XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

I think the hardware ng's are very quiet, so I'll ask the people who
have them.

I need a new laptop and I'm torn between those whose cases look like
thin plastic colorful clamshells, and those, if they still sell them,
with square corners that look like the plastic is thick and can't be
broken.

Have I explained the problem?

My last two or three had and have what seem almost like armored cases**.
That's a big exaggeration**, but the woman at the hamfest who sold me
one did say, after I'd bought it, how strong it was. She must have
known something. **I know they make such things. I don't want a really heavy-duty one.

And the current one, the Acer Aspire E5-573, I've had the bottom off and
it is thick plastic. And indeed my suitcase on two wheels has fallen
over with the laptop bag on top of it, 3 feet to the floor, twice, and
it didn't break either time, and one other time it fell at least 18"
onto a paved parking lot. Screen was never even a trifle damaged. Is
that partly because the case is so thick?

OTOH, maybe the flimsy-looking ones are lighter. I'd like lightweight
but even if they are a full pound lighter, the accessories I must have
weigh 2 or 3 pounds, a mouse, a keyboard, USB speaker, a hub, the power cord/charger, a 15' extension cord for when the cord is not long enough.
So is it good to save a pound on the laptop if accessories are 3 pounds? Normally it just sits on my desk and doesn't move, but if I take a car
trip from Baltimore to Alabama, it should probably come in and out of
the motel every night.

So am I right about the difference in damage resistance, and which kind
do you guys prefer and why?


P.S.
I always buy a car charger too and I've used it when living in the car.
I'll probably never sitout side and run off the battery for more than 6
minutes

(Right now I've been writing to the motel associations to try to find a
search term that means an old-fashioned motel where you park in front of
your room, and not ones with a lobby and an elevator. I dont'think
there is a search term for that which is actually mentioned in motel advertising, and I don't think they'll come up with one in time for me
to benefit.)

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:20:59 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

(Right now I've been writing to the motel associations to try to find a
search term that means an old-fashioned motel where you park in front of
your room, and not ones with a lobby and an elevator. I dont'think
there is a search term for that which is actually mentioned in motel >advertising, and I don't think they'll come up with one in time for me
to benefit.)

Dictionary.com says "The word motel (from a blend of motor and hotel) typically implies a roadside hotel in which the doors of the rooms can be entered from outside. In contrast, hotel rooms are typically entered from inside the building. Motels are often less expensive and have fewer accommodations than hotels."

So it sounds like you'd simply search for a motel, rather than any of the other types of lodging. I use the Hotels.com app, but there are many other options that do the same thing, including showing you some photos so you can see what to
expect.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Tue, 09 Jul 2024 22:54:58 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

On Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:20:59 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

(Right now I've been writing to the motel associations to try to find a >>search term that means an old-fashioned motel where you park in front of >>your room, and not ones with a lobby and an elevator. I dont'think
there is a search term for that which is actually mentioned in motel >>advertising, and I don't think they'll come up with one in time for me
to benefit.)

Dictionary.com says "The word motel (from a blend of motor and hotel) typically
implies a roadside hotel in which the doors of the rooms can be entered from >outside. In contrast, hotel rooms are typically entered from inside the >building. Motels are often less expensive and have fewer accommodations than >hotels."

This is the way I look at it, but I'm pretty sure it didn't work when I
was using google maps searching for motels. It's hard for me to test
right now, but I'm pretty sure I kept coming up with places labeled
motel that required use of the lobby and an interior hall. Maybe a
motel company decided to build a bigger building than it had 50 years
earlier, but kept the name motel.

So it sounds like you'd simply search for a motel, rather than any of the other
types of lodging. I use the Hotels.com app,

Thanks. I will try that one. I really appreciate the suggestion, and
if it works, 4 times as much.

That app gets 4.8 stars on 10 million downloads. Surely there were
others looking for the same thing I am, and it still has a high rating.
A good sign. Okay, I installed it and get this, all the prices are in
British Pounds! I really don't know why; I'm not spoofing my location.

I tend to think of things I left in the car, and go back 3 or 4 times,
plus I don't walk so well anymore, some of the time, so if your idea
helps, it will really help.

but there are many other options
that do the same thing, including showing you some photos so you can see what to
expect.

Sometimes I would go to the place's own website and still couldnt' find
a picture that showed one way or the other.

Another problem I'm reminded now that I might have had is that so many
chains use neither hotel or motel Red Roof Inn, Quality Inn, Holiday
Inn, Hampton Inn.

