If you were in the market for a laptop "replacement" right now

Hi, Spouse has a too big, too heavy, now old HP laptop that is beginning to freeze up fairly regularly.

If you were looking for email, internet, some word processing, photos with light editing and the review of an occasional spreadsheet from some one else, what would you look at? Windows preferred.

Many Thanks,

Ron Carter

I gotta tell ya, I'm lusting after a Surface Pro 4 but don't have the capital. It's got flexibility and the capabilities I want. The thing that got me interested? A member of the classical group I sing with scanned all his music into his and that's what he uses in rehearsals and concerts. He just hides it with the cover everyone else uses in concerts.

That thing lets him write notes on each page and it saves them. All he has to do is swipe to quickly do a pageturn. He never has to worry about poor lighting conditions. He always has the thing with him so he never forgets his music (that's one of my superpowers now...) and it is no heavier than the folders with all our sheet music.

I do think there are a few different price points but I don't want to look for it right now - because it will just make me pine for it more.

Thanks, Man. Will look more closely into it!

-Ron

Spouse just got a Dell XPS 13 for work and it is pretty nice!

I'm taking notes because I'm (over)due for a replacement for my laptop also.

I just bought an XPS 15. It's pretty hot, although some people don't like Dell.

Apple, without question. I have a two year old Macbook Pro, and it is still as fast and reliable as ever, and I hardly have to do anything to care for it. Of course, the software you run has to run on the Mac, so if you have special software, it may not work for you.

Tom, that's a classic IT answer. He asked about windows based computers. Credit him with knowing his preferences, at least.

Windows folks, Surface versus Dell XPS 13?

Many Thanks for the ideas so far!

Best Regards,

Ron

both good, but XPS seems to have better reviews. The screen is fantastic, but don't bother with the touchscreen. I bought it and don't really use it.

Windows can be run on a Mac.

My daughter loves her Surface Book (the one that is a true laptop) and chose it over the XPS 13 at about the same time my spouse was choosing the XPS. I think the Surface Pro is more of a hybrid tablet/laptop, although Surface Book also converts to tablet mode. If you go with Surface Pro (vs Surface Book), be sure to check that you can use it as a laptop in the situations you need - in your lap, on your desk, etc. (I don't remember the details, but I believe it is not as flexible regarding screen position in laptop mode.)

Windows can be run on a Mac, but what's the point? Very little for most people.

@FilmCarp, I know Ron, and I looked at a computer of his a few years ago. He was just doing mail and web at the time, so there's a chance that a Mac would suit him just as well, and a chance that it would be an improvement. Familiarity is no longer a reason to stick with Windows, since Microsoft has made new versions of Windows look and feel very different from previous versions. The adjustment from Windows 7 to Mac OS is no more dramatic than the adjustment from going from Windows 7 to Windows 10. In fact, it might be less.

And since I'm an IT person, would you expect an un-IT-ish answer from me?

Tom, Many Thanks for this set of thoughts!

Best Regards,

Ron Carter

I bought a Surface Pro 4 at the beginning of the year. Love it, it's lightweight, fast and I switch it back and forth from tablet to semi laptop. However, on my desk I use it docked and with a regular keyboard. I don't think I would want the surface cover to be my only keyboard. But then, I don't like laptop keyboards in general as my only keyboards.

These days I would buy an HP, or Lenovo over a Dell. Go to BestBuy and look at the different options. I would only buy a 2 in 1 these days, so either the keyboard comes off, or can fold to the back. Touch screen is a must on those and is really nice.

I wouldn't buy a Mac right now, until apple updates them. They currently have 2 generation old processors, and having only one USB-C port on some is rather annoying, too.

To tag along on this thread -- any recommendations for a Windows desktop? Mostly for the kids, so doesn't need to be top of the line. Not much gaming other than the occasional Minecraft.

IMHO, the days of the desktop are numbered, outside of high powered gaming, graphic design, image editing or similar situations. We only have laptops and 2 in 1s in the house at this point, including for the kids. There are very affordable machines out there, like the HP Stream systems, or Pavillion.

Some of the all in one desktop systems might be fun for a home, too.

And if money is no object, there is fun stuff out there, like this http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/desktops/yoga/yoga-home/yoga-home-900/

The old-school desktop is for 'parenting purposes': To keep the computer next to where spouse & I use our work laptops. Not ready for the 8-year old to be taking the laptop to her room and becoming a 'mean girl' on social media yet!

We have a laptop for our 10 year old. It doesn't go in his room. If I'm working in the kitchen and he has computer homework he brings it into the kitchen. I like the portable idea.

Just doesn't work for me. Already had enough of an annoyance cleaning the 11yr old's phone after he spilled his juice on it when he put it on the kitchen table. And then there's always the "where is it?" question.

