There are reports in several flavours of FTM (including Mac) of the tick in the preferred parents/spouse box in the Relationships View disappearing, causing the visual disappearance of parents/spouse in Family View. I have had dozens of instances. I replace the ticks as I find them. If you have images and don't have FTM2012, the option of fixing it by exporting a gedcom and reimporting won't help unless you are prepared to invest the time in reattaching them. Tony -----Original Message----- From: Pierre M Hahn Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 6:42 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] A problem solved I have (had) an interesting problem in FTM2011 I have a person David KAHN, whom when selected via the index shows no parents in the FAMILY view. when going to the tab PERSON and RELATIONSHIP of David he has both father and mother. If I select Isaac KAHN (his father) via the index, it shows David as his son, selecting David from the father's view, it now shows that he has parents. The file has been compacted, running FTM2011 (20.0.0.376), Windows 7 Ultimate 6 The problem still exits BUT by by exporting as a GEDCOM and importing - (see details below) the problem is gone. Sounds like a database linking problem.. Anyone wants to chime in. GEDCOM Import File: C:\Users\Pierre Hahn\Desktop\Pierre_2011-08-22_2011-10-16.ged Created by: Family Tree Maker for Windows Family Tree Maker (20.0.0.376) Created on: 16 October, 2011 Import Summary Individuals: 15,319 Families: 5,832 Sources: 3,921 Media: 00 Records: 51,850 Errors: 00 Time: 00:02:42.385 Rate: (319 records/sec) Pierre M Hahn, San Francisco pierre28@pacbell.net or pierre1928@gmail.com ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Again, everyone, Thank you for advising me on the FTM 2012 sync facility. Costs nothing to ask, but can save a whole load of grief. Enjoy Life. Never promise, but will always try. Regards, Bob Sangster

Well everyone, thank you. Linda's reply about using a Netbook with the proviso of 2gb ram, and Windows 7 Home Premium seems to be the front runner. FTM installed on this would seem to be the best answer for me. I would add that I plan to use this on my visits to various Study Centres with my camera and tripod, having access to the Internet at the Study Centres was not important, and wether I place the media on this Netbook or not does not really matter. It was the convenience of portability and use with FTM that was important. One quick email to the list, and I have everyone's ideas and experience for free. Good not ask for better. Enjoy Life. Never promise, but will always try. Regards, Bob Sangster

To correct a relationship issue like this one, with David KAHN selected, press on the PERSON tab, then click on ATTACH/DETACH person. You should be presented with the list of parents. One will be correct, the other should be the one you do not want. Click on this one and DELETE. What is left is the correct relationship information. Ken. -------Original Message------- From: Pierre M Hahn Date: 10/16/2011 1:49:16 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] A problem solved I have (had) an interesting problem in FTM2011 I have a person David KAHN, whom when selected via the index shows no Parents in the FAMILY view. When going to the tab PERSON and RELATIONSHIP of David he has both father And mother. If I select Isaac KAHN (his father) via the index, it shows David as his Son, Selecting David from the father's view, it now shows that he has parents. The file has been compacted, running FTM2011 (20.0.0.376), Windows 7 Ultimate 6 The problem still exits BUT by by exporting as a GEDCOM and importing - (see Details below) The problem is gone. Sounds like a database linking problem.. Anyone wants to chime in.

Surely you are not suggesting that the marketing people are exaggerating and maybe misleading people? Perish the thought. John Donaldson -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Russell Casey Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 7:03 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? Oh, I figured it out. I have used 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. I am disappointed in the poor representation by the marketing people for 2012. This is nothing really new. The marketing information implied there was a v16 like interface. IMO, it is nothing of the sort.

You can do the following in FTM 2012 Upload your entire file c/w media and have it automatically or manually sync OR You can upload your entire file, or selected bits, with or without media, and not have any syncing ability (like FTM 2011) OR You can make a GEDCOM of all or part of your file (no media) and import it back into FTM 2012 as a new file and upload that and automatically or manually sync. John Donaldson -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Bob Sangster Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 6:56 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 Sync Further to my earlier post re. FTM on a portable unit, one reply mentioned using the 'Sync' facility within FTM2012, and that makes me ask another question: My file (to date), includes 2000 + scans etc of Census/Church records/Cert's etc. Now does that mean I have to up-load my file including images, or is it possible to upload my file 'without' images? I have FTM 2012, but have not yet installed it, so before I do, this question could make me decide wether to use the 'sync' facility on installation.

