issue214:mon_opinion
Différences
Ci-dessous, les différences entre deux révisions de la page.
Les deux révisions précédentesRévision précédenteProchaine révision | Révision précédente | ||
issue214:mon_opinion [2025/03/02 10:20] – auntiee | issue214:mon_opinion [2025/03/08 19:31] (Version actuelle) – andre_domenech | ||
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While the winner’s list is definitely shorter, there is one computer brand that stands out for being the easiest to convert - Dell.** | While the winner’s list is definitely shorter, there is one computer brand that stands out for being the easiest to convert - Dell.** | ||
- | Lorsqu' | + | Lorsqu' |
+ | Les perdants sont trop nombreux pour les lister ; cependant, je vous donnerai un indice. Si c'est vendu en ligne par quelqu' | ||
- | Of that series, my current favorite is the 7490, mainly because there are thousands of these units out there and deals are to be had. | + | Bien que la liste des gagnants est certainement plus courte, il y a une marque d' |
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+ | **Of that series, my current favorite is the 7490, mainly because there are thousands of these units out there and deals are to be had. | ||
And here is where things get a bit odd. According to various online sources, the 7490 was released and discontinued in 2018. What’s up with the short life cycle? | And here is where things get a bit odd. According to various online sources, the 7490 was released and discontinued in 2018. What’s up with the short life cycle? | ||
- | Various techs have advised me that the 7490 never really went out of production - as the specs got tweaked or something else changed, the numerical designation got a remake, too. I’ve seen some units where they were being sold as used 7490s, but that numerical designation was mysteriously missing from the underside (hocus pocus or hanky panky?). | + | Various techs have advised me that the 7490 never really went out of production - as the specs got tweaked or something else changed, the numerical designation got a remake, too. I’ve seen some units where they were being sold as used 7490s, but that numerical designation was mysteriously missing from the underside (hocus pocus or hanky panky?).** |
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+ | De cette série, mon préféré actuel est le 7490, principalement parce que des milliers de ces machines existent et on peut en trouver à de très bons prix. | ||
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+ | C'est ici que les choses deviennent un peu bizarres. D' | ||
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+ | Divers techniciens m'ont dit que, en fait, le 7490 n'a jamais cessé d' | ||
- | The 7000 series still is the (mainly) Intel based “premium ultrabook” for the business crowd.The current Dell website still lists models 7440, 7450, and 7455 (ranging from $1,089 to $1,619, without added options). Seems to me Dell is going backward on the numbering system. | + | **The 7000 series still is the (mainly) Intel based “premium ultrabook” for the business crowd.The current Dell website still lists models 7440, 7450, and 7455 (ranging from $1,089 to $1,619, without added options). Seems to me Dell is going backward on the numbering system. |
Possibly due to a sales push in 2018, great numbers of the 7490 were sold. In fact, if you go to https:// | Possibly due to a sales push in 2018, great numbers of the 7490 were sold. In fact, if you go to https:// | ||
- | I guess updating is not Dell’s strongpoint (I can see having drivers and support available, but why advertise a laptop that is discontinued and has been for nearly 7 years?). | + | I guess updating is not Dell’s strongpoint (I can see having drivers and support available, but why advertise a laptop that is discontinued and has been for nearly 7 years?).** |
- | Running Windows 10 or 11 (often Pro versions), the 7490 laptops came new with 14-inch LED screens (touchscreen, | + | |
+ | La série 700 reste l'« ultrabook premium » pour les gens d' | ||
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+ | Grâce sans doute à une poussée des ventes en 2018 de très nombreux 7490 ont été vendus. En fait, si vous allez à : https:// | ||
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+ | Je pense que la mise à jour n'est pas le point fort de Dell (je comprends la disponibilité des pilotes et du support, mais pourquoi faire la publicité d'un portable qui est abandonné depuis presque 7 ans ?). | ||
