Hello!

This is not really a Japanese related question, but as I know that a lot of you are quite knowledgeable when it comes to computers, I thought I should try and ask here.

The thing is the laptop I bought 5 years ago is slowly getting old?
It's been extemely slow lately, halting, freezing.
I completely reformatted it (or whatever the correct term in English would be), but it's still not good at all. In fact, it got worse.
I use Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003. I haven't installed anything that hasn't been on it 5 years ago, apart from applications that just get updated regularly such as Firefox, Anki etc.
Especially when I try to watch movies/dramas with Windows Media Player or Media Player Classic it starts to get stagnant(?) or freezes completely.
If I check the CPU then usually Firefox uses most of it.

Maybe I should also mention that I spilled some green tea over the keyboard in October last year, but apart from the CD/DVD drive that only reads SOME CDs/DVDs now everything seemed to be okay.

I've been using the laptop EVERY SINGLE DAY INTENSIVELY in the last 5 years, so I guess the hardware is getting old?

Anyways, let's move on to my actual question(s):
I'm in Japan and I'd prefer to have a German keyboard and OS, but that's not possible.
At work I work with a Japanese keyboard, so I guess I'm rather used to that than to an English one. I heard you can adjust the keys in Windows to your liking and buy stickers for the keyboard anyway, so maybe that's not really a problem.
What about the OS?

As I don't know much about computers I feel better having an OS in English or German rather than in Japanese.

Don't suggest to buy a Mac, please.
Also, I think a desktop is not a good solution, as I want to be flexible.
I think my chances would be best in Akihabara, but that's not an option either as Tokyo is over 1000km away...

Power outlets are different in Japan, but I bought an adapter, so I can use my laptop here without any problems. Thus, it should work the other way round once back home as well, right?

Any suggestions are highly appreciated!

What's wrong with a mac? Much sturdier, you rarely ever run into all the weird problems you do with a PC like "this program is not responding". However, I also have a PC laptop and I've been having lots of problems too, currently saving up for a mac. I have 3 friends that own macs and they all swear by them, and say they will never return to a PC.

Maybe a big difference in price, but if you buy cheap, you buy twice!

There is no Apple tax anymore, at least not on their consumer machines. I will admit that their displays are old and overpriced though. Apple machines are priced the same or cheaper than similarly equipped Dells etc. I was helping someone look for a computer here in Nagoya a few weeks ago and the Macs were all much cheaper than ANY of the pc laptops that weren't netbooks. I guess the stores I went to stopped selling crapware bargain laptops.

However, Apple does not make netbooks or low end machines so there is no low priced option. You do get what you pay for though.

In the short term, take apart your laptop and clean off the fans and heatsinks.

There really isn't a big difference in price. Macbook Pros, with a full aluminium (indestructible) body and glass screen, backlit keyboard, the largest trackpad of any laptop on the market and excellent specs will cost you exactly what you should expect to pay for it. In fact, it's the cheapest way to get those features. With a student discount it's very reasonable. I spent a long time researching my laptop purchase before eventually buying a Macbook Pro. I was REALLY not keen to buy a mac, having used windows and linux since I was 8 years old, but after scouring the internet for months trying to find what I wanted from a different brand, I had to go with the mac. I've been consistently impressed with the attention to detail of design of both the mac hardware and software. Still, if you don't want to buy a mac, you shouldn't. You really should consider it though, since they are the best machines on the market. It's not true that you don't get software problems, but in general the system design is much more fluent and pleasant to use.

If you want some advice on which specific make and model laptop to get, how about telling us what you want to use it for exactly? Will you be commuting with it every day? What size and weight are you looking for? Do you do any gaming?

One reason why I don't want to get a Mac is that - like I said - I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to computers in general.
Whenever something was wrong or needed to be installed or whatever I have a friend back home in Germany who can help me via "remote maintenance", but that goes only for Windows.
If there's a problem with the Mac, I have to call somebody to come and help me and that will be expensive, right? Right!

Anyways ..

Blahah Wrote:If you want some advice on which specific make and model laptop to get, how about telling us what you want to use it for exactly? Will you be commuting with it every day? What size and weight are you looking for? Do you do any gaming?

Right now I'm using a Toshiba Satellete A series (I think) and I was quite satisfied with it for a long time (acutally I didn't think it would survive so long), but the one thing that always annoyed me was its extremely loud built-in aerator.

