Do you use Ubuntu? I’m wondering about it ....
Yes, though I don't know any command lines, etc. I am typing this post on a two-year-old HP1120NR which runs on Ubuntu. I have never had a virus, etc., since Linux, of which Ubuntu is a distribution, is impervious to viruses. I use Open Office and HP helpfully updates my machine periodically. It cost under $400 and is available second-hand for around $200. It has a 16gig SSD drive and boots in about ten seconds. There has never been anything like it on the market since then, except to custom order from HP for around $800, with an 80gig SSD a seven-hour battery life versus my current 2-1/2 hours. So it isn't worth getting a new one. Another almost virus-free alternative is a MacBook Air 11.6" for $1,000+. Both alternatives are expensive for a third computer, for me anyway.
Now if Obama gets revved up about IDing everyone, maybe I'll just need to take the plunge.