So, I'm an old-curmudgeon mommy who wants to keep a desktop on (under) the desk. (I also prefer to have the kids out of the kitchen when I'm cooking... so there's that too).

I agree: there are reasons a parent may want the computer to be in a fixed location, and the bonus is that it can save money.

Take a look at the Apple iMac. It's expensive, but it might last a good, long time.

Other than that, I still like Dell desktops.

Here's my 2 cents; MAC MINI !!!

Dell- had several dells then got one that came up w/ blue screen of death EVERY morning. I was mistreated, very badly, by their customer DIS service dept. So off the list.

HPOS- printer almost burned our house ($90+K)... off the list.

Lenovo- after 4 mos. stopped working. Misdiagnosis etc result took 3-4 MONTHs to resolve w/ a new puter. While waiting I got a MAC MINI; lenovo still in box 1+ yrs later. Off the list.

My history with Apple: bought a refurb iPad2 from MOLer almost 3 yrs ago. I expected to be WOWed by it. It didn't really blow me away- until I thought about it and realized that it has worked every day without hitch for 3 yrs. That's a WOW ! Especially given the history above.

While at MaSH Apple store for FREE training on iPad basics I was looking at a MacBook Pro ($2,000). A salesman told me to NOT buy the MBP, rather get an all-in-one ($1,100) as a replacement for old laptop/desktop; and keep using iPad for mobility.

Yup you read that right--an Apple salesman was downselling because it's better for the customer!

I took the AIO idea 1 step further- the MAC MIN($450)I. MBP, AIO and Mini all come loaded w/ the same software. What the mini lacks is a monitor, burner, webcam and keyboard/mouse combo. Let me deal w/ these; KB/M I hate the set that comes w/ either MBP or AIO so getting what I want is a wash. Burner and cam- I don't use these much. I think I get them both for about $100. Which leaves the monitor- I have a 21" HD monitor ($125) already so no need to buy a new one. If you have a satisfactory monitor already, you won't need an extra one.

Mini is a misnomer- it's more like dwarf micro-mini It's dimensions are 7 3/4 X 7 3/4 X 1 1/2". That's smaller than a collegiate dictionary! I have already taken it, w/ KB/M, in a briefcase to a destination. Just had to use a local monitor.

The final and most compelling argument in favor of any Apple product is APPLE itself. Quality products backed by quality staff. Make that platinum quality.

@Apollo_T, that's a nice testimony, but I think Ron is looking for a real laptop. You don't really want to move a Mac Mini from desk to couch to bed.

A good salesperson will downsell when they know the customer will be happier in the end. Good for that guy.

I am pretty impressed by the ipad. Mine is 2-1/2 years old and is starting to slow down.

Tom_Reingold said:

@Apollo_T, that's a nice testimony, but I think Ron is looking for a real laptop. You don't really want to move a Mac Mini from desk to couch to bed.

Tom- you're right about moving the mini around, That's the point of having a good tablet. Which is the point that salesman made. My iPad, or any other tablet with a bluetooth keyboard, becomes a very lightweight computer. That's what I did-- best $35 I've spent in the tech world.

The real issue is the one of the need for portability. Does the lovely Mrs. C need to move her whole system from place to place- or does her work usually get done at a desk and her mobile needs can be satisfied w/ a tablet? Only they can answer that.

BTW, I stand by my high praise for Apple products and people. Ron, whtever your decision give Apple a really fair look.

I have had excellent track record with HP computers, owning a desktop and at least four laptops. I do not buy the most expensive computers or the cheapest but something inbetween. I may just be lucky but they do seem to be good values and well built. I have not had to deal with their customer service, which is a good thing.

We have had Dells, and yes the customer service is dicey, and not as good a value as its competition, a Lenovo where its customer service had to give us a new keyboard and new ethernet port and the screws continue to keep falling out and my daughter has to keep putting them back in and a Toshiba which was just a piece of crap and I ended up suing Circuit City in small claims (got $350).

My son bought a MAC and got four years of service before it died and if you have the money or a particular need, it is a good option.

I see what you mean, @Apollo_T. Your suggestion is worth considering. Typing on an ipad is no fun, but often, I read with it much more than type on it. I don't have a computer of my own now, as my workplace provides me with a laptop. Sometimes I bring it home, and sometimes I don't. I get by just fine with just the ipad for almost everything.

Your testimonial is significant. Three years ago, you certainly were not interested in the Apple cult or any cult. You just wanted something functional, and you were oriented frugally, which might not have led you to Apple products. But they ended up making sense for you. For all the high prices on Apple products, you usually end up getting your money's worth.

I am so pleased that so many folks with real expertise have chimed in on this. Many, Many Thanks!