Like I said I use my laptop daily.
Mainly using Firefox, Anki, Outlook, Winamp, Windows Media Player (often all at the same time).
I don't really play games, but sometimes (for Japanese practice) I do play Japanese CD-Rom games. That's not so important to me, though.
Important is that I can use many programs at the same time without my computer crashing or getting significantly slow.
I won't commute with it, not as long as I'm still here in Japan, but I might take it to work occasionally (seldom!).
As for size, the screen is a good old 15" and I'd prefer that over the new 15.4" widescreens, but oh well. I'm not sure about having a bigger laptop, but smaller is definitely not an option.
Weight, I'm not really sure, sorry.

I'm not really into any brands, so I'm okay with any brand, I guess.

I think W-Lan, DVD/CD burner, built-in card readers are something most laptops have nowadays anyways?

Your friend can use iChat or any number of other screen-sharing programs and screen share your mac and completely control it. I've done it to my Mom's computer multiple times.

Honestly, if you're "not computer savvy" buying a Japanese laptop with a Japanese version of Microsoft Windows is the last thing you want to do. Compatibility issues can't be solved by your friend's remote maintenance and you're not going to find a laptop with an American or German version of Windows on it here. Seriously. Why do you even think this is a good idea?

Buy a Mac and if you have a problem, learn to ***** Google it.

Chochajin, can you give me a price range you're willing to spend within and I'll give you some options.

Edit: for those citing language issues, tt's worth pointing out that you don't have to buy in a store, you can easily buy online and you can also change the language of your OS after installation, so language issues really aren't relevant.

Blahah Wrote:the largest trackpad of any laptop on the market

Wow, that's an exciting feature.
I happen to have a MacBook Pro and I hate the trackpad. No right-mouse button (and don't give me the "just click with two fingers" schpiel), the surface is really uncomfortable on my fingertips, and whereas I could lightly tap a normal touchpad to perform a click, I have to actually depress the one on the mac. I've resorted to using an external mouse, which sort of defeats the purpose of having a laptop.
I far prefer the small unimpressive touchpad on my Fujitsu, which is about 60% smaller.

[/rant]

chochajin Wrote:As I don't know much about computers I feel better having an OS in English or German rather than in Japanese.

It costs a bit extra but from Vista onward, you can get a language pack to have the OS work in either of those languages. The Ultimate versions include all of the available language packs.
Once you switch the language over, everything except for the login screen will be in the language of your choice.

Did MS change Windows 7 so that the regional differences (I'm not talking about language, I'm talking about how you can't install or run certain programs in certain regions due to OS differences that can't be changed) are no longer an issue?

Sure, you can install language packs (make sure you buy the correct version of Windows, because language packs are only supported on the higher-end (more expensive) versions, as far as I'm aware) and get your English menus, but if that German program you really like doesn't work on Japanese Windows 7, you're out of luck.

OS X doesn't have these issues and languages can be switched instantly, for free, the first time you start up and any time after that.

Macs have built in support for remote admin via vnc, which has clients for pretty much every platform.

I actually guessed that you have a Toshiba, they are extremely unreliable and have had fan problems for years. A thorough cleaning should fix it up for awhile.

FutureBlues Wrote:Your friend can use iChat or any number of other screen-sharing programs and screen share your mac and completely control it. I've done it to my Mom's computer multiple times.

He's using something similar and it works well

Quote:Buy a Mac and if you have a problem, learn to ***** Google it.

Calm down (o_o')>
I usually google first and most of the time am able to fix the problem myself, but there are times when I try and try but can't get things to work and that's when I need help.

Blahah Wrote:Chochajin, can you give me a price range you're willing to spend within and I'll give you some options.

Buying a new laptop was not part of the plan, so I cannot afford something extremely expensive. On the other hand, the laptop is one of the few things that I use every single day, so it only makes sense to spend some money, right?
I'm not exactly sure where my limit is, but I think more than 1000$ and I'd freak out.
I also need to buy some other things (new external drive and stuff) and I just bought an expensive DSLR, so .... yeah.

Blahah Wrote:Edit: for those citing language issues, tt's worth pointing out that you don't have to buy in a store, you can easily buy online and you can also change the language of your OS after installation, so language issues really aren't relevant.

Actually I prefer buying online. I usually buy all electronic stuff online anyways

Jarvik7 Wrote:I actually guessed that you have a Toshiba, they are extremely unreliable and have had fan problems for years. A thorough cleaning should fix it up for awhile.

Actually I got it fixed/cleaned for over 100$ (no warranty anymore) before I came to Japan (over 2 years ago). It's been better since then, but not really perfect.
Apart from that I haven't had any issues with Toshiba unitl ... NOW!

