Notebooks/ Laptops

December 2019 update

Notebook processors change continually, with pendulum swings from "lower power consumption" to "higher speed and capacity." However, the mid-higher-functioning processors of 2019 have power requirements similar to the low-end processors that were recommended for low-power language work in 2014-16. This is good, since language software has become more processor-hungry as well.

What to consider when choosing a laptop for use in low-power situations:

• Processor: I compared several laptops in a quick speed test—(I timed opening Paratext 9 with the same complex screen arrangement on each), and I measured power consumption also.
  • For "advanced" translation or language work, using Paratext 9-Fieldworks-Logos, I recommend at least 8GB RAM and an i3 or i5 8th-gen laptop processor; or a Ryzen 3 or 5. My Lenovo E495 (AMD Ryzen 5 3500U) and a similar Lenovo with Intel i5-8250U perform very similarly. These two processors used at least 30% less power than the older Lenoxo X131E machines that were recommended for several years.
  • For more basic translation or language work a Lenovo 14W with 4GB RAM and AMD A6-9220C processor performed a bit more slowly in my test. Or an older N43xx processors are even slower but adequate, and they use about 30% less power than the "5" processors above. Paratext 8 and 9 seem very slow, but read on for a tip.
  • Important note about Paratext 8 and 9: Turning off all internet access speeds up Paratext significantly! Internet is required to register new users and projects or change project properties, and for send/receive operations. It can be turned off for everyday editing and checking operations.
• Screen size still affects total power consumption:  but price seems to be inversely proportional to screen size this year, except for some 11-in laptops with older N4xxx processors. With 14-15" screens available at lower prices than smaller ones, and with more translation resources available through Paratext 9, I feel that 14-inch (diagonal) screens are the sweet spot for laptops designed for language work.

Changes: 

Guidelines for 2017-2018

The 2017 model year saw a bumper crop of suitable machines to purchase that were "low power consuming".  Why?  Because many of the models were based on Intel's new (2015) "Bay Trail" technology which had smaller geometries that translated into several processor types that were even less power hungry than ever before.  Then by 2016, companies like Lenovo, Dell and Asus started placing them inside their boxes for sale.

Year 2016 popular models, like the Lenovo x140e were pushing 8-9 watts for comparison purposes here.  These models are no longer for sale anyway.  In the labs we easily sustained this type with a 55 watt solar panel, and sometimes we ran such computers for 16 hour work-days.  The target for SCOS is a sustained 8 working hours.

Basically if you want astounding and awe-inspiring "low power" performance, then look for these processor models inside the box: Intel N3700, N3050, N3150  (2015)   These will be running at around 5 watts.

If you want good low power that still is amazing compared to last year's (say as found in the defunct Lenovo x140e): Intel N2940, N3540, N3530  (2014)  These notebooks/ laptops will be running around 7.0 watts.

And if you want "flea power" and yet still have processor speed, go for the fabulous Intel M-5Y10c or M3-6Y30 processors, which we can now recommend.  Evidently these have two speed modes, both 0.8 and 2.0 Ghz and in a recent field test by Kim Blewett comparing Lenovo 11e models but with different processor types, she reports that the M-5Y10c was significantly faster while doing a standard test under FLEx (SIL Linguistic Software), than other processors in the same 11e type machine.  That is remarkable really, and welcome.  

Also, for Linux users there are no reported issues under Ubuntu 16.04 and derivative OSs, as there has been reported by the N2940 box. This M-5Y10c processor should run well on a amazingly small 20 watt solar panel. Overall notebook power:  ~3.6 watts  (Lab observed; Intel TDP is 4.5 watts)   Go for a mere 20 watt solar panel on this one.  If significant village social pressures to "leech" power, then go for 30 watts.

Amazon Store:   Lenovo with M-5Y10C processor

By 2017 there was consider interest in "tablets as computers" which meant even lower power for fan-less slate-type devices that may or may not have an external keyboard.  The Asus Transformer Book below, is an example.