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+ | **Running Windows 10 or 11 (often Pro versions), the 7490 laptops came new with 14-inch LED screens (touchscreen, | ||
Of course, you have the usual webcam (albeit, 0.9 MP), USB and USB-C ports, micro-SD slot and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. Top of the line models can be found with Nano-SIM slots, fingerprint readers, and, a real rarity, smart card slots. | Of course, you have the usual webcam (albeit, 0.9 MP), USB and USB-C ports, micro-SD slot and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. Top of the line models can be found with Nano-SIM slots, fingerprint readers, and, a real rarity, smart card slots. | ||
- | And for those of you who state, “Why bother converting, Dell sells Ubuntu computers anyway?”, you might want to take a second look - while Dell’s website allegedly offers the Ubuntu option, it’s version 16.04. Just a smidge out of date given the current version is 24.10. | + | And for those of you who state, “Why bother converting, Dell sells Ubuntu computers anyway?”, you might want to take a second look - while Dell’s website allegedly offers the Ubuntu option, it’s version 16.04. Just a smidge out of date given the current version is 24.10. |
- | But here’s the kicker. It’s an option that’s hard to get. Click all you want but your choices are actually limited to Windows 10 or 11. Not that it really matters - Dell offers instructions on their website on how to install the most current Ubuntu version and even makes reference to Canonical’s downloads. | + | Tournant sous Windows 10 ou 11 (souvent des versions Pro), les portables 7490 neufs étaient livrés avec des écrans LED de 14 pouces (avec écran tactile, si vous avez la chance d'en trouver un), de 8 à 32 Go de RAM (16 Go semblait populaire, un processeur i5 ou i7 (en général de la 8e génération), |
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+ | Bien entendu, il y a la webcam habituel (quoique de 0,9 MP), des ports USB et USB-C, un emplacement pour micro-SD et un port Ethernet RJ-45. On peut trouver des modèles très haut de gamme avec des fentes pour Nano-SIM, un lecteur d' | ||
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+ | Et, pour ceux d' | ||
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+ | **But here’s the kicker. It’s an option that’s hard to get. Click all you want but your choices are actually limited to Windows 10 or 11. Not that it really matters - Dell offers instructions on their website on how to install the most current Ubuntu version and even makes reference to Canonical’s downloads. | ||
Another one of those, “Why bother?” moments. | Another one of those, “Why bother?” moments. | ||
- | While these originally went for around $1,600 in 2018, you can find VG units for less than $150 on eBay any day of the week. | + | While these originally went for around $1,600 in 2018, you can find VG units for less than $150 on eBay any day of the week.** |
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+ | Mais voici le gros problème. Il s'agit d'une option qui est difficile à obtenir. Vous pouvez cliquer autant que vous voulez, vos choix sont limités à Windows 10 ou 11. Mais ce n'est pas vraiment important, car, sur son site Web, Dell vous donne les instructions sur comment installer la version la plus récente d' | ||
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+ | Encore un moment du type « Pourquoi prendre la peine de le faire ? » | ||
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+ | Alors que ceux-ci se vendaient à l' | ||
- | In case you’re wondering, there were over 250 units of various “lesser” grades on eBay the day I looked and another 500+ if you don’t mind paying $200 or more for mint or NIB versions (yes, I did see a couple new/old stock, still in box offerings). | + | **In case you’re wondering, there were over 250 units of various “lesser” grades on eBay the day I looked and another 500+ if you don’t mind paying $200 or more for mint or NIB versions (yes, I did see a couple new/old stock, still in box offerings). |
And let’s not forget that just about every other refurbished website you can think of (including Amazon) probably has quite a few of these in stock. | And let’s not forget that just about every other refurbished website you can think of (including Amazon) probably has quite a few of these in stock. | ||
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But why risk buying an old laptop that might be limping to its inevitable death? | But why risk buying an old laptop that might be limping to its inevitable death? | ||
