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Best Laptop for Writers? (Mac or PC)
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Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: nyc
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I'm looking for opinions on which laptop is best for the writer on the go in NYC.
I write screenplays (hence the name Mallrat), novels, essays, and of course e-mails. As every New Yorker knows, there are plenty of Starbucks on every corner and other coffeee houses with wireless Internet to go and write.
I'm looking for what you think (especially if you are a writer). Main issues to me are the availability of extra accessories like batteries, being able to use Final Draft software (screenplay software), being able to use Mac OS X, wireless and I really want a laptop a light laptop.
I'd prefer a mac (new or old), but IBM (great keyboards), Dell, Gateway, & Sony all have light options that I think I might like better than the current MacBooks (not a big fan of the new keyboards or shinny screens).
So what do you write on?
Which computer do you prefer to spend hours typing on in a coffee house while observing the world around you?
Thanks for any response.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winnipeg, MB
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I typed on a MacBook the other day, and it felt comfy. I made a few errors because of the funny shape of the keys but I quickly adapted. Apple always has great keyboards. The Keys on the MacBook Pro are the same as my 12 inch PowerBook and this is the most comfortable keyboard I've ever used. I can type faster on this than any other keyboard I've ever tried.
That said the MacBook is cheaper and if you're mainly using it for writing then the more pro level features really don't matter. And the MacBook gets amazing battery life by not having a nicer graphics card. So I'd suggest you pick yourself up a nice white MacBook.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Sep 2000
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You could always take a full-sized Bluetooth keyboard with you, Mallrat.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: eating kernel
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get a 9" Sony VAIO It could fit in a large pocket
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Signature depreciated.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dark Side of the Moon
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I love the keyboard on my Macbook. Have you tried one out in person? But I've heard the 12" Powerbook is even nicer. So maybe you should look into a secondhand one of those.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
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I've had my macbook for about a week now and I absolutely hate the keyboard. not nearly as bad as the old ibook keyboards, but damn close.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA - Just outside DC
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MACBOOK! By FAR! the MAc OS is more stable and virus/adware proof, so there is less chance of bad things happening to your environment. More time to write! If you use MS WORD... auto save every 2 minutes, and make a backup prefs should be set. With the smooth integration of iPhoto with Word, you can add scans of set drawings etc to your projects...
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Minnesota
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Actually, I have the smallest Sony Vaio and the keyboard is not as nice as my 12" PowerBook G4. The PowerBooks (and new MacBook Pro 15"+ sizes) have one of the best laptop keyboards in existence. Full size, responsive keys, and generally a good feel.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Seaford, Virginia
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I'd get a Windows laptop. You can't run Office on a Mac.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Washington, DC
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Originally Posted by His Dudeness
I'd get a Windows laptop. You can't run Office on a Mac.
Anyway, it appears that Final Draft is compatible with both Windows and OS X, so I'm not sure what the OP's wish list is really about. You can buy an extra battery for any laptop, get wi-fi with most models, etc. So, this being a Mac fan site, I would suggest a MacBook.
Or, if this machine is going to be used only for writing on the go, you could maybe even get a used iBook G4, since they are a little smaller and lighter. Actually, now that I think about it, that is probably what I would do, assuming that it is just a secondary machine for you. No glossy screen, which you mentioned disliking, lighter, and you're out less money if someone spills their Frappuccino on it during one of your Starbucks writing sessions.
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"One ticket to Washington, please. I have a date with destiny."
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Working. What about you?
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First thing is that real writers write on anything. Tom Wolfe uses a typewriter - as do others. One person I know uses an old word processor - and he is a very well known (I would say renowned) author.
Secondly, buy a Mac and use Mellel for your program.
It's the best (Mellel for OS X - it really IS the best.)
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Originally Posted by TETENAL
that link is to the year 2004. I'm not goin back there, NO WAY BUDDY, that's a long tube ride. PCs rule
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ice
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington state
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Originally Posted by IceEnclosure
that link is to the year 2004. I'm not goin back there, NO WAY BUDDY, that's a long tube ride. PCs rule
So, what year would Windows XP take you to?
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Washington, DC
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Originally Posted by SVass
So, what year would Windows XP take you to?
Dude! What if you, like, went back in time and destroyed Windows XP before Microsoft was able to develop it, and then because of that, like, then the Nazis won World War Two!!!!!