Now the caveats:  You should purchase a box with 4GB RAM.... so you are going to find other models for sale ($150-200) that are only 2GB RAM and much less expensive to purchase.  Some boxes have the memory soldered on the motherboard and you cannot expand the memory.  Others have modular memory modules that might allow expansion to 8 GB.  FLEx users (SIL Linguistic software) are going to want that for heavy linguistic work.  If you are thinking Paratext (UBS/SIL) and Word Processing applications then go for 4 GB minimum.

We are no longer limited to 11 inch screen sizes.  We  suspect that a 14 inch model with any processor above, is not going to be significantly higher power than any 11 inch model.   Screen size is almost a "religious" like experience for some users.   Note the Asus 14 inch Vivobook, far below.  We tested one such unit in the labs and were able to confirm it's low-power consumption.  In 2017 Lenovo sold a 15 inch notebook with the N3060 processor, listed below.

CPU Summary:

Note:  Processors manufacturered in 2015 arrive in notebooks for sale in the year 2016;  2016 processors in 2017

Special Note to Paratext Users:  Don't ignore the M series of Intel processors here.  When heavy processing like a Paratext Interlinear is required, turbo mode kicks in and actually beats the times of more expensive processors.  Meanwhile for normal operations the box runs cool, without a fan, and waits for keypresses and for the user to think.  That's most of the time.  Same for the 2016 processors with their "turbo" mode.
 

2018: Breaking the 15 inch Barrier
The Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15 inch Notebook

Click to Enlarge Image

If the goal is to empower third-world, local-level church workers, well trained in Bible Translation skills, software, and back-translation methodologies, then you want to look below.  Those smaller units are sometimes less expensive, and more affordable... at least for national ownership.

However, many expatriate workers are also looking for low-power solutions now for their work.  These users are particularly interested in FLEx applications and also Paratext with many, many child windows open on a single desktop.  They immediate ask for a 14 inch or 15 inch notebook display size.

Enter the year 2018, where we finally see such a box and with an ultra-low power consuming Intel processor.  Note that "low power" consumption does not necessarily equate to "slow" anymore due to the N-series and the brilliant "turbo" mode.  This indeed kicks in under Paratext while doing any CPU intensive work, such as building a new Interlinear of present vernacular text.

CPU: This box has the newer Intel N3350 processor (Amazon.com) and N4200 processor (Lenovo.com) and runs around 5 watts using Paratext/ Word Processing.  Approximate size of solar panel required:  30 watts (Calculated;  not yet observed)  An independent observer reported a true usable power in the field, of around 6.5 watts, which could be due to the larger, 15 inch screen.  We have yet to test one of these in the labs, however, even at 6.5 watts, a 30 watt solar panel from GTIS and a Half-Pint (72 Wh) 12v system will be sufficient.  Note: do not order the Intel iCore variant if you want "low power consumption" on solar power.  There is also the highly prized Anti-Glare Display (1366x768) which third-world village level workers (particularly expats) would "die for".

Price: $269-$300

See:  Lenovo Store    Special Note:  Do not opt for the iCore processor option if you want ultra-low power consumption

And:  Amazon Store    Special Note:  4GB Ram, however a 1TB HD included

2017: The Asus T100HA "Transformer Book"

Click to Enlarge Image

This amazing transformer book class machine is typical of many models produced by ASUS company.  The one tested in the labs is officially called the T100HA-C4-GR and is special in that it has a very low power processor running about 2 watts (!) and is charged via a standard USB 5v charging cable.  Suddenly a host of inexpensive, fold out solar panels with USB regulators can be used with varying amounts of success, so be warned.  We will recommend here as the best so far found in the labs: the Dragon-X 20 watt solar panel.  All such equipment can be purchased on amazon.com

The T100HA-C4-GR is special in the ASUS standard offerings in that a full 4 GB of main memory was on board, which many feel is the optimum point for Paratext sotware users.  We have not tried running Paratext in 2 GB of main memory which many, many Windows class tablet/ keyboard systems utilize.  It is strongly encouraged to look for a 4 GB tablet/ transformer unit for your work.