- | These are simply, and figuratively, | + | These are simply, and figuratively, |
- | What appears to be a standard plastic body is not - it’s a magnesium alloy cage with textured coating applied (touchscreens get a carbon fiber lid). You’ll see very few with dings or dents as a result. These were designed to be abused and keep on running. | + | Au cas où vous vous posez la question, il y avait plus de 250 machines plus ou moins « inférieures » sur eBay le jour où j'ai regardé et aussi plus de 500 si ça ne vous ennuie pas de payer 200 $ ou plus pour des versions en parfait état ou nouveaux dans leur carton (oui, j'ai vu deux ou trois propositions qui étaient toujours dans leur carton d' |
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+ | Et n' | ||
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+ | Mais pourquoi prendre le risque d' | ||
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+ | Ces machines-ci sont tout simplement, et au sens figuré, blindées. Un peu comme votre ancienne voiture qui a fait 200 000 km sans un seul problème. | ||
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+ | **What appears to be a standard plastic body is not - it’s a magnesium alloy cage with textured coating applied (touchscreens get a carbon fiber lid). You’ll see very few with dings or dents as a result. These were designed to be abused and keep on running. | ||
Think I’m exaggerating? | Think I’m exaggerating? | ||
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Guess that’ll pretty much cover all the bases for what the average user can come up with, unless they live in a combat zone. | Guess that’ll pretty much cover all the bases for what the average user can come up with, unless they live in a combat zone. | ||
- | As for serviceability, | + | As for serviceability, |
- | Now you have unrestricted access to the SSD, RAM, wireless module and battery and should you need to replace any of these components, you won’t have to break the bank: | + | Ce qui semble être un corps plastique standard ne l'est pas. Il s'agit d'une cage en alliage de magnésium sur lequel un revêtement texturé a été appliqué (les écrans tactiles ont droit à un couvercle en fibre de carbone). Le résultat est que vous en verrez très peu avec quelques bosses ou autre. Ces machines ont été conçues pour être maltraitées et continuer à tourner. |
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+ | J' | ||
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+ | Cela couvre à peu près toutes les bases qu'un utilisateur moyen rencontrerait, | ||
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+ | Quant à sa facilité d' | ||
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+ | **Now you have unrestricted access to the SSD, RAM, wireless module and battery and should you need to replace any of these components, you won’t have to break the bank: | ||
• The M.2 SSD is easily replaced with NVMe versions. Dell states 2TB tops, but Crucial claims they have a 4TB version that will work, also. Prices vary wildly but count on around $70 for a good 1GB version. Mine came with a 256GB SSD and I still have 177GB left after all is said and done. | • The M.2 SSD is easily replaced with NVMe versions. Dell states 2TB tops, but Crucial claims they have a 4TB version that will work, also. Prices vary wildly but count on around $70 for a good 1GB version. Mine came with a 256GB SSD and I still have 177GB left after all is said and done. | ||
• Batteries, from my experience, run about $30 for aftermarket versions and OEM can cost twice as much. If you’re wondering, most came with 60WH batteries. Beware of vendors selling cheap 42WH versions. | • Batteries, from my experience, run about $30 for aftermarket versions and OEM can cost twice as much. If you’re wondering, most came with 60WH batteries. Beware of vendors selling cheap 42WH versions. | ||
• RAM? DDR4-2400 SODIMM. From the factory the 7490 came with at least 8GB RAM but the vast majority I’ve seen have 16GB. 32GB is the max but count on spending around $30 for a 16GB module. | • RAM? DDR4-2400 SODIMM. From the factory the 7490 came with at least 8GB RAM but the vast majority I’ve seen have 16GB. 32GB is the max but count on spending around $30 for a 16GB module. | ||
• Included WiFi card was usually 802.11ac with Bluetooth. Although WiFi 7 is being released, the old standard does just fine, but if you must upgrade, count on dropping at least $30; however, be warned. Ubuntu barely supports WiFi 7 and Linux Mint does not, so Linux drivers may be an issue. | • Included WiFi card was usually 802.11ac with Bluetooth. Although WiFi 7 is being released, the old standard does just fine, but if you must upgrade, count on dropping at least $30; however, be warned. Ubuntu barely supports WiFi 7 and Linux Mint does not, so Linux drivers may be an issue. | ||
