Pnambic

Here's what I do for anyone complaining about a slow laptop. - Uninstall Norton or McAfee anti-virus and replace it with Avira. (https://www.avira.com/en/download/product/avira-free-antivirus) (free) Run a full scan and take whatever corrective action it prescribes. - Install and run spybot (https://www.safer-networking.org/) (free) Immunize and run a full scan and take whatever corrective action it prescribes. - Install and run MalwareBytes (https://www.malwarebytes.com/) (free) MAKE SURE TO GET THE ONE THAT'S SPELLED RIGHT. Take whatever corrective action it prescribes. - Take a close look at everything that's running on my computer. There are probably things running that I don't need or want. If I use Skype once a week, it doesn't need to run ALL THE TIME. - - http://www.howtogeek.com/162446/how-to-manage-startup-applications-in-windows-8/ - - http://www.howtogeek.com/74523/how-to-disable-startup-programs-in-windows/ And lastly, go through the Add/Remove Programs list and see what's in there that I don't recognize. Things get installed sometimes when you're not paying attention (Java is bad about doing that on upgrades...). Uninstall any programs you don't recognize. Then see how things run. 9 times out of 10, this improves performance by a very noticeable amount. You have a couple weeks to try these steps and see how things go before plunking down the dough on a new laptop. Maybe this fixes your old one well enough to let you put that money into other Black Friday purchases.

Or you could buy a different Black Friday laptop deal (not a doorbuster) for about the same money or probably a little less than that Mac and enjoy the same 5 - 8 years. Windows laptops aren't simply prone to dying earlier than Macs because they're not Macs. They use the same processors, the same video cards, the same RAM, the same hard drives (or at least they can if you shop smartly). It's user behavior that kills Windows machines prematurely. Be a smart computer user and enjoy your toys for a longer period of time. I'm "that guy" who friends and family come to for computer help. Macs are great machines. They're like Porsches. Very high-quality components, therefore very reliable and give top notch performance. But they cost more because they have more expensive components, don't have the same economies of scale and they've created an image that some people are willing to pay extra to be associated with. They're a status symbol. And maintenance is more expensive as replacement parts are not as prevalent and also high quality. Windows computers are like GM vehicles. Some GM vehicles are cheap and not terribly great cars (think Chevy Spark, Cruze), but they get the basic job done. Some are solid vehicles that cost 70% of the Porsche but may perform 95% as well and maybe even handle specialized tasks that the Porsche can't (Chevy Camaro, GMC Sierra, Buick Enclave). And some are high quality that perform on par with the Porsche for a similar price and maybe even less (Corvette, CTS-V). Same with Toyota, they have some quality entry models in Scion and Corolla, Camry, etc, really solid offerings in the Lexus brand and cars that will run right along side the Porsche in the F series. Honda has a wider selection in the entry level with Civic and Accord and a slew of other little SUVs and stuff, the Acura brand in the mid range and the flagship NSX. There are even brands that only make machines even better than Porsche - think McLaren, Bugatti. The same is true with computers if you know where to look. Porsche simply doesn't offer entry level cars and Apple doesn't offer entry level computers. But you can still wreck a Porsche and poor user behavior can still mess up a Mac. =================================================== You just have to know what you're looking for. Generally speaking, on any given day, I can spec you a Windows machine with the same or better hardware than a Mac for less money than the Mac. But if you have money to spend, and you want a status symbol, then both the Porsche and the Mac are fine choices. Also, Mac's OS is different than Windows and if you're used to Windows, it's up to you how long it will take to get comfortable with the new system. Some people adapt easily. Others never do. =================================================== Looking at Mac spec sheets are always a good place to start looking if you want to know what to look for in a Windows machine.

Unless you live in GA....where the first snowfall might only happen once every couple years....

I freely admit that when I want something that I think Best Buy carries, I drive right past the Walmart and down another couple blocks to the Best Buy because they are so much easier to deal with when it comes to price matching.

Hmm... If they released them before, then we'd at least have something to read while waiting in line to vote.

My work laptop, a mid-range Lenovo, doesn't have a DVD drive. It has bugged me a couple times, but I've gotten around it. External USB DVD drives can be found for about $20 if you're patient, or $30 all day long, but they're not as convenient for sure.

Each year, we see a couple at the low end, door busters if you will, a couple at the high end for those shoppers with money to spend and higher standards and then a majority of the deals in the middle. - In 2013, the low end was $100, the middle was $210 - $230 and the high end was $270 - $300. Roughly 75% of the deals fell in those three buckets, 50% in the middle. - In 2014, the low end was $100, the middle was $170 - $200 and the high end was $240 - $250. Roughly 85% of the deals fell in those three buckets, 50% in the middle. - In 2015, the low end was $80, the middle was $170 - $200 and the high end was $220 - $230. Roughly 60% of the deals fell in those three buckets, 40% in the middle. http://i1089.photobucket.com/albums/i353/pnambic/32%20Chart_zpsxa7rynyr.png So, my predictions? The prices will probably be very similar to 2015, but we'll see more features (like Roku and other smart features). - Probably low end of $80 again, middle from $170 - $180 and a high end around $200 - $220. You probably won't find 4K on 32" TV's as you'd need to be about 2 ft or closer in order to see the difference. Hard to sell that even in the aisles in the store. In my mind, it's not worth it on anything but computer monitors, but certainly not worth it on smaller TV's. You might try checking avsforums to see about maybe tweaking your TV's color, contrast, sharpness and other settings for both your existing TV's as well as any you purchase in the future. They're pretty good about posting optimal settings for tons of TV's. A generation ago, they were making TV's with built in VCR's. And then TV's with built in DVD players. Generally, they weren't the better examples of either technology. But today, built in Roku and Netflix and Amazon Prime etc, are basically just apps, and they can even be updated. These really are added value for most people...IF you're going to use it. I know a lot of people who have just shown zero interest in streaming media. If you're not interested in using it, why pay for it? But if you are interested in using it, they are nice features to have.

