advise on a laptop?

[NewValker]

Hey all,  I'm a laptop virgin. Go ahead and laugh...my desktop is over 10 yrs old and screws with me all the time.  Guess it's time to move on to a new one.
I know zero about laptops and hope someone can recommend one.

I want one that can travel well, smallish is ok. I just surf bike sites, you tube vids, google maps to plan rides,  & e-mail.  No idea what I need for storage and to get on the net. Do they come ready for wi-fi? or is that an option? Like to stay in the $250-300 range if possible.

I was at WW today and was looking at their offerings. I asked the clerk for help. Turns out she was older than me and knew less about em than me...

thanks,
Craig

[The emperor has no clothes]

I really like my iPad. Small, easy to use. I don’t know what it cost though, my wife bought it.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Lenovo's are good ones. was a bunch of IBM employees got pissed off and started their own company and the rest is to our benifit.
I have one that cost about 250 from best buy and has 8 gig of ram and a 1 terabite hard drive and wifi is a standard these days.
I-Pad's will break the bank if your bank is like mine

[bassman]

A little more than you want to spend but may give you an idea on the various brands and they might have a less expensive model in your desired price range

http://in.pcmag.com/laptops/68789/guide/the-best-cheap-laptops-of-2017

BTW....just picked up an Apple iPad Mini 4 for less than $300 during last weekends Vetern's Day sale....may have something similar this Thanksgiving weekend on the same iPad or LOTS of other laptops / iPads

Good luck !

[Psychotic Bovine]

my advice.  Go to Tiger Direct or someplace else that sells computers and look for refurbished business laptops.  Win 10 business for your OS.  Why business?  Because they usually don't have any extraneous bs bloatware on them.  Why refurbed?  Cost is much cheaper.
Try to get your laptop with the features you like: blu-ray drive or dvd or no drive if you prefer.  But, try to get at least an Intel I5 or I7.  16 gigs of memory is good, but 8 will work.  And lastly, solid state hard drive, 256 gb or better.  Solid state will use a lot less power, start up in 10 seconds or so, and are much more reliable for any machine that will be carried on a bike.  Hope this helps!

[RDKLL]

You do about what I do and I have been well served by a Chromebook Acer C720 that I have had for a about 3 years...I am not a tech guy but it works
email, surf the web, email and you tube

[Psychotic Bovine]

And new laptops usually have wifi built in.

[cookiedough]

now is the time to buy come black friday best buy ONLINE am sure if you have a best buy account (if not set one up before thursday) and get this samsung chromebook for 120 bucks is all you will probably need.  best buy has actual 15.6" latops under 250 bucks or so as well if thinking 11.6" screen too small.

https://www.theblackfriday.com/bestbuy-blackfriday.shtml?page=1

most deals except in store ONLY can be had at best buy shopping online and easy to pick up in store if need be.  If search their 15.6" laptops I see a lenovo very nice one for under 250 bucks would be a great deal as well and then never have to worry about hard drive space or memory issues for 100 bucks more or so is all. 

I want their 50 or 55 inch TV but those 2 GREAT buys are IN STORE ONLY and NOT standing in line 24 hours in advance having to be the first 20 in line to get a TV. 

walmart am sure has some good buys black friday this coming thursday as well.  NOW is the time to buy come black friday deals this thursday.   shopping online is where it is at this coming thursday.

I found my mother in law a great guy at best buy black friday deal on a hp envy printer since her old 10 year old one clunked out a little bit ago was 197 on sale 120 bucks off for 77 bucks hard to beat that.   

I will have to settle for paying 298 for walmarts 55 inch 4k ultra 2160p smart TV made by Sharp since know I can get that one vs. IN STORE ONLY at best buy which NEVER will do that EVER again in my entire life. 

[NewValker]

Thanks everyone, got some researching to do now...

Rob, I'd like an IPad, but I'm a poor truck driver, not a highly paid meat cutter...   j/k

Craig

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks everyone, got some researching to do now...

Rob, I'd like an IPad, but I'm a poor truck driver, not a highly paid meat cutter...   j/k

Craig

better get you a rich Starbucks wife then. 