Super 8 is called Super 8 Motels, but then a lot their places are just
Super 8.

Independents seem more likely to be older and real motels, but they are
also often run-down. That doesn't bother me and it also means I save
money, but for example, I ended up staying in one near Yorktown, Va.,
the Crown Inn Motel, which is labeled 2-star and still only gets 3.3
stars, where a couple reviews said it was scary, the desk clerk was
behind a thick plexiglass wall, and I had to put down an extra $50, I
guess because of the riffraff that stays there and breaks or steals
things, which they did return to me a few days later as promised (but if
they didn't I'm 300 miles away by then).

I was afraid to stay there, insisted on seeing the room first (that he
didnt' want to do and I hadn't asked for since dollar-a-night rooms in
Mexico in the 70's, but like one review says, "a sign with letters 3
inches high is posted saying NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.". Yes,
I did see the sign.), but while looking at the room, I also met a guy
hanging out there who said everything was fine, and it was.

"The owners are rude and shifty people. They insisted I pay for
something that was broken before I arrived. Would not answer the front
desk phone when I tried to report the issue and when I was able to let
them know, they accused me of breaking the item and insisted that I pay
way more the it was worth. Called me a liar and would not listen to
anything I said..."

"There was a roach in the bathroom! "

"Terrible place, the room had roaches coming in the bathroom every night
and they did nothing about it. And the lady owner is rude and racist.
The sheets are never changed and we never got any towels"

But for me the room was fine, no roaches, nothing broken, and I parked
in front of the door!

I'll try to let you know more in Octonber/November if I take that trip
to Alabama.

Thanks again.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 7/9/2024 9:20 PM, micky wrote:

I think the hardware ng's are very quiet, so I'll ask the people who
have them.

I need a new laptop and I'm torn between those whose cases look like
thin plastic colorful clamshells, and those, if they still sell them,
with square corners that look like the plastic is thick and can't be
broken.

$4000 will buy you a "rugged" laptop. $4000 will also buy you 400 hamburgers.

The older laptops were a bit thicker, and then, to give
structural support, the plastic needed to be thicker
so they "wouldn't bend too much". The thick plastic
may not have been entirely a styling feature to
make them rugged.

Modern laptops, the keyboard tray practically "pours"
into the opening. It has no structural strength at all. That
means the PCB plus the base of the unit, provides all
the strength for the thing.

The older displays, need a stiff shell to protect the display glass.
It's possible some of the newer display types, don't need to be
quite as rigid. A sharp pointed object applied to the front
of the display though, is still destructive.

I would continue shopping at the swap meet, because the
cheap dreck for sale today as laptop, won't be the same as
some of the older ones you've been buying. And if you bought
a Panasonic Toughbook, it would cost the earth. You could
buy a used car for that much. One of the problems with buying
the "fancy" "rugged" devices, is they are an immediate theft
target (the distinctive colors of the Toughbook say "steal me").
You could get mugged before you even get the motel
door opened. Whereas a $500 piece of junk, the thief knows
it won't net much at a fence. Barely enough for their
evenings drugs.

The ones coming off lease, are too thin and cheesy looking.
The swap meet ones will be at least five years older than
the current generation of off-lease units. My local computer
store offers off-lease, and the bases on them were all thin
and useless.

Something else you get out of newer kit, is "not enough USB".
It's a styling thing, like "starvation" was a virtue of some sort.
Who needs a computer with one stinkin port and then you need
a wad of wires and plastic boxes to do the fanout and get
some ports ? If the ports are on the machine, you need no dock.

Paul

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:26:50 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Tue, 09 Jul 2024 22:54:58 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

On Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:20:59 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

(Right now I've been writing to the motel associations to try to find a >>>search term that means an old-fashioned motel where you park in front of >>>your room, and not ones with a lobby and an elevator. I dont'think
there is a search term for that which is actually mentioned in motel >>>advertising, and I don't think they'll come up with one in time for me
to benefit.)

Dictionary.com says "The word motel (from a blend of motor and hotel) typically
implies a roadside hotel in which the doors of the rooms can be entered from >>outside. In contrast, hotel rooms are typically entered from inside the >>building. Motels are often less expensive and have fewer accommodations than >>hotels."

This is the way I look at it, but I'm pretty sure it didn't work when I
was using google maps searching for motels. It's hard for me to test
right now, but I'm pretty sure I kept coming up with places labeled
motel that required use of the lobby and an interior hall. Maybe a
motel company decided to build a bigger building than it had 50 years >earlier, but kept the name motel.