- | • And here’s an extra prize. The 7490 (and most of the 7000 series) can be charged via USB-C, otherwise you’d be stuck using the Dell proprietary charger. Even if you have to buy a new charger, Dell OEM versions go for as little as $14. | + | • And here’s an extra prize. The 7490 (and most of the 7000 series) can be charged via USB-C, otherwise you’d be stuck using the Dell proprietary charger. Even if you have to buy a new charger, Dell OEM versions go for as little as $14.** |
- | The only downside is the keyboard. Should it need replacing you’ll have to bring out your best surgical skills to remove most of the internals (from the back) to access that area. Good luck with that. If you want to see a scary video, watch a couple of the YouTube specials showing the laborious procedure involved. | + | Vous avez maintenant un accès illimité aux SSD, RAM, module sans fil et batterie et, si vous avez besoin de remplacer n' |
+ | ••Le SSD M.2 est facilement remplacé par des versions NVMe. Dell annonce 2 To maximum, mais Crucial dit qu'ils ont une version de 4 To qui fonctionnera aussi. Les prix varient énormément, | ||
+ | ••D' | ||
+ | ••RAM ? DDR4-2400 SODIMM. Les 7490 étaient livrés à l' | ||
+ | ••La carte WiFi qui venait avec était habituellement une 802.11ac avec Bluetooth. Bien que le WiFi 7 sorte actuellement, | ||
+ | ••Et voici une récompense supplémentaire. Le 7490 (et la plupart de la série 7000) peut être chargé via USB-C. Autrement, vous seriez limité à l' | ||
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+ | **The only downside is the keyboard. Should it need replacing you’ll have to bring out your best surgical skills to remove most of the internals (from the back) to access that area. Good luck with that. If you want to see a scary video, watch a couple of the YouTube specials showing the laborious procedure involved. | ||
In my situation, I was fortunate to score a completely refurbished unit with a new battery, 16GB RAM, and 512GB M.2 SSD for $190, shipping included. Hardly a scratch anywhere and the keyboard looks like nobody ever much typed on it. Even better was that it came with the SIM card and smart card slots and fingerprint ID pad (which, in case you’re wondering, doesn’t work in Linux Mint and, quite frankly, it rarely worked in Windows 11, either). | In my situation, I was fortunate to score a completely refurbished unit with a new battery, 16GB RAM, and 512GB M.2 SSD for $190, shipping included. Hardly a scratch anywhere and the keyboard looks like nobody ever much typed on it. Even better was that it came with the SIM card and smart card slots and fingerprint ID pad (which, in case you’re wondering, doesn’t work in Linux Mint and, quite frankly, it rarely worked in Windows 11, either). | ||
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My update investment? Zero. I installed a 16GB RAM chip that I scavenged off another computer and that was it. | My update investment? Zero. I installed a 16GB RAM chip that I scavenged off another computer and that was it. | ||
- | Correction, I did have to replace Windows 11. All I had to do was convince the BIOS to accept legacy USB boots and off I went to Linux Mint. Of course, that cost nothing, too. | + | Correction, I did have to replace Windows 11. All I had to do was convince the BIOS to accept legacy USB boots and off I went to Linux Mint. Of course, that cost nothing, too.** |
- | And that’s the reason I recommend the Dell 7490. It’s the ONLY laptop I’ve ever converted that didn’t need additional drivers or had something go wonky after installing Linux. Even the venerable MacBook Air had camera issues and it’s not uncommon to need a driver (or six) for other makers. | + | Le seul inconvénient est le clavier. S'il doit être remplacé, il faudra utiliser vos meilleures compétences chirurgicales pour enlever la plupart des composants internes (à partir du dos) pour accéder à cette zone. Bonne chance. Si vous voulez voir une vidéo effrayante, regardez-en deux ou trois spécialisées sur YouTube qui montrent la procédure laborieuse imduite. |
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+ | Quant à moi, j'ai eu la chance de trouver une machine qui était complètement rénovée avec une nouvelle batterie, 16 Go de RAM et un SSD M.2 de 512 Go pour 190 $, port compris. Très peu de rayures où que ce soit et le clavier donne l' | ||