[scooperhsd]

You do about what I do and I have been well served by a Chromebook Acer C720 that I have had for a about 3 years...I am not a tech guy but it works
email, surf the web, email and you tube

This (Chromebook) is not a bad option for alot of people these days - They bootup quick,  pretty much self contained, and it would do exactly what you're looking for. Builtin Wifi too . The flip side - they don't work too well without network access. It LIVES on the web/Internet.

A Windows laptop is a bit pricier, but also more capable. Also more fragile for on-the road use.

There used to be a Tiger Direct here in Raleigh. I don't know if there other stores still in operation elsewhere. But there are computer stores in most locations, plus "normal" retail such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy. Stay away from Wholesale clubs (Sam's, BJ's, etc.)

[art]

Got a refurbished Acer chromebook for $135 at Amazon. Just surf the web,no cd player and best no windows.

[Hook#3287]

Craig, don't know if it's an option with windows based machines, but my iPad has the cell option that is huge. 

Any where there's  cell service, the web is available.

[Patrick]

Everyone has an option don't they. I happen to like Macbook.  But, they are very pricey. But, in 6 or 7 yrs I've had no issues with it.

[Robert]

The Ipad is a good suggestion and travels well, there are used ones out there also that can be had for much cheaper. The other possibility is a Android pad that will be considerably cheaper and in the range that you are looking for. You can get them with only WiFi connection or with 3G, that will also make a difference in the price. I would recommend as long as you hold on to them to get something that is new though so it has all the bells and whistles. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is on sale now for about 229.oo and will do all the things you need. If you go around now you will see many laptops on sale for Black Friday also.

Why not just use the phone? It will do all those things you want

[Pete]

On the web search for lenovo outlet.   https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/outletus/laptops/c/LAPTOPS
The inventory changes every day so check often until you find something in you price range.

[f6john]

Another vote for the IPad. I had a Lenovo laptop that was fine but I never really used its computing function so when the screen messed up I went with an iPad and haven’t looked back. No matter what platform you decide to go with, based on your stated use, don’t bother with a laptop.

And remember it only costs a, little more to go first class!    That’s why you ride a Valkyrie.

[cookiedough]

Another vote for the IPad. I had a Lenovo laptop that was fine but I never really used its computing function so when the screen messed up I went with an iPad and haven’t looked back. No matter what platform you decide to go with, based on your stated use, don’t bother with a laptop.

And remember it only costs a, little more to go first class!    That’s why you ride a Valkyrie.

not necessarily always true paying a little more for first class.   All parts made in CHINA or thereabouts regardless of mfg. for the most part just like TVs.   I have had good luck with walmart Emerson TV's costing 1/2 the cost of a similar Samsung, etc. TV and my neighbor has spent 2-3x's that in TV's and his seem to not go 5 years before issues.   Go with what feels best to you since a few options well under 250 bucks that should work fine for years to come.  Some do not like a smaller 11.6" screen say in a chromebook, thus go 15.6" laptop, up to you really.   Ipads are nice but pricey so I go with a 15.6" laptop.  If a CD player is important or storage capacity taking tons of pics, etc., and burning them to a CD or flashdrive,    then I say go laptop over a chromebook or the like.  If you do not need that CD drive,  then a smaller 11.6" chromebook, etc. is fine.

[scooperhsd]

The Ipad is a good suggestion and travels well, there are used ones out there also that can be had for much cheaper. The other possibility is a Android pad that will be considerably cheaper and in the range that you are looking for. You can get them with only WiFi connection or with 3G, that will also make a difference in the price. I would recommend as long as you hold on to them to get something that is new though so it has all the bells and whistles. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is on sale now for about 229.oo and will do all the things you need. If you go around now you will see many laptops on sale for Black Friday also.

Why not just use the phone? It will do all those things you want

I can understand not wanting to do it on a phone - I dislike that idea myself.

Android tablet - make sure it has lots of memory as well as storage. You need memory to run apps, and storage for, well, apps and photos/music etc.  That's why a chromebook is a bit nicer than most tablets.

[Savago]

I would say if you decide to buy a laptop, avoid HPs. They look nice and generally got good specs but are not reliable: I had 2 that went bad after 1 1/2 year to 2 years of use (and the same happened with 3 other friends).

