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Oldest, certainly! The original's in hieroglyphics! Best?
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Last week after a hefty dose of MS updates my main dev workstation started misbehaving. Starting some programs from mapped network drives would fail with the message 'Path not found ...' with the path to a file that I can get to in explorer. Further, double-clicking on a file such as a project file gave the same message. Further still, I could browse to the project from the IDE and it would open without a problem. Sadly, this mess is also affecting automated build procs so I need to figure it out fast.
Process Monitor (a great free tool) led me to a permissions issue with the CSC folder. Windows denied me access at first but then allowed me to take ownership of the folder and contents. 45 minutes into the process I got worried and clicked the Cancel button. 3 hours later and it is still cancelling! 
It's been a great system for the last 5.8 years but looks like it may be ready for retirement! On that note, my FIL called yesterday to brag about his new Surface Pro which MS apparently has on sale for the next few days. I'm seriously considering getting one but thought I'd ask here first if anyone has used or is using one of these for serious development. I would be considering the i5 model (256GB and 8GB) and most certainly a new external drive. The only thing holding me back is knowing what kind of bad@$$ rig I could build/buy for half the cost. Decisions, decisions, ...
"Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse
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My new(er) i7 laptop is running Windows 8.1 and the latest updates renderd the Fn key unusable and the stupid mousepad would previously be blocked when my mouse was plugged in, now cannot be turned off.
Ugh! I searched for answers for over an hour last night. It is so annoying when microsoft creates more work and unconfigures your machine with their updates. Terrible. 
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I had the Surface Pro 2 (256,8). It is fine for a development system. I was running SQL Server & Visual Studio on it without a problem. The screen is good, although a little small.
However, its biggest drawback is the keyboard. Both styles are terrible to type on. The touchpad is also very poor - I chose to take an external mouse with me everywhere. It also only has one USB port, so I needed to take a hub with me (mouse, camera, backup drive).
Unfortunately, mine got stolen from the boot of my car. Since I needed a laptop, I went straight to the store intending to buy a Surface Pro 3, but ended up with a Zenbook instead.
The Zenbook is great. The screen is bigger, the keyboard is a massive improvement, although it's still only a laptop keyboard. The touchpad is usable. It has 3 USB ports. Very happy with it.
Are the Surface Pros on special now, because the next generation is about to be released?
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NeverJustHere wrote: Are the Surface Pros on special now, because the next generation is about to be released?
I wouldn't be surprised, but it's not a deep discount, just 10%.
Thanks for the positive feedback on the Zenbook. 
"Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse
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Get a USB 3 dock (doesn't have to be Microsoft's overpriced one, this[^] is the one I have), hook up your mouse/keyboard/monitors/every other peripheral you can think of to it, and use it like any other PC. That's how I used mine until I decided I wanted to go 4K (which my first-gen Surface Pro can't do).
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Yeah, that was one of the motivating factors for getting my Surface Pro - it could drive my 30 inch 2560x1600 monitor, whereas the Zenbook can't. Although the number of times I actually hooked it up caused me to disregard that as a requirement when looking for a replacement.
When I was looking for USB 3 hubs, they all required external power - not nice when traveling (especially internationally).
The Surface Pro also has a dock available - although it is pricey for what it offers.
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I have used this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inateck-Gigabit-Ethernet-Network-Adapter/dp/B00ESVH4MO[^]with my surface pro. Doesn't require an external power source and provides a fast Ethernet port as well. Generally speaking the surface pro has been an excellent machine for development, but it really comes into its own when you need to travel to a client. Having a portable development platform in such a small form factor is fantastic.
Dom
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NeverJustHere wrote: When I was looking for USB 3 hubs, they all required external power - not nice when traveling (especially internationally).
But when you travel, are you really also bringing along a bunch of external peripherals with you? From my experience, when on the road, the Type keyboard is good enough. Still wouldn't want it to be my everyday keyboard though.