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+ | Mon investissement de mise à jour ? Zéro. J'y ai installé une puce de 16 Go de RAM que j' | ||
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+ | Correction : il me fallait remplacer Windows 11. Il suffisait de convaincre le BIOS d' | ||
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+ | **And that’s the reason I recommend the Dell 7490. It’s the ONLY laptop I’ve ever converted that didn’t need additional drivers or had something go wonky after installing Linux. Even the venerable MacBook Air had camera issues and it’s not uncommon to need a driver (or six) for other makers. | ||
Right after installation, | Right after installation, | ||
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I guess that stands to reason since Dell did offer Ubuntu at one time. | I guess that stands to reason since Dell did offer Ubuntu at one time. | ||
- | Naturally, nothing is perfect. After all, you're dealing with a $300 or less conversion and not a $1,200+ System 76 unit. | + | Naturally, nothing is perfect. After all, you're dealing with a $300 or less conversion and not a $1,200+ System 76 unit.** |
- | Some may feel hamstrung by the 14-inch screen, considered somewhat smallish today; however, you can use a screen mirroring app like Alfacast and send it to your smart TV. You could get a Dell docking station and attach other monitors, but you might be dismayed to discover those docking stations cost $200+ which is probably more than you paid for the laptop. | + | Et c'est pour cela que je recommande le 7490 de Dell. C'est le SEUL portable que j'aie jamais converti qui n' |
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+ | Dès l' | ||
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+ | Je pense que c'est cohérent, puisque, à un moment, Dell proposait Ubuntu. | ||
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+ | Naturellement, | ||
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+ | **Some may feel hamstrung by the 14-inch screen, considered somewhat smallish today; however, you can use a screen mirroring app like Alfacast and send it to your smart TV. You could get a Dell docking station and attach other monitors, but you might be dismayed to discover those docking stations cost $200+ which is probably more than you paid for the laptop. | ||
Plus, if you’re looking for a camera to highlight your great features during Zoom meetings, buy a USB webcam. Grainy is the definition of the day for the included 7490 version, and might be the reason I could never get facial recognition to work (curiously, for the short time I tried Windows 11 it didn’t work, either). | Plus, if you’re looking for a camera to highlight your great features during Zoom meetings, buy a USB webcam. Grainy is the definition of the day for the included 7490 version, and might be the reason I could never get facial recognition to work (curiously, for the short time I tried Windows 11 it didn’t work, either). | ||
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And for you artistic types, the 7490 has all the appeal of an unpainted cinder block wall. You want that aluminum look? Get a MacBook. Otherwise it’s black with a touch of silver for the Dell logo. | And for you artistic types, the 7490 has all the appeal of an unpainted cinder block wall. You want that aluminum look? Get a MacBook. Otherwise it’s black with a touch of silver for the Dell logo. | ||
- | There you have it - a guaranteed way to get a laptop to work with Ubuntu and variants without all the hassles. | + | There you have it - a guaranteed way to get a laptop to work with Ubuntu and variants without all the hassles.** |
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+ | Certains peuvent se sentir handicapés par l' | ||
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+ | De plus, si vous cherchez une caméra pour mettre en valeur votre figure pendant des réunions Zoom, achetez une webcam sur USB. Granuleuse est la qualité de la version incluse dans le 7490 et cela pourrait expliquer pourquoi je n'ai jamais pu faire fonctionner la reconnaissance faciale (curieusement, | ||
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+ | Et pour les artistes, le 7490 a tout l' | ||
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+ | Et voici : une façon garantie de faire fonctionner un portable sous Ubuntu et ses variantes sans tous les tracas. | ||
issue214/mon_opinion.1740907248.txt.gz · Dernière modification : 2025/03/02 10:20 de auntiee