I don't think Google maps is adequate for the job of finding motel-style lodging. The various apps, and of course their full website counterparts, are better suited because they give you many options for narrowing your search. I recommend using the apps/websites to find your lodging, but not necessarily to book your lodging. You can usually do better, if price is a big consideration, by calling the place directly, once you've decided where you want to stay.

I'm usually on an expense account, so I don't care about the cost. I figure you don't have that advantage.

So it sounds like you'd simply search for a motel, rather than any of the other
types of lodging. I use the Hotels.com app,

Thanks. I will try that one. I really appreciate the suggestion, and
if it works, 4 times as much.

That app gets 4.8 stars on 10 million downloads. Surely there were
others looking for the same thing I am, and it still has a high rating.
A good sign. Okay, I installed it and get this, all the prices are in >British Pounds! I really don't know why; I'm not spoofing my location.

I can't explain that, but I assume you were able to correct it.

I tend to think of things I left in the car, and go back 3 or 4 times,
plus I don't walk so well anymore, some of the time, so if your idea
helps, it will really help.

but there are many other options
that do the same thing, including showing you some photos so you can see what to
expect.

Sometimes I would go to the place's own website and still couldnt' find
a picture that showed one way or the other.

Don't forget Google Street view, which is built in to Google Maps. You can get a
look from the street, which may or may not help. Google maps also have the satellite view, so you might be able to see cars parked all along the building as an additional clue. Usually the apps/websites have photos of the exterior and
interior, so I'd start there. That's usually all you need.

Another problem I'm reminded now that I might have had is that so many
chains use neither hotel or motel Red Roof Inn, Quality Inn, Holiday
Inn, Hampton Inn.

Yeah, you can't go by the name.

Super 8 is called Super 8 Motels, but then a lot their places are just
Super 8.

Remember when Motel 6 cost $6 a night? Then Super 8 came along, and for just $2 more, they were a significant upgrade from Motel 6. These days, you probably can't even get a bare campsite for that kind of money.

Independents seem more likely to be older and real motels, but they are
also often run-down. That doesn't bother me and it also means I save
money, but for example, I ended up staying in one near Yorktown, Va.,
the Crown Inn Motel, which is labeled 2-star and still only gets 3.3
stars, where a couple reviews said it was scary, the desk clerk was
behind a thick plexiglass wall, and I had to put down an extra $50, I
guess because of the riffraff that stays there and breaks or steals
things, which they did return to me a few days later as promised (but if
they didn't I'm 300 miles away by then).

On a 10-scale, I always limit the search results to 8 and above, and I frequently select a property that's at least 9, so I can't tell you much about the kinds of properties you're looking for. I'm referring to the customer ratings, not the other vague scale that also uses stars.

I was afraid to stay there, insisted on seeing the room first (that he
didnt' want to do and I hadn't asked for since dollar-a-night rooms in
Mexico in the 70's, but like one review says, "a sign with letters 3
inches high is posted saying NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.". Yes,
I did see the sign.), but while looking at the room, I also met a guy
hanging out there who said everything was fine, and it was.

"The owners are rude and shifty people. They insisted I pay for
something that was broken before I arrived. Would not answer the front
desk phone when I tried to report the issue and when I was able to let
them know, they accused me of breaking the item and insisted that I pay
way more the it was worth. Called me a liar and would not listen to
anything I said..."

"There was a roach in the bathroom! "

"Terrible place, the room had roaches coming in the bathroom every night
and they did nothing about it. And the lady owner is rude and racist.
The sheets are never changed and we never got any towels"

But for me the room was fine, no roaches, nothing broken, and I parked
in front of the door!

I don't think I would mind a few roaches. They're annoying, but harmless. I don't like bed bugs at all, however, but you're just as likely to find them in an expensive place versus a cheap place. Bed bugs don't care how much you've paid. They just like to have a snack during the night, and you always know if they've come to visit you. You get a long string of bites, typically on your arm
because everything else was under the blanket, where they bite and sip some blood, move on an inch or so, and do it all again, etc. They're not at all common, but I wanted to mention them for the fun of it. They don't spread disease, so they're mostly harmless, like roaches.

I'll try to let you know more in Octonber/November if I take that trip
to Alabama.

You'll catch the tail end of the hot season, which is also the tail end of the hurricane season.

Thanks again.

Good luck!

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:37:45 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

I don't think Google maps is adequate for the job of finding motel-style >lodging. The various apps, and of course their full website counterparts, are >better suited because they give you many options for narrowing your search. I >recommend using the apps/websites to find your lodging, but not necessarily to >book your lodging. You can usually do better, if price is a big consideration, >by calling the place directly, once you've decided where you want to stay.