Everyone, thanks Not really replicating the versions 16 display. Looks like marketing people decided that one. I hope the rest of the update offers more substance. That is about right. I can't see how switching off the index panel makes it easier. You need to jump in an have a play moving the elements of the People>Family view screen and get the feel of it. It is in fact quite well designed once you sit back and understand the relationship between the panels John D

I have (had) an interesting problem in FTM2011 I have a person David KAHN, whom when selected via the index shows no parents in the FAMILY view. when going to the tab PERSON and RELATIONSHIP of David he has both father and mother. If I select Isaac KAHN (his father) via the index, it shows David as his son, selecting David from the father's view, it now shows that he has parents. The file has been compacted, running FTM2011 (20.0.0.376), Windows 7 Ultimate 6 The problem still exits BUT by by exporting as a GEDCOM and importing - (see details below) the problem is gone. Sounds like a database linking problem.. Anyone wants to chime in. GEDCOM Import File: C:\Users\Pierre Hahn\Desktop\Pierre_2011-08-22_2011-10-16.ged Created by: Family Tree Maker for Windows Family Tree Maker (20.0.0.376) Created on: 16 October, 2011 Import Summary Individuals: 15,319 Families: 5,832 Sources: 3,921 Media: 00 Records: 51,850 Errors: 00 Time: 00:02:42.385 Rate: (319 records/sec) Pierre M Hahn, San Francisco pierre28@pacbell.net or pierre1928@gmail.com

Thank you. ----- Original Message ----- From: "H R Worthington" <rworthington@att.net> To: <ftm-tech@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 7:08 AM Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? > Russell, > > If you haven't received an answer to your question yet, please visit this > website: > > http://ftmuser.blogspot.com/2011/09/family-tree-maker-2012-simplified_15.html > > Thank you, > > ___________________________ > > > Russ > > > Mailto:rworthington@att.net > > > > > ________________________________ > From: Russell Casey <plan1@insightbb.com> > To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com > Sent: Sat, October 15, 2011 6:50:00 AM > Subject: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? > > I sort of assumed you could switch between FTM 2012 view vs. FTM 16 view > on the > new version. I did not select the v16 view when I loaded my v16 file. > Is > there a way to switch back and forth? I just did not have any luck > finding it > in ftm 2012 help files. > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Russell, If you haven't received an answer to your question yet, please visit this website: http://ftmuser.blogspot.com/2011/09/family-tree-maker-2012-simplified_15.html Thank you, ___________________________ Russ Mailto:rworthington@att.net ________________________________ From: Russell Casey <plan1@insightbb.com> To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Sent: Sat, October 15, 2011 6:50:00 AM Subject: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? I sort of assumed you could switch between FTM 2012 view vs. FTM 16 view on the new version. I did not select the v16 view when I loaded my v16 file. Is there a way to switch back and forth? I just did not have any luck finding it in ftm 2012 help files.

[Snicker!!!!!] ;) -----Original Message----- From: John Donaldson <johndd@iinet.net.au> To: ftm-tech <ftm-tech@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sat, Oct 15, 2011 9:54 pm Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? Surely you are not suggesting that the marketing people are exaggerating and maybe misleading people? Perish the thought. John Donaldson -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Russell Casey Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2011 7:03 AM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? Oh, I figured it out. I have used 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. I am disappointed in the poor representation by the marketing people for 2012. This is nothing really new. The marketing information implied there was a v16 like interface. IMO, it is nothing of the sort. ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Bob I just take my laptop when I go away. With a large database I need a full power machine. One of my neighbours bought a netbook earlier in the year and found it so underpowered they took it back. For simple quick reference I carry my data in gedcom form on my iPhone using GedView. I have to declare an interest here as my son wrote it. Tony -----Original Message----- From: Bob Sangster Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 10:16 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? Hello BJ, The idea is good, but, in England the cost of 'mobile internet access', (ie. 3G), is what one could call expensive. I use one on occasions as a standby if needed, but would not advise anyone to be dependant on a very slow, and expensive internet access in this country. Enjoy Life. Never promise, but will always try. Regards, Bob Sangster -----Original Message----- From: BJ <bhamilton3@cox.net> To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Sent: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:07 Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? One think you might consider is a Sony Vaio laptop. I don't have one but my son-in-law recently purchase one. One capability it has which I sort of like is the ability to connect to the internet without having to boot Windows. Not sure of the cost or the specs but it is another option. BJ ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Carol I am a little confused by your description of what you want to do. As a starting point FTM for Mac is a program for Intel based Macs such as the Macbook Pro, iMac Mac Pro etc. It is not an iPad app. Tony -----Original Message----- From: Family History Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 9:30 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] Mac FTM for iPad using Win7 FTM2011 Have a question for those tech gurus: I use Win7 FTM2011 64bit and have an iPad2 32Gb. To purchase FTM Mac thru iTunes is $109.00. I already own a copy of FTM Mac but.. 1. How does one use the FTM Mac product on the iPad without it impacting Win7 FTM 2. Does the version of FTM Mac thru iTunes have a special app built in that allows transfer thru to iPad as I don't run a Mac at home. 3. What footprint is needed on the iPad 4. Will the migration tool for FTM windows work well enough to get my data and media on the iPad if I can use the Mac FTM on iPad 5. Does anyone know if FTM are going to bring out an app that will bring the data from a Win pc to iPad without re-purchasing full version of software. 6. I do NOT want to move to 2012 to synch to Ancestry as I do not keep my tree on Ancestry! Hoping someone can answer some of these questions. Regards Carol ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

