Help to choose a replacement Toshiba laptop, please.

OnlyTheBestWillDo

[Deleted User] said:

It looks more like the top one - but would it matter if I follow the instructions for a local account on the new laptop if that is a better choice? Thanks.

Wanted to know to which you were used. So if a local account, follow my guide to creating a local account. Microsoft account will be too different and probably just an annoyance.

[Deleted User]

I apologize as, even after all this time, I feel a bit clueless.  I wonder if I have a Microsoft Account after all. I seem to muddle through, not always understanding what I'm doing.  I feel so stupid,  sorry.

OnlyTheBestWillDo

[Deleted User] said:

I apologize as, even after all this time, I feel a bit clueless.  I wonder if I have a Microsoft Account after all. I seem to muddle through, not always understanding what I'm doing.  I feel so stupid,  sorry.

I am reasonably sure that you do not want to log in to your device using a Microsoft account. The option was not there with Windows 7; which you seem to prefer. So use a local account as in Windows 7.

[Deleted User]

My new  dynabook PORTEGEA30-E/R30E 13.3" laptop has arrived and I am really very pleased with it.  Although I have struggled to set it up, and still have more 'work' to do,  I have done enough to able to use it for now. 

I'll be grateful for some more advice, if possible please, regarding an external speaker.  I have a hearing problem (as well as being tone deaf) and, although I can hear the music, I can't get the sound quite high enough on the built in speakers to hear voices comfortably.

The one USB port  (Universal Serial Bus USB 3.1 Gen10) on the right side of the laptop is being used for the mouse and I'd like to buy a small ? mini speaker to enhance the sound. - I'm not sure how to get one connected without another  USB port the same as the one the mouse is plugged into on the right side. 

The external speaker I use on my old Toshiba fits into the port.  I would be happy to buy a new smaller external speaker but can't see where i could plug it in - the USB on the left side, close to the headphone jack, next to an HDMi out port is USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) port and it is too small to accommodate the speaker USB.   It is the wrong size and is different from the USB port on the left side.

I'm sorry if this sounds a bit muddled as I'm maybe not explaining it very well.

If there is a way of adding a small external speaker which I would purchase as it would help me a lot, thank you?

Retired_Saver

JohnB47

Experts will be along to confirm if this would work for you but try internet searching for USB Extender Hub. One of these will allow you to connect a number of USB devices to a single USB port and would, I think, allow you to connect up your existing speakers.

OnlyTheBestWillDo

Retired_Saver said:

My new  dynabook PORTEGEA30-E/R30E 13.3" laptop has arrived and I am really very pleased with it.  Although I have struggled to set it up, and still have more 'work' to do,  I have done enough to able to use it for now. 

I'll be grateful for some more advice, if possible please, regarding an external speaker.  I have a hearing problem (as well as being tone deaf) and, although I can hear the music, I can't get the sound quite high enough on the built in speakers to hear voices comfortably.

The one USB port  (Universal Serial Bus USB 3.1 Gen10) on the right side of the laptop is being used for the mouse and I'd like to buy a small ? mini speaker to enhance the sound. - I'm not sure how to get one connected without another  USB port the same as the one the mouse is plugged into on the right side. 

The external speaker I use on my old Toshiba fits into the port.  I would be happy to buy a new smaller external speaker but can't see where i could plug it in - the USB on the left side, close to the headphone jack, next to an HDMi out port is USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) port and it is too small to accommodate the speaker USB.   It is the wrong size and is different from the USB port on the left side.

I'm sorry if this sounds a bit muddled as I'm maybe not explaining it very well.

If there is a way of adding a small external speaker which I would purchase as it would help me a lot, thank you?

Retired_Saver

Can you confirm the model number on the underside?: Portégé A30-E-18E PART NUMBER:  PSZ10E-0H6006EN

It has an external headphone socket. The speaker can plug in to that. But you will need a power source; either from the laptop or one you can plug in to a wall socket.

If you don't want to plug it into a wall socket; you can buy USB-C powered speakers. Example: https://uk.creative.com/p/speakers/creative-pebble-v3

Plus, Creative Pebble V3 features Clear Dialog audio processing technique, to achieve clearer spoken dialogs in movies and shows. 

BUILT-IN GAIN SWITCH

Enhance your binge-watching experience even at high volume levels without distortion! In newer devices with 10W USB-C or USB-A port, the built-in gain switch located at the bottom of the Pebble V3's right speaker automatically activates high gain mode for amplified audio, with capabilities to fire acoustics power of 8W RMS and peak power of up to 16W.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for replying, OnlyTheBestWillDo.Yes, on the label on the laptop underside it says:

dynabook PORTAGE A30-E-18E P/N PSZ10E-086006EN then the serial number is below that.

Would this: 

'If you don't want to plug it into a wall socket; you can buy USB-C powered speakers. Example: https://uk.creative.com/p/speakers/creative-pebble-v3'

 - the one in your link, be suitable for USB Type-C on the left side of the laptop close to the Headphone/Microphone jack?

I have never used Bluetooth before

JohnB47 mentioned a 'USB Extender Hub' and could that be helpful too - although it would have to plug in to the one USB socket on the right side of the laptop whereas the Headphone/Microphone jack is on the left side of the laptop?

I have just now (7.55 p.m.)  edited this post  to include my 'experiment':

I took the mouse USB out  (right side) and plugged my 'old' speaker USB into that, stretched the 'wire' across the back of the laptop and plugged the other part into the Headphone/Microphone jack on the left side.  It worked and although my external speaker is really quite big and old, I could hear very well during my 'experiment.'  What do you think, please - could a USB extender hub work for me?  If so I could use it for the mouse, for when I plug in a USB stick with, for example, a document on it and, when needed, also the external speaker? 

If this would work I could see how I get on and then buy a smaller more up to date external speaker - the one in your link. 

If you think this USB extender is suitable I would be able to get this one from Argos tomorrow - it is £19.99:

Port Connect 4 Port USB Hub815/2125

Thank you again for helping?

Retired_Saver

[Deleted User]

JohnB47 said:

Experts will be along to confirm if this would work for you but try internet searching for USB Extender Hub. One of these will allow you to connect a number of USB devices to a single USB port and would, I think, allow you to connect up your existing speakers.

Would this be the kind of thing you describe, JohnB47? - 

From Argos if it would be the correct typefor my laptop:

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8152125?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=30f62ea9-9626-4cac-97c8-9ff3921f8558&istItemId=ixilaxpma&istBid=t&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59130|acid:289-152-2757|cid:599609992|agid:24126986217|tid:pla-881964420673|crid:94168542777|nw:g|rnd:2600409966417023404|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:1007325&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=599609992&utm_term=&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=24126986217&utm_custom2=289-152-2757&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8_mh8Z6V8QIVdgIGAB0dyQ3FEAQYASABEgJFTfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thank you.

OnlyTheBestWillDo

I suggest that if you are going to Argos that you get something like this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9198841
or this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9145791
or this: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9466889

[Deleted User]

That looks perfect, OnlyTheBestWillDo.  I'll go tomorrow, if one of them is in stock at my nearest Argos collect it, or I'll order to collect when one is available. 

Sincerely - you've been great and I really appreciate all the time and help you have given, thank you +++.

Retired Saver