For price, do you think it's better to call the place directly than to
walk into their office? There have been times when I've liked the
place and considered, calling from the car in the parking lot. I don't remember if I did or not, but since I can't do a controlled test, I
wouldn't have learned which is better anyhow.

I'm usually on an expense account, so I don't care about the cost. I figure you
don't have that advantage.

So it sounds like you'd simply search for a motel, rather than any of the other
types of lodging. I use the Hotels.com app,

Thanks. I will try that one. I really appreciate the suggestion, and
if it works, 4 times as much.

That app gets 4.8 stars on 10 million downloads. Surely there were
others looking for the same thing I am, and it still has a high rating.
A good sign. Okay, I installed it and get this, all the prices are in >>British Pounds! I really don't know why; I'm not spoofing my location.

I can't explain that, but I assume you were able to correct it.

Yes, It seemed to think I was in the UK!

I tend to think of things I left in the car, and go back 3 or 4 times,
plus I don't walk so well anymore, some of the time, so if your idea
helps, it will really help.

but there are many other options
that do the same thing, including showing you some photos so you can see what to
expect.

Sometimes I would go to the place's own website and still couldnt' find
a picture that showed one way or the other.

Don't forget Google Street view, which is built in to Google Maps. You can get a
look from the street, which may or may not help. Google maps also have the >satellite view, so you might be able to see cars parked all along the building >as an additional clue. Usually the apps/websites have photos of the exterior and
interior, so I'd start there. That's usually all you need.

Good ideas.

Another problem I'm reminded now that I might have had is that so many >>chains use neither hotel or motel Red Roof Inn, Quality Inn, Holiday
Inn, Hampton Inn.

Yeah, you can't go by the name.

Super 8 is called Super 8 Motels, but then a lot their places are just >>Super 8.

Remember when Motel 6 cost $6 a night? Then Super 8 came along, and for just $2

Yes, I do.

more, they were a significant upgrade from Motel 6. These days, you probably >can't even get a bare campsite for that kind of money.

Right. I went camping one time and it was much colder than expected. Altitude, I guess, near Natural Bridge, Virginia. The next night stayed
in a motel for only 2 dollars more.

Independents seem more likely to be older and real motels, but they are >>also often run-down. That doesn't bother me and it also means I save
money, but for example, I ended up staying in one near Yorktown, Va.,
the Crown Inn Motel, which is labeled 2-star and still only gets 3.3
stars, where a couple reviews said it was scary, the desk clerk was
behind a thick plexiglass wall, and I had to put down an extra $50, I
guess because of the riffraff that stays there and breaks or steals
things, which they did return to me a few days later as promised (but if >>they didn't I'm 300 miles away by then).

On a 10-scale, I always limit the search results to 8 and above, and I >frequently select a property that's at least 9, so I can't tell you much about >the kinds of properties you're looking for. I'm referring to the customer >ratings, not the other vague scale that also uses stars.

If I were traveling, I could just keep going, but in the case of
Yorktown, I had just gotten there and was going to do the sight-seeing
the next day. Didn't want to backtrack even 5 miles. I've learned
that restaurants close earlier than motels, but after I eat, I'm even
more impatient to find a motel.

I was afraid to stay there, insisted on seeing the room first (that he >>didnt' want to do and I hadn't asked for since dollar-a-night rooms in >>Mexico in the 70's, but like one review says, "a sign with letters 3
inches high is posted saying NO REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.". Yes,
I did see the sign.), but while looking at the room, I also met a guy >>hanging out there who said everything was fine, and it was.

....

"There was a roach in the bathroom! "

"Terrible place, the room had roaches coming in the bathroom every night >>and they did nothing about it. And the lady owner is rude and racist.
The sheets are never changed and we never got any towels"

But for me the room was fine, no roaches, nothing broken, and I parked
in front of the door!

I don't think I would mind a few roaches. They're annoying, but harmless. I >don't like bed bugs at all, however, but you're just as likely to find them in >an expensive place versus a cheap place. Bed bugs don't care how much you've >paid. They just like to have a snack during the night, and you always know if >they've come to visit you. You get a long string of bites, typically on your arm
because everything else was under the blanket, where they bite and sip some >blood, move on an inch or so, and do it all again, etc. They're not at all >common, but I wanted to mention them for the fun of it. They don't spread >disease, so they're mostly harmless, like roaches.