Is there a way I can find out if the "main applications" and programs I usually use are availalbe for Mac, as well?
e.g.: Firefox, Photoshop, Anki etc.
Does Mac offer something similar to Outlook?

GAH! Don't drag me to the dark side, pls! XD

honestly, if all you are using constantly is Firefox, anki, Windows Media Player (might I humbly suggest VLC media player) then you aren't really going to have to look hard when it comes to buying laptops. A laptop that cost around $600 will be sufficient and more than sufficient to do all these things. Photoshop might make you consider buying some extra RAM (just get like 3 or 4 Gigs of RAM and you'll be set for a long long time). You said you don't play games so there's no need for graphics acceleration or anything like that (unless you want to watch Blu-ray DVD or something, but you just mentioned DVD so I am assuming Bluray isn't necessary for your needs).

basically, ignore the people telling you to get a mac and just buy a middle ranged PC laptop. Get one that is built well and that will last you a while, but it shouldn't be too hard to find that at most electronic stores.

bizarrojosh Wrote:honestly, if all you are using constantly is Firefox, anki, Windows Media Player (might I humbly suggest VLC media player) then you aren't really going to have to look hard when it comes to buying laptops.

(O____O'') ........ actually I think I'm running too many programs at the same time but you make it sound like it's not a big deal, well maybe it's not, but it's definitely too much for my old laptop atm XDDDD

I'm already browsing through Japanese websites as I intend to order online.
My friend suggested 4GB RAM, and for CPU type NO Celeron or AMD, but I should look for a Intel Core 2 Duo or Core Duo or i7 or i5.
As for brands he suggested: Fujitsu, Acer, Sony or HP

And that's what I'm currently looking for.
My preferences are just that it shouldn't smaller than 15" and not a too thick notebook. Other than that I don't care that much.

I'm not sure if I should look for a notebook without an OS and buy one separately?
The Home Edition of Windows 7 doesn't allow you to switch between OS languages, right? Only the "Ultimate" version allows you to do so?!

chochajin Wrote:Actually I got it fixed/cleaned for over 100$ (no warranty anymore) before I came to Japan (over 2 years ago). It's been better since then, but not really perfect.
Apart from that I haven't had any issues with Toshiba unitl ... NOW!

I guess what Jarvik7 means is that you better buy air-duster and clean the fan yourself.
I also have Toshiba notebook and use air-duster on it at least every 6 month. Else it becomes hot, slow and noisy.

[Katsuo]

Well, if you are used to Windows and have a computer expert friend who can remotely fix most of your Windows problems, then those are strong arguments to remain with that OS. Apple has a very helpful and extensive support & discussions site, but getting advice isn't as good as somebody actually fixing the problems for you.

Macs are good for people living abroad though. As someone mentioned above, OS language switching is built-in, simple, takes a few seconds and can be done anytime. Windows comes in different versions (home, ultimate, etc), but there is only one version of OSX, so that's simpler too.

I usually buy Apple products refurbished from the Apple Store; they are indistinguishable from "new" ones and you save a bit of money. E.g. at the moment they have MacBooks from 74,800 yen.

Most common software used on Windows is also available for Mac, but it would cost plenty to buy a new copy of Photoshop.

Don't buy HP laptops, trust me!
I've had two of them, and they suck really bad!
The first one, heat problem, motherboard is in coma, apparently a bad batch, since I heard and read a lot of the same problem on internet forums with the same model.
The second one, screen problem, had to send it to fix, spent time and money on this piece of crap that is all "wavie" because of the heat on the plastic, like when paper gets wet, you know?

The good thing? While I was having problem with them, I used my Macbook (that I never actually stopped using). The only problem I've ever had with it was a dead battery that they replaced for free because it was from a bad batch (and I live in Brazil! We don't even have official Apple Stores!).

My recommendation: Get a Macbook (maybe Pro if you have what it takes), and if you do not have a desktop (or other laptop) with Windows (sometimes, you'll need it), you can have both Mac and Windows on the same machine and same hard drive easily using the BootCamp that already comes with these new Macbooks.

That's only my opinion, BTW

@JimmySeal: I have an '07 or '08 (not too sure) Macbook purchased in Japan and I have both light tap to click and one finger right click. I just had to check it off it in the System Preference - Trackpad. My friend has a '09 Macbook Pro and I know you can do both on that too (though she prefers to stab the trackpad to click every time for some reason...). What year did you buy yours? It seems odd they wouldn't have those features! [Sorry for being off topic]

For the stuff you want to do on a laptop you don't *need* a macbook, a cheaper laptop would do fine.