All the so-called v16 view is the FTM 2012 family view with the LH panel minimized I suggest that you explore how to configure your family view screen by dragging the panels I would also strongly suggest that you go into FTM Help and run through the training tutorials and also have a look at the various FTM webinars on this link. http://learn.ancestry.com/LearnMore/Webinars.aspx You will have to scroll through the list to find the FTM ones, there are about 4 or 5 of them over the last few years. Also have you opened the 300+ page Companion Guide on your Help menu? It is a good PDF book on FTM John D -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Russell Casey Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 9:50 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: [FTM-TECH] FTM 2012 view vs v16 view -how to switch? I sort of assumed you could switch between FTM 2012 view vs. FTM 16 view on the new version. I did not select the v16 view when I loaded my v16 file. Is there a way to switch back and forth? I just did not have any luck finding it in ftm 2012 help files. Just started playing with the new version. FTM 16 is still my primary. Russell

Bob Of course a good old fashioned notebook and pencils leaves the money to be spent on other things. Visiting Record Offices etc can be expensive even with our free bus passes. Tony -----Original Message----- From: Bob Sangster Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 9:28 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? Linda, A big thank you. Your answer just about sums up what I was asking advise about. The points about RAM and which version of Windows to use was handy, and I had never thought about the keyboard aspect. I find using a 'screen keyboard' un-comfortable to use, and forgot all about that aspect. In short: A 10/12 inch netbook with 2gb ram, and Windows Home Premium looks a good possibility. As too which make, well that 'could' depend on good old Father Christmas, and yes, I still believe even though retired, me that is. 8>)) It costs nothing to ask, but can save more than cash when answered, so, again, a big thank you. Enjoy Life. Never promise, but will always try. Regards, Bob Sangster -----Original Message----- From: Linda H Gutierrez <lilacarlhg@amnet.co.cr> To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Sent: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:05 Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? Bob, My recommendation, based on what you do and do not want would be a netbook or mini laptop, 10-12 inches in size, they are small and easy to store, have the Windows OS and will run FTM - including the latest version - on them. I have a 10 inch mini that came with Windows 7 Basic and 1 GB of RAM. It is quite sufficient for going online, the screen size certainly smaller but easy enough to work with and for simple tasks. I ended up upgrading it to Windows Home Premium because I did not like the limitations of the Basic version, although it functions well enough. But I did not upgrade the RAM (as of yet) and I am paying for that! If you plan to run FTM 2012 on it you would be happier with 2 GB of RAM. It works fine, but is SLOW!! I have installed all of my important programs such as MS Office, FTM, DTP software and a few others. Of course the more you install, the slower the performance, boot up time, etc. As I have it set now, the battery lasts a good 4 hours. If I were to remove some things, including the upgrade to Home Premium and lower the power settings it would last up to at least 6 hours. The one I have is put out by HP but of course there are several other brands to choose from. The nice thing about HP (not sure about the other brands) is that it comes with HP's own software that will boot at start-up (you can change it if you want to) and comes up ready to use in less than 30 seconds. You can surf the web and check mail easily with their application or boot to Windows and have more options available. I find the size is great for traveling, especially on an airplane as I can easily set it on the tray to watch a video or view my files or whatever I wish to do. And of course they come with a keyboard as opposed to the virtual type on the tablets now being marketed. I hope that this is of some help in making your decision. Linda in Costa Rica Monroe County, New York Genealogy http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monroenys Monroe County, New York History http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~monroenys ********************************** List information page http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html Online Support for Family Tree Maker Version 16 and earlier http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ Version 2008 - 2011 http://ftm.custhelp.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I keep my FTM data file and its associated media folder in Dropbox. I can access my data on any machine that has Internet access and the right version of FTM installed. This method assures that the data on all machines stay in sync. Judy Wright New phone #: (352) 897-0278 (Home & Cell) On Oct 15, 2011, at 6:51 PM, "David C Abernathy" <davidabernathy1@comcast.net> wrote: > Having a copy of your FTM file not of much use, unless you have access to > FTM the program it's self. > > Thanks, > David C Abernathy > Email disclaimers > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > This message represents the official view of the voices in my head. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > http://www.SchmeckAbernathy.com > == All outgoing and incoming mail is scanned by F-Prot Antivirus == > > -----Original Message----- > From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] > On Behalf Of Bob Sangster > Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 12:50 PM > To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? > > Hello David, > > Thank you for your ideas, but that is part of my del ma. My > file has 2,000 + media connected to it, as I include all copies of proof > connected to the fact. I was planning to just be able to 'carry a copy' of > my file on the device, and could not garantee network access at all centres. > > > Enjoy life. > Never promise, but will always try. > Regards, > Bob Sangster > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: David C Abernathy <davidabernathy1@comcast.net> > To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com > Sent: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:28 > Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? > > > Now that FTM 2012is out, all one needs to do is upload their FTM file to > Ancetsry.com trees. Then all one needs to have is access to the internet. > This can be by any computer or other device that supports access to > Ancestry.com trees. The file can be made "Private" so that ONLY you the > "Author" has access and/or you and those that YOU give permission to. > > I would hope that you do NOT have a lot of images within your FTM file as > the will reduce the performance on the online upload. > > Thanks, > David C Abernathy > Email disclaimers > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message > > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I just spent 3 days at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, IN with my new Dell netbook! It worked great. My big laptop is officially grounded! Judy in Ocala On Oct 15, 2011, at 7:02 PM, "Pierre M Hahn" <pierre28@pacbell.net> wrote: > Dear Bob: > I am with Linda. I have probably the same HP netbook (HP Mini 1103). > This summer (before FTM 2012) I took it all over France at the various > archives and was VERY satisfied. I have 15 thousand people but no media > attached. With a 250MB hard disk I have all my sources as either JPG or PDF > and plenty of room to have full version of MS Office 10, SKYPE and other > simple graphic editing. It is slow booting up with only 1G of memory but > will last at least 6 hours if I do not turn on the WIFI (which is seldom > available at the archives). The ability to read my camera SD card and > download pictures of documents was a tremendous plus. > I have relegated my 5 year old laptop to my desk and I no longer carry my > recharge cord (brick) to the archives. > I do run Windows 7 Starter Service pack 1 > > Pierre M Hahn, San Francisco > pierre1928@gmail.com > > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Carol, to my knowledge there is no FTM app for iPad or iPhone. I did a search on iTunes and found nothing. There is however an Ancestry app. It works by reading your online tree at Ancestry.com. There is two way synching between Ancestry.com and your iDevice. It is great for traveling. And it's free! What you saw may have been the software package for Macintosh computers, but computer software isn't usually available on iTunes. Judy in Ocala On Oct 15, 2011, at 4:30 PM, Family History <grfamhistory@yahoo.com.au> wrote: > > Have a question for those tech gurus: > > I use Win7 FTM2011 64bit and have an iPad2 32Gb. To purchase FTM Mac thru iTunes is $109.00. I already own a copy of FTM Mac but.. > > 1. How does one use the FTM Mac product on the iPad without it impacting Win7 FTM > 2. Does the version of FTM Mac > thru iTunes have a special app built in that allows transfer thru to > iPad as I don't run a Mac at home. > > 3. What footprint is needed on the iPad > > 4. Will the migration tool for FTM windows work well enough to get my data and media on the iPad if I can use the Mac FTM on iPad > > 5. Does anyone know if FTM are going to bring out an app that will bring the data from a Win pc to iPad without re-purchasing full version of software. > > 6. I do NOT want to move to 2012 to synch to Ancestry as I do not keep my tree on Ancestry! > > > Hoping someone can answer some of these questions. > > Regards > > Carol > ********************************** > List information page > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Software/FTM-TECH.html > > Online Support for Family Tree Maker > Version 16 and earlier > http://pastftm.custhelp.com/ > > Version 2008 - 2011 > http://ftm.custhelp.com/ > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to FTM-TECH-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

FTM 16 is a great product IMHO. There are features in the new series I like though. I can't wait to get my hands on my copy - I am away from home on holiday. For me, running both 16 and 2012 will work for me, for now. Since I have over 130K folks in my file, getting FTM 2012 to work with such a file was important to me.

Hello BJ, The idea is good, but, in England the cost of 'mobile internet access', (ie. 3G), is what one could call expensive. I use one on occasions as a standby if needed, but would not advise anyone to be dependant on a very slow, and expensive internet access in this country. Enjoy Life. Never promise, but will always try. Regards, Bob Sangster -----Original Message----- From: BJ <bhamilton3@cox.net> To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Sent: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:07 Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] What product is best? One think you might consider is a Sony Vaio laptop. I don't have one but my son-in-law recently purchase one. One capability it has which I sort of like is the ability to connect to the internet without having to boot Windows. Not sure of the cost or the specs but it is another option. BJ