I love the "Most Interesting Man" theme too. Perhaps a couple different shirts with different quotes on the front. And all of them have the same back with BriBri's "I don't always shop on Black Friday. But when I do, I use GottaDeal.com." And Brad's mug on there posing like the guy from Dos Equis. We could have people submit their best quotes and vote on them even... - He once got a deal so good, it busted three doors, eight windows and a move. - Doorbusters wait in line to be GottaDealed. - He once got a doorbuster in May. . . .

Tough question. I understand the ones that were catching fire were the cheap ones made in China where they used inferior charge controllers. Trouble is, they generally don't tell you on the box whether they used crappy components or not. Your best bet is to stick with a known brand name and look for product reviews at places like Amazon and NewEgg. Obviously, Segway has a stellar reputation and hard earned I'm sure. But that's likely because they use high-quality components and do lots of quality testing which raises the cost considerably.

Just got giddy....saw Ninja Gaiden and Super C are going to be on the Mini Nintendo! http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/14/12187296/nintendo-nes-classic-edition-announced-price-games WOW, talk about #tbt

Ah, my favorite thread... Cliff's notes: - Priority #1: Look for information on Quantum Dot and learn which manufacturers are doing good stuff there. - Keep a close eye on HDR. Looks like it's at least down to two main players, HDR10 and Dolby Vision. And while I think Dolby Vision is head and shoulders better, it looks like HDR10 has all the momentum at the moment (it's free - no licensing required for one thing). IF you buy a 4K TV, don't buy one without HDR10 support, and get one that supports both if you want to play it safe. And watch out for confusing acronyms and wording intended to make you assume the TV supports something it really doesn't. - Seriously folks, the amount of media out there in 4K in no way supports the notion that you need to upgrade your perfectly fine 1080P HDTV. Remember how everything was going to be in 3D a couple years ago? Yea, didn't happen. Heck, there aren't even any 1080P broadcasts yet and that's been out for what, 10 years now? 4K is 99% gimmick to get you to buy a new television, and if you're going to buy a new television, may as well get one that's "future-proof". Sorry, that's hogwash. - Remember, you'll probably need to move your couch a few feet closer to your television in order to actually see the difference with that new 4K TV when you get it home. (Must read: http://carltonbale.com/1080p-does-matter/) - If you're dead set on getting a 4K TV set, I can't stop you. People waste money on status symbols all the time. I do too. I just won't waste money on THIS status symbol.

Would totally love to see some 3D Printer deals this year!

Unless youre already intimately familiar with the track, I highly suggest buying the track insurance. Just sayin' BTW, my Black Friday Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC2350 (R7500) is still running strong amost 2 months in. Not a single reboot required and speeds/range are much improved. Thanks again for the suggestion.

The craze kinda reminds me of these... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgYzHV7Ftqc (yes, I was a PogoBall....Master) hahaha Lots of bumps and bruises and scrapes with these I'm sure. Though I don't remember any of them catching fire.... What were my parents thinking allowing me to waste money on this crap?

Wow! Big kudos to Amazon for stepping up here.

Every time I look at one of these, I see this: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ES4JylQpqis/S56UxQKXbeI/AAAAAAAAABQ/LkMz3NsS7BI/s400/Hover+Lift+1.jpg ...and I want one.

Don't suppose the vet was running any discounts, eh? Hope the pet is OK.

I get the feeling this thread is only barely staying on the rails. I am exercising extreme restraint here folks....hahaha

It was marked *all the way* down to $99 (from what, $109 I think?) Yea, I'm a sucker. But it looks fun. And it lights up. And reportedly has a working hyperspace drive.

They just look so deceptively simple! And like so much fun! Glad my kids haven't asked for one yet either. But my kids spend so much time running in grass and woods and stuff, I think even they relize these things wouldn't have a chance there.

Good Morning America had a whole segment on it this morning. There are several fires being blamed on them already. I think they're still investigating it though. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/hoverboards-raise-potential-concerns-35505890

Awesome!!!! Congrats you two! And thanks for running such an awesome site Brad.

I type to you now from my new Netgear Nighthawk X4. So far, so good. I haven't had to reconnect once since setting it up. I was reconnecting my laptop a couple dozen times a day with the old WD dual band router.

HAHA! I totally bought this when TRU put it on sale for a while on Saturday for my 13 year old son, but I promise you I'll be logging some time on it. I'll let you know how it is. The reviews I've watched have been favorable for indoor flight at least.