I've never encourtered a bad bug, or if I have, he found me
undesireable.

I'll try to let you know more in Octonber/November if I take that trip
to Alabama.

You'll catch the tail end of the hot season, which is also the tail end of the >hurricane season.

Maybe I'll make it December then. But that's a bad month because the
days are short. I don't have night-blindness and I can drive at night,
but there is so much less to see**. And some museums close early in
the winter. **When I'm alone I can't manage to stop for dinner until
it's dark or almost dark, 8:30. That's why I'm so tired by the time I
look for a motel.

Thanks again.

Good luck!

TY.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

Just remembered something I something. I was once on a business trip
that lasted several days.
The price was advertised on the digital outdoor sign.

A day later I noticed the price had doubled. Because I had an expense
account, it didn't matter to me but I asked at the desk if my price
went up and they said NO.

An hour later, two bus loads of Japanese tourists showed up. LOL

After they left, the postex price went back down.

I'm sure the bus driver and motel management were in cahoots.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:56:05 +0000, philo@novabbs.com (philo) wrote:

Just remembered something I something. I was once on a business trip
that lasted several days.
The price was advertised on the digital outdoor sign.

A day later I noticed the price had doubled. Because I had an expense >account, it didn't matter to me but I asked at the desk if my price
went up and they said NO.

An hour later, two bus loads of Japanese tourists showed up. LOL

After they left, the postex price went back down.

I'm sure the bus driver and motel management were in cahoots.

LOL. I'm sure you're right.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:58:10 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:37:45 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

I don't think Google maps is adequate for the job of finding motel-style >>lodging. The various apps, and of course their full website counterparts, are >>better suited because they give you many options for narrowing your search. I >>recommend using the apps/websites to find your lodging, but not necessarily to
book your lodging. You can usually do better, if price is a big consideration,
by calling the place directly, once you've decided where you want to stay.

For price, do you think it's better to call the place directly than to
walk into their office? There have been times when I've liked the
place and considered, calling from the car in the parking lot. I don't >remember if I did or not, but since I can't do a controlled test, I
wouldn't have learned which is better anyhow.

I have no personal experience on which to answer your question since I only book
online, but I've had colleagues tell me that calling tends to get the best price. Once you walk in, they might think they already have you and then they'd be less likely to price a room aggressively.

<big snip>

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:21:40 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:02:13 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

On Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:58:10 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:37:45 -0500, Char >>>Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

I don't think Google maps is adequate for the job of finding motel-style >>>>lodging. The various apps, and of course their full website counterparts, are
better suited because they give you many options for narrowing your search. I
recommend using the apps/websites to find your lodging, but not necessarily to
book your lodging. You can usually do better, if price is a big consideration,
by calling the place directly, once you've decided where you want to stay. >>>

For price, do you think it's better to call the place directly than to >>>walk into their office? There have been times when I've liked the
place and considered, calling from the car in the parking lot. I don't >>>remember if I did or not, but since I can't do a controlled test, I >>>wouldn't have learned which is better anyhow.

I have no personal experience on which to answer your question since I only book
online, but I've had colleagues tell me that calling tends to get the best >>price. Once you walk in, they might think they already have you and then they'd
be less likely to price a room aggressively.

That's what I figured too. I'm often too impatient to take the time for
a phone call. From the other pov, there have been times when the desk
clerk eagerly looked for a discount for me, AAA, AARP, other things I
didnt' qualify for. But I think I should call first anyone. Once I did
when I was a mile away and found out they had no empty rooms, so I'll
try to be a good boy and call first.

If you use an app to find a place to sleep, you'll usually know before you call whether they have a room or not. You'll also see check-in/out times, breakfast availability, pool/gym status, bed size and number, travel directions, and more.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)

XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:02:13 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

On Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:58:10 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:37:45 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

I don't think Google maps is adequate for the job of finding motel-style >>>lodging. The various apps, and of course their full website counterparts, are
better suited because they give you many options for narrowing your search. I
recommend using the apps/websites to find your lodging, but not necessarily to
book your lodging. You can usually do better, if price is a big consideration,
by calling the place directly, once you've decided where you want to stay. >>

For price, do you think it's better to call the place directly than to
walk into their office? There have been times when I've liked the
place and considered, calling from the car in the parking lot. I don't >>remember if I did or not, but since I can't do a controlled test, I >>wouldn't have learned which is better anyhow.

I have no personal experience on which to answer your question since I only book
online, but I've had colleagues tell me that calling tends to get the best >price. Once you walk in, they might think they already have you and then they'd
be less likely to price a room aggressively.