I would prefer either Asus (good and cheap) or Dell (good and more pricey).

I used to be a Thinkpad man, had quite a few of them from 2005 to 2010 (T30, T40, T50, T60 and X60). The reliability went down considerably after it moved from IBM (American) to Lenovo (Chinese company).

From 2008 to 2014 Macbooks were a good option for professionals, even though quite pricey. But in this days, macbooks are non expandable with the memory soldered in the motherboard. Not to mention that you have 1-2 ports (USB-C) and that is it.

One issue that is a *fact* with Windows machines is the virus problem. Expect to have to reinstall the OS once a year.

Giving your use case, I would seriously consider a chromebook. If you got one that has an ARM processor (instead of Intel), you can expect to also be able to run all Android apps with no problem.

Major advantages are:
- virus free
- free updates
- price

Disadvantages:
- got be connected to the web to do any useful work
- generally don't have much storage space (that is solvable)

Trying to make a metaphor about Operating systems:
a) Windows is like a Harley: some people love it, but it under-performs. Expect to have problems down the road.

b) Macs are like a Ducati: awesome performance, but insanely pricey.

c) Linux is like a classic jap bike: reliable but you got know what you are doing.

[Mr Whiskey]

Craigslist...
I got a Dell Inspiron 17.3" Laptop, Windows 10 Home, AMD Quad-Core A8 Processor with AMD Radeon R5 Graphics, 12GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive...
for 175 bucks brand new in box!
Here's one jus' like it with half the ram & not as good graphics on sale for $620
http://www.qvc.com/Dell-17%22-Laptop-AMD-Quad-Core-6GB-RAM-1TB-HDD-Windows-10-Home-%26-Office-365.product.E230933.html?colorId=180&sizeId=000&ref=GAS&cm_mmc=GOOGLESHOPPINGFEED-_-GShopping
Now this thing was designed to be a desk top replacement so it's huge, heavy, & barely fits in the Wing trunk, but I use my Moto X Pure 64g Android phone when I'm traveling (got 200 bucks in that on sale brand new).
Point is you can find some pretty good deals if your patient, & do your research
Best of on your search

[Gryphon Rider]

Mr Whiskey,
If we have trouble seeing, we've already put on our reading glasses to see the other messages. 

[Gryphon Rider]

I have an HP laptop.  I'll never buy another.  I have an HP deskjet printer.  I'll never buy another HP printer.  I just bought an Acer laptop with 8GB RAM, a 128GB SSD for OS (Win 10) & programs, and a 1TB HDD for data.  Wicked fast startup.  It almost takes more time to type in my password than for the rest of it to boot up.  The only thing is I didn't realize when I bought it is it doesn't have an optical drive.  Maybe I'll add one later.  My laptop doesn't fit your $250-300 range, though.

Weren't Lenovo computers the ones that the Chinese had spyware preinstalled in, before they got caught?

** EDIT **
Yup, Lenovo computers had spyware:
https://www.inverse.com/article/36136-lenovo-settles-spyware-laptop-case-ftc-32-states

[hubcapsc]

I have an HP laptop.  I'll never buy another.  I have an HP deskjet printer.  I'll never buy another HP printer.  I just bought an Acer laptop with 8GB RAM, a 128GB SSD for OS (Win 10) & programs, and a 1TB HDD for data.  Wicked fast startup.  It almost takes more time to type in my password than for the rest of it to boot up.  The only thing is I didn't realize when I bought it is it doesn't have an optical drive.  Maybe I'll add one later.  My laptop doesn't fit your $250-300 range, though.

Weren't Lenovo computers the ones that the Chinese had spyware preinstalled in, before they got caught?

** EDIT **
Yup, Lenovo computers had spyware:
https://www.inverse.com/article/36136-lenovo-settles-spyware-laptop-case-ftc-32-states

My wife had one of those bloatware Lenovos. Then it caught on fire.
Well... not fire really, it just got really hot, smelled like burning plastic
and quit turning on.

I'm typing this on a Lenovo X1 Carbon. Awesome computer - with
Fedora 26 on it. I wouldn't touch a cheap Lenovo, or want to use
anything other than a Lenovo Thinkpad...

