Posted on 11/06/2016 3:09:31 PM PST by nuconvert
I want to buy a new laptop and would like to stay around 11-12" and under $500. I don't have a tablet, so I'm thinking of getting one that either docks to a keyboard and is detachable, or the type that flips & isn't detachable. I'm leery of the detachable, because I've read reviews of people having trouble with them after a while. I want it to have Windows 10 and a touchscreen would be nice also, but not imperative.
I'm not a gamer but I do want speed ...I'd be using it for FReeping, surfing the web, email, etc, during travel mostly.
Anyone have experience with detachables?
Thanks for your help
Get a tablet with a detachable keyboard. They are cheaper, more versatile ND if you get a virus, are easy to to a reset and fix vs. a computer laptop.
Just out of curiosity, is there a specific reason why Windows 10 (IE specific programs you’re using) If there isn’t, I’d look at the many android tablets and wireless keyboard options out there.
Other option without detachable keyboard would be the many Chromebooks.
You would be better off with an iPad and a keyboard.
Laptops still have their uses, but the latest generation of iPads are pretty decent for web browsing and light email.
It’s not great for my business work...but they give me a laptop for that stuff.
Personally, I would go with the largest screen that you could get. I bought a 17” Toshiba for $350. It does not have a dock, nor do most any laptops today have a docking station. You set them down, plug in the power cord and the internet cable and you are ready to go. That’s all you need.
I recently bought a small windows 8.1 tablet and a bluetooth keyboard to pair with it for about $125 on amazon.
I mainly use it to view content on the web and within pdf files.
It’s so convenient to rotate the tablet from landscape to portrait views when reading pdf files.
I had a Lenovo Yoga that had the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. It was the most expensive piece of trash I’ve ever bought. My best recommendation for them is to not buy one unless you enjoy being frustrated.
It didn’t have and could not have enough RAM to use like a true laptop. If you installed Microsoft office you’d basically filled the hard drive with just that and Windows 10. The Bluetooth keyboard did not initialize right and was really frustrating. Also if you travel the blue tooth keyboard and mouse are worthless because they have to be charged - you can’t just carry extra batteries. Try find three open plugs in an airport departure lounge!!!!!
It didn’t have and couldn’t have enough hard drive space to actually store documents or to have programs installed. It seemed that the designers expected everything to be stored in a cloud which I am leery of and when traveling often cannot access.
I ended up giving it to the grand daughter after placing some children’s songs and educational games on it. It was worthless. My advice, if you need a tablet and a laptop then get get one of each the semi-laptop/semi tablet are not enough of either to be worth having.
If it were not so expensive I’d have used it as a target for pistol practice
There are other companies that copy the Microsoft Surface and many of them look pretty good. Your problem is that you won't be able to buy one of the new ones for $500. You will have to either throw more money at it or buy used. If you look you will be able to find what you want either in your price range or pretty close in a used Surface 3 pro. My recommendation, don't consider any Win-10 laptop under 128MB.
I bought two old Dell laptops from Amazon for $125 a piece.
Dual core processors, 4 gig of memory with 250 gb hard drives.
I use them when I am watching tv to keep up with the news.
They were pretty much designed for business, so when new, they weren’t cheap.
They are not flimsy and serve my purposes well.
I am using an old Dell desktop (Inspiron 530), upgraded the memory and the processor, added an extra hard drive and boot linux and windows. It was given to me by a business. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it. Easy fix.
After spending over $2,500 for my first new computer in 95, and building several after that, I came to the determination that instead of wasting money for the newest and best, I will just purchase something that fits my needs.
I made professional newsletters on my old 75 mghz pentium using Word Perfect 6.
Used are cheap and serviceable. Desktops are great for work, laptops are for fun. I can repair desktops.
And, you can get an inexpensive wireless kb & mouse (includes a receiver you plug into a USB port on your laptop) and/or cast your work to a TV or monitor for play, or whatever, with some of the latest add-ons (with extra cost, but still under your limit).
i have dell 13 “ flip and love it
i had a regular toshiba and the hinges broke (google toshiba hinges) and toshiba would not cover it even though it was less than one year old..
The Surface Pro 4 is pretty nice and the surface 3 is not bad. Just make sure you get the I5 version with an SSD. The I7 is just too expensive for what you get.
I have a desk top, so I want a smaller laptop for travel.
Thanks. I’ve been looking at the Dells and leaning that way myself. Just not sure I want to go to 13” DO you feel as though it’s still portable enough? How long have to had the Dell?
I’ve read a number of bad reviews on various Lenovo’s
Windows 10 is what I’m used to. I should probably get more used to android. Just not interested in Chromebook
I’ve thought about getting a tablet with a keyboard. I don’t know if they make decent portable thin keyboards
Recently bought an RCA tablet, detachable touch screen, running Windows 10, $98 at a Pawn Shop. I like it!
I looked at RCA and thought about something real inexpensive like that & figuring it would be disposable
I am quite happy with my Lenovo Yoga. That is one that has the keyboard that can flip 180 degrees to run as a tablet.
I have a detachable from Acer but I have had issues where it gets stuck in a “installing driver” loop after plugging it back in to the keyboard.
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