That's what I figured too. I'm often too impatient to take the time for
a phone call. From the other pov, there have been times when the desk
clerk eagerly looked for a discount for me, AAA, AARP, other things I
didnt' qualify for. But I think I should call first anyone. Once I did
when I was a mile away and found out they had no empty rooms, so I'll
try to be a good boy and call first.

<big snip>

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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:58:23 -0500, Char
Jackson <none@none.invalid> wrote:

That's what I figured too. I'm often too impatient to take the time for
a phone call. From the other pov, there have been times when the desk >>clerk eagerly looked for a discount for me, AAA, AARP, other things I >>didnt' qualify for. But I think I should call first anyone. Once I did >>when I was a mile away and found out they had no empty rooms, so I'll
try to be a good boy and call first.

If you use an app to find a place to sleep, you'll usually know before you call
whether they have a room or not. You'll also see check-in/out times, breakfast >availability, pool/gym status, bed size and number, travel directions, and more.

Good points

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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:51:35 -0000 (UTC),
Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

I think the hardware ng's are very quiet, so I'll ask the people who
have them.

I need a new laptop and I'm torn between those whose cases look like
thin plastic colorful clamshells, and those, if they still sell them,
with square corners that look like the plastic is thick and can't be
broken.

All plastic can be broken. Just a question of how easily.

Have I explained the problem?

My last two or three had and have what seem almost like armored cases**.
That's a big exaggeration**, but the woman at the hamfest who sold me
one did say, after I'd bought it, how strong it was. She must have
known something. **I know they make such things. I don't want a really
heavy-duty one.

And the current one, the Acer Aspire E5-573, I've had the bottom off and
it is thick plastic. And indeed my suitcase on two wheels has fallen
over with the laptop bag on top of it, 3 feet to the floor, twice, and
it didn't break either time, and one other time it fell at least 18"
onto a paved parking lot. Screen was never even a trifle damaged. Is
that partly because the case is so thick?

OTOH, maybe the flimsy-looking ones are lighter. I'd like lightweight
but even if they are a full pound lighter, the accessories I must have
weigh 2 or 3 pounds, a mouse, a keyboard, USB speaker, a hub, the power
cord/charger, a 15' extension cord for when the cord is not long enough.
So is it good to save a pound on the laptop if accessories are 3 pounds?
Normally it just sits on my desk and doesn't move, but if I take a car
trip from Baltimore to Alabama, it should probably come in and out of
the motel every night.

So am I right about the difference in damage resistance, and which kind
do you guys prefer and why?

I prefer aluminium cased MacBooks which are very robust and light. Not sure >if there's an equivalent PC, but Lenovo had (have?) a good reputation for >well-built machines. Especially the carbon fibre ones.

This is a help.

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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66 design built with magnesium alloy.

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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:28:36 GMT, shemp13@outlook.com wrote:

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66 >design built with magnesium alloy.

Wow. I've seen these at hamfests but hadn't noticed their name.

" include a 14" FHD nit multi touch display, magnesium alloy chassis
with handle, replaceable screen protector, user-removable xPAK's, RAM, keyboard, battery and caged SSD (with heater), reinforced locking port
covers, a 5MP webcam with privacy cover & tetra-array mic infrared with
Windows Hello support. The Panasonic Toughbook 40 also includes an
optional Blu-ray drive with xPAK and optional DVD drive with xPAK."

...caged SSD (with heater). Is that for use at the Actic?

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:38:30 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:28:36 GMT, >shemp13@outlook.com wrote:

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66 >>design built with magnesium alloy.

Wow. I've seen these at hamfests but hadn't noticed their name.

" include a 14" FHD nit multi touch display, magnesium alloy chassis
with handle, replaceable screen protector, user-removable xPAK's, RAM, >keyboard, battery and caged SSD (with heater), reinforced locking port >covers, a 5MP webcam with privacy cover & tetra-array mic infrared with >Windows Hello support. The Panasonic Toughbook 40 also includes an
optional Blu-ray drive with xPAK and optional DVD drive with xPAK."

...caged SSD (with heater). Is that for use at the Actic?

Above from wikip.

But alas, "The TOUGHBOOK 40 laptop is available for purchase late
spring, MSRP starting at $4,899. " So I could buy a cheaper one, break
it, buy another, break it, buy another, break it, buy another, and still
spend less money.

https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toughbook-40

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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 7/13/2024 10:46 AM, micky wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:38:30 -0400, micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:28:36 GMT,
shemp13@outlook.com wrote:

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66 >>> design built with magnesium alloy.