Dang, I should be a screenwriter.
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"One ticket to Washington, please. I have a date with destiny."
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Mar 2006
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id go as portable as you can mac wise
(
Last edited by brassplayersrock²; Jul 30, 2006 at 11:05 AM.
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2003
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I don't write.
But if you live on the road, maybe it is interesting for you to know, that notebooks with flash memory instead of a harddrive are already available. They usually have great battery life (like 12 hours or more).
Samsung for example offers notebooks with 1.8 inch drives. Their notebooks seem to be full featured with good screens (1280X768) but also with incredible battery life. And the weight is around 3 pounds.
Windows or linux of course.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Apr 2001
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I recently bought Sony SRX77 in a very good condition, Celeron 700, 384 mb of RAM, 10.4 inch screen, replaced the hard drive with 7200 rpm 40 gb drive and its very small, had wireless and generally very thin and light, works perfectly with XP SP2 and office runs great.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Louisiana
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Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey
Dude! What if you, like, went back in time and destroyed Windows XP before Microsoft was able to develop it, and then because of that, like, then the Nazis won World War Two!!!!!
Dang, I should be a screenwriter.
The Nazis didn't win? Then how come they're still around, parked in my lawn? Dang Nazis.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Seaford, Virginia
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Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey
Dude! What if you, like, went back in time and destroyed Windows XP before Microsoft was able to develop it, and then because of that, like, then the Nazis won World War Two!!!!!
Dang, I should be a screenwriter.
I thought they bombed Pearl Harbor. And Ted Kennedy was shot???
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Apr 2005
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OK back on track: frankly I prefer Windows when I am writing. OSX can get a bit distracting at times. I would elaborate further but I don't want to get drawn into one of those xp versus osx arguments.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dark Side of the Moon
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Kerrigan, there are quite a few OS X word processors and similar apps out now that let you go into full, proper fullscreen, i.e. just the text on solid colour background. I think those would provide the best writing environment.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Louisiana
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I just don't like other word processors. I have to use Word, whether it's on a PC or Mac. If Microsoft discontinues Microsoft Office for Mac, I'll be in bad shape.
I tried the demo of Mellel, and I just don't like the interface. Maybe it's a case of simply being programmed to do things a certain way, but I'm just stubborn enough to refuse to use it.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Mar 2006
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has anyone here tried pages? it kicks words butt IMHO
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Louisiana
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Originally Posted by brassplayersrock
has anyone here tried pages? it kicks words butt IMHO
Good for really simple flyers and layout stuff...
BAAAAD for word processing.
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Senior User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Albuquerque, NM
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I'm not a writer either but there is an open source app called Celtx
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Originally Posted by IceEnclosure
that link is to the year 2004. I'm not goin back there, NO WAY BUDDY, that's a long tube ride.
Last time I checked Office for Windows was from 2003.
Originally Posted by IceEnclosure
PCs rule
Then why don't you just get a Windows laptop and stop wasting everybody's time here?
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Mac Elite
Join Date: May 2005
Location: West LA
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Final Draft runs nicely on my pbook right now. For your needs though, I also recommend an ibook because you dont like the glossy screens. If you can get used to the glossiness though, get a macbook.
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Senior User
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Originally Posted by Jawbone54
The Nazis didn't win? Then how come they're still around, parked in my lawn? Dang Nazis.
Holy crap! Is that for real? Unbelievable.
What produces racist neo-Nazi white trash?
There should be a law against using the Swastika for racist or political purposes. Like Australia and Germany (I think).
Edit: Um... go with a PB 12".
(
Last edited by Ulrich Kinbote; Jul 30, 2006 at 04:45 PM.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Washington, DC
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I wouldn't even consider a PC if writing was my primary use for the new computer.
Didn't you see Sex in the City!
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winnipeg, MB
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Yes not only will a Mac help you be a successful author, but you'll also get laid regularly!
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Mar 2006
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are you trying to tell us that you dont have a mac salty?
Originally Posted by Jawbone54
Good for really simple flyers and layout stuff...
BAAAAD for word processing.
it has been a great word processor for me, better than word thats for sure, so much more customizing options and layout options than i can think of. i have produced a few very good looking school essays with pages
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Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: nyc
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I'm just looking for the best keyboard. Yes Mac has great ones, but so do PCs. It wouldn't hurt if it cost 400 bucks too.
