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Laptop v's chrome book
calleyw
Posts: 9,896 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
I have a gaming pc. So don't need anything that is hardcore. I want something with a keyboard and can use a mouse with. So I can use it to read/write emails. watch videos, the odd spreadsheet/word process and web browsing. I am leaning towards a chromebook as only to be used at home. And very light use so don't want to spend a huge amount of.
So what do you suggest?
Hope for everything and expect nothing!!!
Good enough is almost always good enough -Prof Barry Schwartz
If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try -Seth Godin
Good enough is almost always good enough -Prof Barry Schwartz
If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try -Seth Godin
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The last few laptops I've purchased have been 3-4 year old ex-corporate ones. You get top-quality components in boring black cases at a knockdown price.My most recent was a Dell Latitude 5490 that I picked up for less than £150. It was barely (a couple of weeks) out of the warranty period.The battery life is a bit short as it's still original, but it's fine for home use. Replacement batteries are not expensive and a fairly straightforward DIY job.N. Hampshire, he/him. Octopus Intelligent Go elec & Tracker gas / Vodafone BB / iD mobile. Ripple Kirk Hill Coop member.Ofgem cap table, Ofgem cap explainer. Economy 7 cap explainer. Gas vs E7 vs peak elec heating costs, Best kettle!
2.72kWp PV facing SSW installed Jan 2012. 11 x 247w panels, 3.6kw inverter. 34 MWh generated, long-term average 2.6 Os.1 -
Since what you want is essentially just to be able to use a web browser with mouse & keyboard, a chromebook sounds ideal.I generally use my desktop/gaming PC when I'm at home and want to do the things you mention. But if I'm settled in the lounge and don't fancy going over to my desk, then I just go simple web browsing/email etc. on my smartphone.1
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Are you happy to use gmail, Google Sheets, Google Docs and Google Drive as cloud-based services?
If so, then a Chromebook could be very suitable.
There was a post recently where someone asked about "budget" solutions, though you have not mentioned what your budget is, other than "not a huge amount". That previous thread suggested a Duet 3 which was, at the time £250 from Argos. The price today is higher (£400) but will probably come down if you watch the listings:
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3065310
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You can pick up refurbished laptops for £50 which would suit your needs if you shop around on ebay, anything with a 4th gen Intel or better will be fine for your needs
This is what I did got an ex corporate lenovo in decent nick for £50 , upgraded the ram and stuck in a ssd and it's a cracking machine1
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