Wow. I've seen these at hamfests but hadn't noticed their name.

" include a 14" FHD nit multi touch display, magnesium alloy chassis
with handle, replaceable screen protector, user-removable xPAK's, RAM,
keyboard, battery and caged SSD (with heater), reinforced locking port
covers, a 5MP webcam with privacy cover & tetra-array mic infrared with
Windows Hello support. The Panasonic Toughbook 40 also includes an
optional Blu-ray drive with xPAK and optional DVD drive with xPAK."

...caged SSD (with heater). Is that for use at the Actic?

Above from wikip.

But alas, "The TOUGHBOOK 40 laptop is available for purchase late
spring, MSRP starting at $4,899. " So I could buy a cheaper one, break
it, buy another, break it, buy another, break it, buy another, and still spend less money.

https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toughbook-40

Even the refurbished ones are $1500 :-) They're not $200 from JoySystems :-)

Paul

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 7/13/2024 3:04 PM, Chris wrote:

Paul <nospam@needed.invalid> wrote:

On 7/13/2024 10:46 AM, micky wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:38:30 -0400, micky
<NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:28:36 GMT,
shemp13@outlook.com wrote:

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66
design built with magnesium alloy.

Wow. I've seen these at hamfests but hadn't noticed their name.

" include a 14" FHD nit multi touch display, magnesium alloy chassis
with handle, replaceable screen protector, user-removable xPAK's, RAM, >>>> keyboard, battery and caged SSD (with heater), reinforced locking port >>>> covers, a 5MP webcam with privacy cover & tetra-array mic infrared with >>>> Windows Hello support. The Panasonic Toughbook 40 also includes an
optional Blu-ray drive with xPAK and optional DVD drive with xPAK."

...caged SSD (with heater). Is that for use at the Actic?

Above from wikip.

But alas, "The TOUGHBOOK 40 laptop is available for purchase late
spring, MSRP starting at $4,899. " So I could buy a cheaper one, break
it, buy another, break it, buy another, break it, buy another, and still >>> spend less money.

https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toughbook-40

Even the refurbished ones are $1500 :-) They're not $200 from JoySystems :-)

Wow even a new mac would be cheaper.

That's what makes it rugged. It's "too expensive to drop on the floor".

Paul

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:51:35 -0000 (UTC),
Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote:

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

I think the hardware ng's are very quiet, so I'll ask the people who
have them.

I need a new laptop and I'm torn between those whose cases look like
thin plastic colorful clamshells, and those, if they still sell them,
with square corners that look like the plastic is thick and can't be
broken.

All plastic can be broken. Just a question of how easily.

Have I explained the problem?

My last two or three had and have what seem almost like armored cases**.
That's a big exaggeration**, but the woman at the hamfest who sold me
one did say, after I'd bought it, how strong it was. She must have
known something. **I know they make such things. I don't want a really
heavy-duty one.

And the current one, the Acer Aspire E5-573, I've had the bottom off and
it is thick plastic. And indeed my suitcase on two wheels has fallen
over with the laptop bag on top of it, 3 feet to the floor, twice, and
it didn't break either time, and one other time it fell at least 18"
onto a paved parking lot. Screen was never even a trifle damaged. Is
that partly because the case is so thick?

OTOH, maybe the flimsy-looking ones are lighter. I'd like lightweight
but even if they are a full pound lighter, the accessories I must have
weigh 2 or 3 pounds, a mouse, a keyboard, USB speaker, a hub, the power
cord/charger, a 15' extension cord for when the cord is not long enough.
So is it good to save a pound on the laptop if accessories are 3 pounds?
Normally it just sits on my desk and doesn't move, but if I take a car
trip from Baltimore to Alabama, it should probably come in and out of
the motel every night.

So am I right about the difference in damage resistance, and which kind
do you guys prefer and why?

I prefer aluminium cased MacBooks which are very robust and light. Not sure >if there's an equivalent PC, but Lenovo had (have?) a good reputation for >well-built machines. Especially the carbon fibre ones.

Yes, Lenovo. I just came across a Lenovo that's labeled a business
laptop with military durability**. That does sound like what I want,
but it doesn't say in the Amazon ad how much it weighs. I wonder why
not since most of them do. Lenovo itself says Available Soon but has
little info and also doesn't say how much it weights. Another page's
"full review" also doesn't have weight. **Probably good search terms.

Putting "weight" in the search terms brought up one of those Google Q&A
and it says 1.85kg. 4.08 pounds, It was extracted from, of all
things, an Indian Amazon ad.