I have a macbook and it is sweet not having to use windows but the webcam is broken, so it's not like they're invincible.

JimmySeal Wrote:

Blahah Wrote:the largest trackpad of any laptop on the market

Wow, that's an exciting feature.
I happen to have a MacBook Pro and I hate the trackpad. No right-mouse button (and don't give me the "just click with two fingers" schpiel), the surface is really uncomfortable on my fingertips, and whereas I could lightly tap a normal touchpad to perform a click, I have to actually depress the one on the mac. I've resorted to using an external mouse, which sort of defeats the purpose of having a laptop.
I far prefer the small unimpressive touchpad on my Fujitsu, which is about 60% smaller.

[/rant]

Dude, you can enable right-click and tap-to-click in the settings. You can also customise all the gestures. And having a large trackpad is, for most people, a highly desirable feature. It gives you far finer control for any application and is especially useful in graphics or anything where you need fine motor control with the mouse pointer.

JimmySeal Wrote:

Blahah Wrote:the largest trackpad of any laptop on the market

Wow, that's an exciting feature.
I happen to have a MacBook Pro and I hate the trackpad. No right-mouse button (and don't give me the "just click with two fingers" schpiel), the surface is really uncomfortable on my fingertips, and whereas I could lightly tap a normal touchpad to perform a click, I have to actually depress the one on the mac. I've resorted to using an external mouse, which sort of defeats the purpose of having a laptop.
I far prefer the small unimpressive touchpad on my Fujitsu, which is about 60% smaller.

[/rant]

Wow, I think you are officially the first person to not like the trackpad. Do you even know what it can do? Screw that right click BS, two fingers is the way to go. Not to mention the two finger scrolling, the three and four finger controls and, oh yeah, what's that? You can f**king write kanji on it too as an input method!?

I don't know about you, but my socks are clear on the other side of the room, having just been blown there.

Ryuujin27 Wrote:

JimmySeal Wrote:

Blahah Wrote:the largest trackpad of any laptop on the market

Wow, that's an exciting feature.
I happen to have a MacBook Pro and I hate the trackpad. No right-mouse button (and don't give me the "just click with two fingers" schpiel), the surface is really uncomfortable on my fingertips, and whereas I could lightly tap a normal touchpad to perform a click, I have to actually depress the one on the mac. I've resorted to using an external mouse, which sort of defeats the purpose of having a laptop.
I far prefer the small unimpressive touchpad on my Fujitsu, which is about 60% smaller.

[/rant]

Wow, I think you are officially the first person to not like the trackpad. Do you even know what it can do? Screw that right click BS, two fingers is the way to go. Not to mention the two finger scrolling, the three and four finger controls and, oh yeah, what's that? You can f**king write kanji on it too as an input method!?

I don't know about you, but my socks are clear on the other side of the room, having just been blown there.

How is that "write kanji on the trackpad" thing? Is something new? Can I have it on my Late 2007 Macbook?

It's only on the new aluminum (unibody) macbook and macbook pros.

I have an Asus. A big one, not a netbook.
It is like 4 years old. The DVD died time ago but who uses it nowadays...
Apart from that it is rocking and fast (I use Linux BTW), solid, the battery still lasts 2 hours and a half...
I can't say but good things from it

Broken DVD and only 2.5hr battery?

Your last sentence was sarcastic right?

Yeah, I'd still say go with a Mac. Language switching is free and easy, Quicktime plays almost anything WMP does and if it doesn't you can play it using VLC (Lunettes). Software like Firefox, Chrome, Anki, anything you want to run probably has a Mac version that's better.

Viruses are nearly non-existant on your Mac, and Applecare warranties work worldwide so you can call the English line here in Japan for your problems, and/or go back to Germany or the UK and you can still get warranty service there. Warranty service here in Japan is pretty good, they basically send you a prepaid box and get your computer back to you as soon as its fixed.

Again, you can log in with any VNC client and screenshare which would allow your friend to do remote tasks on your Mac easily.

On the trackpad, I have no big opinion, other than that trackpads suck in general and you'll probably want to use a mouse (rip IBMs trackpoint-- those are the best for laptops). However, Apple's trackpads (mostly 2 and 3 finger gestures) are really nice in the sense that you can scroll, switch tabs, etc. with some pretty natural gestures (moreso in the newer laptops, mine's pretty old and only really has scrolling gestures).