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[annab-recs]

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[laced-in-ink]

Looking for laptop recommendations

So sadly this laptop is on its last leg. the screen is slowly breaking off bit by bit 

So now Im looking for a new one. My folks have offered to get me a new one for Christmas (I think thats too much to ask of them so Im trying to see if they wont maybe go halfsies with me).

anyway, Im looking for something that isnt outrageously expensive. (I believe they gave me a budget of $900 if they are paying full price). My dad actually offered to buy me a macbook air, but i dont have a lot of knowledge there (but i know that his is super nice). I have also looked at lenovo as well. I don’t want another HP honestly. Ive had 3 at this point and each one has fallen apart or fried out. Asus is also out. I had a lemon of an Asus in college and it caused me to lose multiple essays. 

Id prefer something with a good graphics card (for a bit of gaming with steam if possible), and something that won’t crap the bed on me or fall apart a year from now. 

I dont need an optical drive since I really dont use CDs anymore 

suggestions? 

[kriari]

My Favorite Freebies!

LibreOffice  (formerly OpenOffice) I've used OpenOffice at home on and off for several years now, and couldn't be more pleased with it. While it does not perform some of the more advanced functions Microsoft Office supports, the vast majority of users don't need those features anyway. This is a relatively lightweight, well-designed application that will take next to no time to adjust to if you're used to using MS Office products. Celtx In the spirit of StoryBox before the product went pay only, Celtx provides a free suite of tools to all kinds of storytellers. Designed primarily with pre-production and pre-vis in mind, the free edition integrates storyboards and shot blocking natively. The writer's essentials (to include session timers, virtual index cards, and timeline tools) only comes with the pay version, but at $15 it's well worth the expense. Celtx also integrates seamlessly with the cloud, offering a subscription product called CeltxEdge ($9.99/mo) that enables instant collaboration (2 or more people working on the same script at the same time.)

KeePass  There are hundreds of password safe applications out there, but this one can be installed directly on a thumb drive. It uses AES encryption, allows you to generate strong passwords based on either a standard or user-defined algorithm, allows you to group similar passwords together, and creates a secure connection between the safe and your clipboard for easy copy/paste of the complex passwords you've generated. Not only are the password fields encrypted but the entire database. This protects your usernames and any notes you attach to the entry.

Audacity  My very favorite software package for easily recording/manipulating sound. There are tons of bolt-on effects that will allow you to do pretty much anything you need save mixing/mastering a pro-quality album. Perfect for podficcing.

Join.Me  Free online meeting space that is intuitive and easily accessible. Share screen with up to 10 people, send files back and forth, use internet voice services, and chat. You can even view on iOS and Android. Basically GoToMeeting without the fees and extra bells/whistles a home user would probably not use anyway.

AVG  As with the password safe applications, there are several flavors of free AV out there. AVG is my favorite. They have a mobile product too. 

Secunia Personal Software Inspector  Allows you to scan and easily identify security vulnerabilities in non-Microsoft applications. Indispensable.  FoodOnTheTable The last one is a favorite because it not only makes my life easier, but less expensive. Meal-planning and grocery list organization with a twist! Not only does it organize your grocery list by department, but you can set your local grocery stores and the planner will make suggestions based on the sale ads at your local Kroger or Publix, etc. Also accessible via your iOS or Android smartphone. Takes into consideration dietary restrictions and preferences.