The laptop I use at my office is eight years old and nearing death, so I'm in the market and need some guidance. I don't use it for much aside from word processing and low-level internet use (e-mail, legal research, BGP).

 

Anyone know which direction I should go in?

I'm getting ready to buy one as well, and I also use a computer for similar things as you. Going to get a Dell.

I have had awesome luck with my Dell desktops and a few laptops. However, the last two laptops for my youngest have both given us a lot of trouble.

I think Mac makes a great one but they're expensive. I've went Dell the last few times and can't complain. They have a computer in any price range you'd want. For what you want you could get a good one at a great price.

I'm getting ready to buy one as well, and I also use a computer for similar things as you. Going to get a Dell.

 

The one I'm typing on now is a Dell and it's the one that's been pretty steady for nearly a decade. I don't really have any complaints about them.

The one I'm typing on now is a Dell and it's the one that's been pretty steady for nearly a decade. I don't really have any complaints about them.

 

Ditto to all of that, except I haven't had mine for nearly a decade. More like half that.

If you are at all interested in a laptop that is used/refurbished but with good warranty I've had great luck with this place Home - VIG Solutions

 

Buying a model year or two behind the current ones you can get great deals for dollars spent.

 

Can buy one or a computer lab full.

I am an HP guy, you pay more but I travel with mine daily and have never had issues, mine is about 8 years old now and no issues. I buy the HP Business unit models because they are more durable.

If you're going to be toting it around, you'll definitely need a business class laptop. None of the cheaper consumer type models are going to hold up to being carried everywhere daily. My last two business PC's have been Dell's, but both have required repairs, two of which were for failed hard drives. They were work provided, and the repairs were covered, but these Dell's were similar to my experiences with some personal laptops. My wife has a Lenovo for her business, and it's clocking in at 5 years and going strong. Hp's have served me well in the past as well.

 

Whatever you do, I'd spend a little extra up front. A good business class PC should last you 5 years or so easy. Anything under $500 or so, you'll probably be replacing every couple years, even with average use.

Toshiba was always my go to laptop, but the last one was horribly designed.

 

I have a Dell, now (i5, 8GB ram, 1TB hard drive). I'm a programmer and it's more than enough for me.

 

An i3 processor with 4GB of ram is more than sufficient for your requirements. The hard drives that come with new machines are going to be more than you would use, too.

 

Just go to Amazon and look at their Dells, HPs, Lenovos, or ASUS machines. They've got several that meet your requirements for under $350, some under $250.

 

I quit buying "business class" computers for our sales force, several years ago. I was forced to by budget cuts, but I found myself fixing the cheaper computers at the same intervals as "business class" ones. Actually the newer cheaper computers last longer than the older business class ones did.

 

Spend an extra $50 on an external hard drive and keep the machine backed up.

Who else thinks it is ironic that somebody named @Getslow is looking for a new computer?

Who else thinks it is ironic that somebody named @Getslow is looking for a new computer?

 

I don't know what you're talking about but I think I found what I'm looking for...

 

I don't know what you're talking about but I think I found what I'm looking for...

 

 

Dual floppy, good call.

I have an HP Elitebook at work. Folio9470m. It has been a great laptop. However, I didn't pay for it so I don't know the price tag.

My suggestion would be to not go laptop but a tablet with a keyboard attachment. Laptops are already an outdated technology