[ObozoMustGo2012]

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.

[kingu]

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.

[Vermont Lt]

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.

[caver]

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.

[Vision Thing]

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.

[Fai Mao]

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

[bobo1]

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.

[Trot]

That Toshiba laptop is a decent machine, and with black Friday coming, you will probably see some deals on the web.

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).

[rolling_stone]

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..

[ClayinVA]

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.

[Hootowl]

Recently bought an RCA tablet, detachable touch screen, running Windows 10, $98 at a Pawn Shop. I like it!

[Organic Panic]

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.

[roadcat]

Any Windows laptop under $500 is junk (or will soon be). Spend a bit more, get a larger screen like 15 to 17 inches (you’ll be glad you did), with more memory (16gb min) and an SSD inside rather than a mechanical hard drive, and a fast processor(s). Go cheap, get burned.

[GMMC0987]

I also suggest you consider a chrome book.

If you’ve never downloaded a program or purchased software to install on your computer, it will do everything you need to do.

I recommend them to friends who often have to bring their computers to me to clean up the viruses, adware and misc crap that brings their systems down. Chrome OS keeps itself up to date and isn’t vulnerable to viruses.

They are low cost but very capable. I’m using an ASUS flip 10.1 inch. The touch screen flips entirely around to allow use as a tablet or laptop.

It comes with many extensions to do word processing, spreadsheets and so forth.

There are thousands of extensions that cover an amazing range of needs. Soon newer chrome books will also run android apps.

Check out reviews online to see if one would meet your needs.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Anyone have experience with detachables?

Asus Transformer.

Around $399
Can be had with Win10 (if you must)
Can be had with Linux or Android.
Good quality and price.

ASUS 10.1” Transformer Mini T102HA-D4-GR, 2 in 1 Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Quad-Core, 128GB SSD