There is considerable discussion and notes for the solar panel requirements for such a "direct connect" venture, so we will merely state that it is probably a good idea to puruse the solar section in this handbook before purchasing the solar panel part.  Basically, not all solar panels with USB regulators are made alike and you have to try them out, before purchasing to make sure that they work with your particular device to charge, whether it be a smart-phone, iPhone, tablet, or transformer type machine.  Details are in the solar panel section.  The short explanation is that USB technology has a special "PD power specification" that goes beyond simply stating USB v 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices.  The USB power standards are there;  it's just that power delivery can be complicated within the normal specification.

Field User Scenario:  We are saying that we expect the user to work in the field for a typical 8 hour day, where some of the hours could be at night time.  With the typical run time of this machine around 12 full hours, we can easily reach this goal with the internal 30 Wh battery inside the box.  This then leads to the question of when to recharge in the typical daily work cycle.  Obviously it's advantageous to recharge when the sun is most shining, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.  The water-proof, 20 Watt Dragon-X fold out panel will easily "turn-on" in cloudly conditions, but due to the USB Power Distribution issues (see solar panel section) at a slower rate than the standard ASUS power brick.  The output charge current of the panel is more like 1.1 amps instead of 2.0 amps, but at least it is steady even in overcast conditions.

Click to Enlarge Image

But the general rule of thumb here is "2 for 1" usage to recharge rate.  So for example if you used the machine for 4 hours of work last time, then expect the recharge time with the machine lid closed, to be 2 hours to regain the energy used.  The four hour period from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. wouid then translate out to 8 hours of "work energy" for the user.

Now if this is all too constraining for the user then facilitator/ advisor for such projects could include a smallish "power bank" as an option, to augment the charge cycle.  All that is required is a 12,000 mAh or greater power bank and there are dozens of suppliers of such devices on the market right now.  In the selection of a suitable power bank, better, but not necessary, is one that delivers a full 2.0 amp charge output to charge an external device, so look for that characteristic in the specs.  So for the added cost of a small power bank, the user could then work during the day-time independent of the solar panel charging the power brick by day.  At night, while the user finished work and went to sleep the transformer book, could be recharged from the energy stored in the power brick.  This process is repeated the next day.  Note that one does not need a long USB cable in either scenarios above.

BUT we must hasten to add here that the power brick scenario is not necessary.  One can save the additional cost of the power brick.  The power brick is totally optional.  One can indeed "direct connect" the solar panel to the transformer book, and recharge the device directly, but obviously you must do this procedurally during the day, even in cloudy weather (which still works).

Weatherproof:  Many of the solar panels sold are constructed with a water-proof, PET material, and probably do well in the rain.  However, the better panels place the electronics behind one fold out section, covering and shielding that part from weather, and often there is a pocket to place your phone or power bank behind.  The ASUS transformer book device, will need a roof eave, or plastic tent supplied by the user for this to work out.  Or one can place underneath the solar panel, itself.  It is not recommended to leave the Asus transformer device outside unattended, or unprotected from the elements.  Actually this goes for most devices, including phones.

Intel x5-Z8500 quad-core processor.  Approx. 2 watts   Tested in field with Paratext

Amazon.com   ASUS Transformer Book   ~US$ 300

Amazon.com   Dragon-X 20 W Fold-Out Solar Panel   US$ 50  or  SoKoo 22 W panel

Amazon.com   Anker 2 Meter, USB cable   US$ 10

Amazon.com   Optional ToHLo 20K Power Bank   US$ 26  or  RAVpower 16K Power Bank with Light  US$ 30

2016: Lenovo Netbooks Preferred

Where do I Purchase a Notebook?

11 Inch Lenovo 11e                                     

Lenovo 11e Model

11 Inch Dell Inspiron 3000 series

Asus 14 inch Vivobook

12.5 Inch Lenovo x260

Back to the Lenovo line.  This one is for the "power users" who want a faster processor and also have the extra money to spend for it.  It still manages to weigh in with an acceptable wattage for solar. Any field testing and power data was provided by Nate Marti.  This is probably the machine one would want if they were an avid FLEx user (SIL software) and doing a lot of processor intensive tasks, and the x260 starts with 8 GB RAM standard.  Upgrade to 16 GB possible.