend tons of money on unneeded "upgrades."
My ex loves her XPS m1530. It was one of the best computer choices I've ever made (we still get along well ) and hence my choice for an upgrade with the XPS 16.
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post #12 of 18
2/17/10 at 5:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mb67 View Post
Wow, you agree with me.

Just teasing of course.

Oh and I have to help a fellow Hawaiian out.
Should I be arguing with someone who is right? A good point is a good point, no but and or ...

cheers ...
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post #13 of 18
2/17/10 at 6:40am
While you already have received good advice and the question was answered I would just like to drive one point home. Just because Asus will not pre install XP for you. The fact they offer means it is supported and that is what is important. It indicates there are drivers and has been tested.

Yes they will not install? I agree it might cause concern. But from everything Asus does it is clear to keep that assembly line moving which results in lower cost for us the consumer. They tend to in your case make you do some of the work or number two charge insane prices for upgrades. The best example is CPU's.

Asus uses a reseller business model vs say DeLL's. Many good resellers. Call one and just confirm any issue and support. NewEgg has great prices and special models but the other smaller resellers offer better support. They might even make arrangements to do the install for you. But I do not see that being necessary. I don't see as it sounds like you are already in a multi system environment so you already have the knowledge or have tech support?

Completely off your question why is a 17" needed? In a business environment at some point external monitors and docking stations become the answer? Example my brother has the company notebook but the places he will be he has external keyboard and mouse plus monitor. I type and use the touch pad but if it was more than a hobby I would have external. They are just better. Oh and it saves those parts for when you truly need mobility.

Just thoughts and comments.

Are you happy with what was offered? If not there are others that might have compatibility even if not official support.

Should be saved for a different thread. But you are not alone with not wanting to completely change to W7. I was in the hospital when XP was the OS and Vista was about to be released. The hospital was using Windows 2000? So I get your not wanting to give Mr. Gates your money.
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post #14 of 18
2/17/10 at 4:40pm
Thread Starter 
Hey Powerpack! Great idea that I hadn't even considered. The person who wants this 17" laptop wants a laptop for the very rare instances of being able to take it home, but also wants the big display. So we have this Dell D620 that is not used much that I could dock into a keyboard and a nice 22" display and she'd be good to go. I suggested using a smaller laptop alongside a big display (that's what I'm using -- a Dell XPS M1530 with a 22" display dual-setup) and I love it, but she was adamant about not having two displays to "complicate her life." So great idea, and thank you! I'll go find a docking station on eBay!
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post #15 of 18
2/17/10 at 11:59pm
Happy I could help! Sorry NBF we lost another sale?
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post #16 of 18
2/18/10 at 5:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpack View Post
Happy I could help! Sorry NBF we lost another sale?
We sell nothing here powerpack other than the ability to help members in deciding what they want to buy or install with informative discussions.

Do refrain from taking side swap, would you?

cheers ...
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post #17 of 18
2/18/10 at 5:37am
Not meant as a side swipe. Just in general cheeky so to say. I know we do not sell anything here at NBF. That was half the joke. I guess I am less funny than I think?

Edit: But very nice to see you qhn! I left a mess in DRT I could not sweep up. About to get some sleep before work. Have a great day if I can't post before you go to sleep.
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post #18 of 18
2/18/10 at 6:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpack View Post
Not meant as a side swipe. Just in general cheeky so to say. I know we do not sell anything here at NBF. That was half the joke. I guess I am less funny than I think?

Edit: But very nice to see you qhn! I left a mess in DRT I could not sweep up. About to get some sleep before work. Have a great day if I can't post before you go to sleep.
You need to give peoples time to get used to your cheeky-ness first to prevent misunderstanding

Bucket and broom are always with me for sweeping/cleaning And have a good rest.
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