Maybe I should get the PISMO let I think they used in Sex and the City. the ibook g3 clamshell and 1400c where my favorite... I guess if I think about it, the 1400c had small keys too, but I loved the action.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Chicago, Illinois
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I think Pages has a pretty steep learning curve. Once I got passed that, I found it more than adequate for my needs.
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Addicted to MacNN
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Originally Posted by Ghoser777
I think Pages has a pretty steep learning curve.
i'll have to agree with you on this, but as you said, once i learned how to work it it is spectacular
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA - Just outside DC
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Originally Posted by His Dudeness
I'd get a Windows laptop. You can't run Office on a Mac.
Office was first offered for the Mac and later ported to the shoddy winders OS. You were probably born after that happened.
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA - Just outside DC
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Originally Posted by Mallrat
I'm just looking for the best keyboard. Yes Mac has great ones, but so do PCs. It wouldn't hurt if it cost 400 bucks too.
Maybe I should get the PISMO let I think they used in Sex and the City. the ibook g3 clamshell and 1400c where my favorite... I guess if I think about it, the 1400c had small keys too, but I loved the action.
A second series iBook will outperform a Pizmo.
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Mac Elite
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"Bill Gates can't guarantee Windows... how can you guarantee my safety?"
-John Crichton
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winnipeg, MB
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Originally Posted by brassplayersrock
are you trying to tell us that you dont have a mac salty?
Trust me I have a Mac
Oh do I have a Mac!
I just abstain
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Originally Posted by TETENAL
Last time I checked Office for Windows was from 2003.Then why don't you just get a Windows laptop and stop wasting everybody's time here?
How's that sarcasm-detector working for ya?
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Seaford, Virginia
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Originally Posted by Y3a
Office was first offered for the Mac and later ported to the shoddy winders OS. You were probably born after that happened.
Okay dude, that was sarcasm. I've been using computers since the days of DOS on a cartridge, as in pre Windows days.
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winnipeg, MB
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yah come on when someone who has a thousand posts on a Mac forum makes a comment about Office not running on them... should he NEED to put a winky face after?
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Salt Lake City, UT USA
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12" Powerbook. I love the keyboard, it's small, and it's portable.
I know this is only kind of related, but may I recommend you checkout CelTX (was mentioned previously) It's free, and it works wonderfully. Saves you the several hundred dollars of finaldraft (which is a great program, except I don't think it's worth $300)
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2008 iMac 3.06 Ghz, 2GB Memory, GeForce 8800, 500GB HD, SuperDrive
8gb iPhone on Tmobile
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Professional Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Salt Lake City, UT USA
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Originally Posted by Jawbone54
I hate Illinois Nazis
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2008 iMac 3.06 Ghz, 2GB Memory, GeForce 8800, 500GB HD, SuperDrive
8gb iPhone on Tmobile
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Canaduh
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A nice pen and a Moleskine journal.
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Addicted to MacNN
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Sep 2000
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Originally Posted by Mallrat
I'm just looking for the best keyboard. Yes Mac has great ones, but so do PCs. It wouldn't hurt if it cost 400 bucks too.
But is the keyboard worth more than the OS and other aspects of the machine? Seriously, even if you got a PC laptop with the best keyboard in the world, how safe would your work be if it were running Windows? You could go the Linux route, which is as safe as the Mac OS virus-wise, but then how useful will your laptop be to you for other things if you're more of a Mac-guy?
And if you're that serious about getting a great keyboard, you might want to seriously consider my previous suggestion on the Bluetooth keyboard.
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Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: nyc
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Okay best keyboard on the actual laptop. I love the feeling of typing on a laptop.
Clamshell ibook is nice, but so big.
Of course I prefer apple, but not if there is a nice 3lb PC laptop that might be nicer.
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Posting Junkie
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Louisiana
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Originally Posted by Ulrich Kinbote
Holy crap! Is that for real? Unbelievable.
It's real, but I don't know where it is.
What produces racist neo-Nazi white trash?
Their neo-Nazi white trash parents. They keep it in the family.
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Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: nyc
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I'm also looking to see which computer has the best keyboard. I'm thinking macbook, but some people hate it so that makes me concerned.
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