-Mike

[Mr Whiskey]

Mr Whiskey,
If we have trouble seeing, we've already put on our reading glasses to see the other messages. 

Yeah, that's not for you, it's for me
(JUS' BE THANKFUL I'M NOT SHOUTING!)

[Robert]

FYI the Android tablets can add as much memory as you want since most of them if  not all have the ability to add a memory card like a SD to them. You can get the SD cards with 64GB to 2TB of memory.

I also agree with Savago about the Chromebook, I had a chance to play with one and they were quick, light and internet is good.

[scooperhsd]

FYI the Android tablets can add as much memory as you want since most of them if  not all have the ability to add a memory card like a SD to them. You can get the SD cards with 64GB to 2TB of memory.

I also agree with Savago about the Chromebook, I had a chance to play with one and they were quick, light and internet is good.

I hate to disagree with you - but  - an SD Card is STORAGE, not MEMORY. They are 2 different things. You could be talking about using the STORAGE as VIRTUAL MEMORY,  but I don't know if Android does that, or how well it does that.

[Gryphon Rider]

Most Chromebooks have 2 or 4 GB of RAM memory, with 16-32 GB of storage.  I would look at 4GB RAM and 32GB storage; to get more than that puts you way past your $300 upper limit.  My daughter bought a Chromebook a few months ago, and one thing I didn't anticipate is that it only prints to printers that are Google Cloud Print compatible.  My old HP printer was jamming regularly (amongst other issues) and I was going to replace it soon anyway, so I made sure my new printer was Cloud Print compatible.

[scooperhsd]

Most Chromebooks have 2 or 4 GB of RAM memory, with 16-32 GB of storage.  I would look at 4GB RAM and 32GB storage; to get more than that puts you way past your $300 upper limit.  My daughter bought a Chromebook a few months ago, and one thing I didn't anticipate is that it only prints to printers that are Google Cloud Print compatible.  My old HP printer was jamming regularly (amongst other issues) and I was going to replace it soon anyway, so I made sure my new printer was Cloud Print compatible.

One way around this if you have a Windows computer (at least - it may also work for a Mac) - Using Google Chrome, you can setup your Legacy printers as Google Cloudprint destinations. You would need to leave Chrome running for this to work. I have done this from my Android phones.

But yes - it is simpler if the printer has this builtin.

[Gryphon Rider]

Most Chromebooks have 2 or 4 GB of RAM memory, with 16-32 GB of storage.  I would look at 4GB RAM and 32GB storage; to get more than that puts you way past your $300 upper limit.  My daughter bought a Chromebook a few months ago, and one thing I didn't anticipate is that it only prints to printers that are Google Cloud Print compatible.  My old HP printer was jamming regularly (amongst other issues) and I was going to replace it soon anyway, so I made sure my new printer was Cloud Print compatible.

One way around this if you have a Windows computer (at least - it may also work for a Mac) - Using Google Chrome, you can setup your Legacy printers as Google Cloudprint destinations. You would need to leave Chrome running for this to work. I have done this from my Android phones.

But yes - it is simpler if the printer has this builtin.

Yeah, I read about this workaround, but who wants to be forced to have one computer up and running in order to print from another computer?  I also wanted Apple Air Print compatibility to simplify printing from our iPhones.  I ended up getting a Canon colour laser printer with a document feeder, two-sided printing, the ability to scan to email, etc.  It's like a downsized version of a large office machine, except it won't print 11x17 or staple.  So far, I'm happy with it.
My printer's info on Canon's web site, if anyone's interested.

[scooperhsd]

Most Chromebooks have 2 or 4 GB of RAM memory, with 16-32 GB of storage.  I would look at 4GB RAM and 32GB storage; to get more than that puts you way past your $300 upper limit.  My daughter bought a Chromebook a few months ago, and one thing I didn't anticipate is that it only prints to printers that are Google Cloud Print compatible.  My old HP printer was jamming regularly (amongst other issues) and I was going to replace it soon anyway, so I made sure my new printer was Cloud Print compatible.