The same or a little more than 3.74 pounds. (Came across at least one touch-screen that was no heavier than others. Shopping is such a pain.
Maybe I'll buy the one with the prettiest picture on the screen.)

It's a trade-off of course. My current Acer is about 5.4 pounds. It's
only when it's in a shoulder bag and I have to walk through a big
airport that it bothers me. I bought at a hamfest a used "suitcase", a
short one on wheels for laptops and I could include a little bit cf
clothee, but it's meant for making work stops, not for traveling

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:29:59 +0100, Chris wrote:

On 15/07/2024 07:51, Paul wrote:

On 7/13/2024 3:04 PM, Chris wrote:

Paul <nospam@needed.invalid> wrote:

On 7/13/2024 10:46 AM, micky wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:38:30 -0400, micky >>>>> <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:28:36 GMT,
shemp13@outlook.com wrote:

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66
design built with magnesium alloy.

Wow. I've seen these at hamfests but hadn't noticed their name.

" include a 14" FHD nit multi touch display, magnesium alloy chassis >>>>>> with handle, replaceable screen protector, user-removable xPAK's, RAM, >>>>>> keyboard, battery and caged SSD (with heater), reinforced locking port >>>>>> covers, a 5MP webcam with privacy cover & tetra-array mic infrared with >>>>>> Windows Hello support. The Panasonic Toughbook 40 also includes an >>>>>> optional Blu-ray drive with xPAK and optional DVD drive with xPAK." >>>>>>
...caged SSD (with heater). Is that for use at the Actic?

Above from wikip.

But alas, "The TOUGHBOOK 40 laptop is available for purchase late
spring, MSRP starting at $4,899. " So I could buy a cheaper one, break >>>>> it, buy another, break it, buy another, break it, buy another, and still >>>>> spend less money.

https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toughbook-40

Even the refurbished ones are $1500 :-) They're not $200 from JoySystems :-)

Wow even a new mac would be cheaper.

That's what makes it rugged. It's "too expensive to drop on the floor".

:)

There's definitely that element.

On the other hand the latest Mac books actually work and are FAST.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-11

On 7/16/2024 6:36 AM, mechanic wrote:

On Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:29:59 +0100, Chris wrote:

On 15/07/2024 07:51, Paul wrote:

On 7/13/2024 3:04 PM, Chris wrote:

Paul <nospam@needed.invalid> wrote:

On 7/13/2024 10:46 AM, micky wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:38:30 -0400, micky >>>>>> <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

In alt.comp.os.windows-10, on Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:28:36 GMT,
shemp13@outlook.com wrote:

Panasonic Toughbook 40 series. Fully rugged all-weather MIL-STD-810H & IP66
design built with magnesium alloy.

Wow. I've seen these at hamfests but hadn't noticed their name. >>>>>>>
" include a 14" FHD nit multi touch display, magnesium alloy chassis >>>>>>> with handle, replaceable screen protector, user-removable xPAK's, RAM, >>>>>>> keyboard, battery and caged SSD (with heater), reinforced locking port >>>>>>> covers, a 5MP webcam with privacy cover & tetra-array mic infrared with >>>>>>> Windows Hello support. The Panasonic Toughbook 40 also includes an >>>>>>> optional Blu-ray drive with xPAK and optional DVD drive with xPAK." >>>>>>>
...caged SSD (with heater). Is that for use at the Actic?

Above from wikip.

But alas, "The TOUGHBOOK 40 laptop is available for purchase late
spring, MSRP starting at $4,899. " So I could buy a cheaper one, break >>>>>> it, buy another, break it, buy another, break it, buy another, and still >>>>>> spend less money.

https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toughbook-40

Even the refurbished ones are $1500 :-) They're not $200 from JoySystems :-)

Wow even a new mac would be cheaper.

That's what makes it rugged. It's "too expensive to drop on the floor".

:)

There's definitely that element.

On the other hand the latest Mac books actually work and are FAST.

There are lots of other factors besides "speed" that
go into a purchase today.

If I had to choose between a laptop with the FASTEST processor...
but only one USB port, versus a laptop with an "adequate" processor
and four USB ports, I want the four port one. Similarly, if it has
expansion capability, that would be a plus. Some of them,
you could replace the slim DVD with a second SSD.

I like my machines to have removable drives. That means
absolutely nothing here has a soldered eMMC in it. My laptop,
you can take out the 2.5" drive and put another in the machine.
There is a plate and two screws, to get in.

Paul

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