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Depends, of course, on the type of travel. I'm talking more than just a day trip. I'm talking several weeks away, with a camera or two, taking almost a hundred GB of photos/movies per week. Needs back up drives - always at least two - just in case.
Then being able to charge the phone, mp3 player and GoPro from the laptop means the only other external power bricks needed are for the camera batteries and (on long trips) the beard trimmer.
So yes, when I travel, I have at least 6 things to plug in to the laptop.
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All of our dev team is about to be migrated to SP3, replete with dock, type cover and 2 much larger screens running off it.
One guy did it as a trial (i7, 256GB, 8GB) and has zero trouble with it. The touchpad is poor, but he (and others who tried it here) love the keyboard and the pen.
He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.
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Story behind it clickity[^]
Music that it pertains to clickity[^]
My favorite all time album, wore out a lot of vinyl and several CDs.
New version: WinHeist Version 2.1.1 new web site.
I know the voices in my head are not real but damn they come up with some good ideas!
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Upvote for a damned fine taste in music 
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Great album, I agree.
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always wondered about that picture.
Listened to the album this afternoon. I had forgotten about how good it is.
Brings back memories of my "lost years". 
Once you lose your pride the rest is easy.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. – Buddha
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Yeah I also have a lot of memories related to that album.
Also my brother and I listened to Animals when it first came out the weekend my ex was in the hospital having my oldest son.
Quote: Brings back memories of my "lost years".
What years?
New version: WinHeist Version 2.1.1 new web site.
I know the voices in my head are not real but damn they come up with some good ideas!
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Mike Hankey wrote: Quote: Brings back memories of my "lost years".
What years?
That is what I live with. So many years, so few memories. 
And most of the memories are not my best moments. 
Once you lose your pride the rest is easy.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. – Buddha
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JimmyRopes wrote: And most of the memories are not my best moments.
Not saying of proud of a lot of them either but it is what it is.
After two tours and coming back to a nation that hated us I pretty much got lost for a couple of years in booze and drugs and a lot of that time is gone, just fleeting memories. I was very angry and hurt and there was no one to talk to about it. The problem is that the prejudice still continues to this day.
New version: WinHeist Version 2.1.1 new web site.
I know the voices in my head are not real but damn they come up with some good ideas!
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Mike Hankey wrote: After two tours and coming back to a nation that hated us I pretty much got lost for a couple of years in booze and drugs and a lot of that time is gone, just fleeting memories. I was very angry and hurt and there was no one to talk to about it. The problem is that the prejudice still continues to this day.
I had one tour but returning to an ungrateful nation had an effect on my psyche. It probably plays a large as to why I am an ex-pat today.
Once you lose your pride the rest is easy.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. – Buddha
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I should have done that years ago!
New version: WinHeist Version 2.1.1 new web site.
I know the voices in my head are not real but damn they come up with some good ideas!
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Mike Hankey wrote: I should have done that years ago!
It is never too late. 
I offer a place to stay and get acquainted with life in a small village.
Once you lose your pride the rest is easy.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. – Buddha
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Thanks Jimmy I appreciate the offer more than I can say.
Speaking of PF I don't know if you've heard anything off there new album but here's a teaser.
Pink Floyd - Endless River, Things left unsaid[^]
Enjoy my friend
New version: WinHeist Version 2.1.1 new web site.
I know the voices in my head are not real but damn they come up with some good ideas!
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Mike Hankey wrote: Speaking of PF I don't know if you've heard anything off there new album but here's a teaser.
I only wish my condition allowed for some mind enhancing herbs.
Once you lose your pride the rest is easy.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. – Buddha
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Manager bought everyone (total of six) milkshakes from Sonic[^] as they are 1/2 price today.
Mongo: Mongo only pawn... in game of life.
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Nearest Sonic is 36.5 miles away 
Enjoy - nice that the skinflint only buys when they are half-price.
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