One way around this if you have a Windows computer (at least - it may also work for a Mac) - Using Google Chrome, you can setup your Legacy printers as Google Cloudprint destinations. You would need to leave Chrome running for this to work. I have done this from my Android phones.

But yes - it is simpler if the printer has this builtin.

Yeah, I read about this workaround, but who wants to be forced to have one computer up and running in order to print from another computer?  I also wanted Apple Air Print compatibility to simplify printing from our iPhones.  I ended up getting a Canon colour laser printer with a document feeder, two-sided printing, the ability to scan to email, etc.  It's like a downsized version of a large office machine, except it won't print 11x17 or staple.  So far, I'm happy with it.
My printer's info on Canon's web site, if anyone's interested.

And you being happy and what you have works is what's important.

We got us a Brother B/W Laser / scanner (but not the cloud print / whatever).

[NewValker]

Thanks all for taking the time to reply!
Plenty of info to go with
Craig

[NautiBrit]

I'm with those that recommend a tablet as I hardly ever use my laptop anymore. Samsung is having a $100 off sale and their tablets are very good. We have 2 in our household.

https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/tablets/all-other-tablets/sm-t580nzkaxar-sm-t580nzkaxar/?cid=ppc-

[cookiedough]

I'm with those that recommend a tablet as I hardly ever use my laptop anymore. Samsung is having a $100 off sale and their tablets are very good. We have 2 in our household.

https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/tablets/all-other-tablets/sm-t580nzkaxar-sm-t580nzkaxar/?cid=ppc-

yah, but some of us are still old school and can type on a laptop keyboard much, much faster than any tablet user.

[bassman]

....could always add an aftermarket keyboard to the tablet to make typing a little easier....never used one but I'm sure it would be better than typing directly on the tablet keyboard......probably find one on-line in the $30-40 range

good luck.....

[Mr Whiskey]

....could always add an aftermarket keyboard to the tablet to make typing a little easier....never used one but I'm sure it would be better than typing directly on the tablet keyboard......probably find one on-line in the $30-40 range

good luck.....

Alittle pricey, but very handy
https://www.amazon.com/Foldable-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Wireless-Speakers-2-1-Rollable-Keyboard-Wireless-Android-iOS-Devices/dp/B074C3J9QW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1511389688&sr=8-10&keywords=bluetooth+roll+up+keyboard

[NewValker]

Well, I know I might be sorry for reporting this, but I thought since so many chimed in, I'd let ya know what I ended up buying.
Believe it or not, I took Meathead's advice...can't believe I'm saying this...
The son in law & I spent couple hours at Best Buy one evening and I tried every machine they had in my price range there.  By far the Ipad was faster, better quality for old eyes, and we got it for $249!

again, thanks to all that replied,
Craig

P.S. Rob, j/k   

[scooperhsd]

Well, I know I might be sorry for reporting this, but I thought since so many chimed in, I'd let ya know what I ended up buying.
Believe it or not, I took Meathead's advice...can't believe I'm saying this...
The son in law & I spent couple hours at Best Buy one evening and I tried every machine they had in my price range there.  By far the Ipad was faster, better quality for old eyes, and we got it for $249!

again, thanks to all that replied,
Craig

P.S. Rob, j/k   

Good for you - as long as you are happy with your purchase. Enjoy !!!

[Jersey mike]

I've been using my iPad more and more these days but I still have a desktop also, it's gotta be close to 8-9 years old.

My son has been using and Apple laptop for 3 years for college (bio-med engineering) and he also uses it for all his gaming and video watching and has a boat load of programs on it and icons all over the place and he says it runs flawlessly. He was also able to load something on it so he could run a version of Windows. He's using the MacBook Pro Retina 13". I just asked him again if there's any issues and he said "no, runs great"

Hope that helped.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Well, I know I might be sorry for reporting this, but I thought since so many chimed in, I'd let ya know what I ended up buying.
Believe it or not, I took Meathead's advice...can't believe I'm saying this...
The son in law & I spent couple hours at Best Buy one evening and I tried every machine they had in my price range there.  By far the Ipad was faster, better quality for old eyes, and we got it for $249!

again, thanks to all that replied,
Craig

P.S. Rob, j/k   

you are screwed now Craig.