They do trade off depending on what application is running in order to get the longest battery life.

Here's a quote from one site: http://uk.answers.acer.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9075/~/determining-which-graphics-card-is-used-with-nvidia-optimus

"Systems with NVIDIA Optimus technology can seamlessly switch between the integrated graphics, such as the Intel HD Graphics, and the dedicated NVIDIA graphics card. Since the switch happens automatically, it may be unclear which graphics card is being used."

I did a quick search and found this article on how to override the defaults and ensure you're getting the benefits of the dedicated card.

http://www.digitalcitizen.life/set-which-video-cards-are-used-apps-games-windows-10

I'm looking forward to the Winnipeg Folk Festival this summer, I missed it last year...

Have you updated firmware?

http://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/dslr/eos-7d-mark-ii?subtab=downloads-firmware

I found this in their description:
(Previous) Version 1.1.1 improvements:
3. Corrects the phenomenon in which in very rare cases the shutter can no longer be released.

I’m mostly in the Mac camp as well. The Mac mini is a nice option that allows multiple monitors of your choice but it’s not a laptop... and it’s not windoze...

I’m not absolutely certain of this but my sons gaming laptop only activated the dedicated graphics card when certain video modes are set, e.g. games. When web surfing or editing a document it uses the low power consumption integrated processor based graphics. He’s got an indicator light when he’s using the higher power drain graphics card.

This leads me to suspect having a dedicated graphics card may offer zero advantage with the majority of photo editing software.

Take a look at https://www.xoticpc.com/ they are focused on performance and you’re pretty safe buying from them.

My thoughts as well, I’d be amazed if they used a custom battery. You’ll probably find them on Amazon.

Have you checked Craigslist? I see them for sale fairly regularly. I just did a search and there's one for $250 about 3 hours drive from me so their out there. Also look on Facebook Marketplace for one nearby.

that cleaning solution along with the swabs they sell should be fine. I use something similar I get from Amazon as a kit with a bottle of cleaner and a dozen swabs.

I agree, pull the memory and reseat it, we used to call it chip creap back in the days memory was individual chips, things heat up and expand then cool down and contract.

Another thing I do for people is buy a new hard drive so you're not messing with any of your old existing (mostly) working operating system on the old drive. Do a clean install of Windows on the new drive (SSD is highly recommended for the OS as other have said). Install your applications and then connect your old drive to copy over your data.

This all assumes you're on a budget. If money is no object, listen to all the folks saying buy what you can afford and enjoy the new system.

There is that but Nikon is still replacing the shutter mechanisms under warranty. I went the 600 route to save $200 and Nikon installed a new shutter free of charge.

Since you're talking about buying a used camera and because you want to upgrade and because others are suggesting other models I'll throw in a completely different upgrade path. Look around your area on Craigslist and on Facebook marketplace for a D600 - it's essentially a D7000 with a full frame sensor. Nearly identical controls, dual card slots, etc... I believe the sensor is the same as what's in the D750 still being sold today. It's a heck of a camera and you'll find one for $450 to $600 which isn't much more (or about the same) than you're going to pay for a 7xxx series body used. The gotcha is your DX format lenses will kick the 600 into DX mode.

Just a thought, not necessarily a good one :) just a thought....

While you’re on the north shore be sure to go all the way up to the grand Marais area, if you time it right the fall colors are spectacular

Yes, I thought this sounded like a Mr Bean scene

That's right! They have tape as well! Fwiw, I had a 2 part epoxy from GG with a defective cap so I couldn't easily reseal the tubes. GG sent me a coupon for a free replacement and after I returned the half used tube they sent me a 2nd coupon for a free product as a thanks for returning so they can figure out what went wrong. Good service.