non windows laptop?

Marcoos

@olb81 what tasks do you currently use a Windows device for, and what software do you use? What's your budget? It would help to then make recommendations.

Totally agree about Windows. I moved away from it as much as possible due to updates taking so long to install, reboots and MS general redesigns of the UI.

Chromebook/ChromeOS - Personally never used so can't comment.

MacBook/macOS - Initially appear expensive compared to a Windows device. But having supported them at work, find them to be well built and you'll get years of OS updates/upgrades. Even when it won't upgrade to the latest macOS you'll still get security updates.

You can get most software that's available on Windows, either installed via downloads or via the App store, the latter includes Microsoft Office.

If you already have an Apple device such as an iPhone, it will integrate really well.

Going from Windows to macOS can appear very different, but getting around is pretty easy especially using finder/search.

Linux - Personally moved from Windows to Linux for personal day to day stuff. I went with Ubuntu as there's a lot of info and guides out there about it. It's easy to create an installer for it using a usb stick (ironically with a Windows device).

Linux will run on pretty low spec laptops. Can probably repurpose your current Windows one

Most software I use (not a lot these days for personal stuff) can be used on Linux. Libre office is a good alternative to Office. But personally get along fine with using office via a browser and a free m365 account. Other software there's alternatives.

Linux can appear daunting if coming from Windows, but all boils down to what you are wanting to achieve. Can be as simple or complex as you want it to be.

ententecordiale

I put Linux mint on an old laptop the other day and it works a treat. I didn't find it a steep learning curve or requires a technical slant at all. The interface is nice and stuff like connecting to WiFi etc was easy. Anything complicated or stuff I needed to know I just asked Claude

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82111546#Comment_82111546

@Maegi

How do you back up Libre Office documents? Can you still use OneDrive, or do you need something else?

debitcardmayhem

If you try Linux then Zorin is quite easy.

debitcardmayhem

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82112329#Comment_82112329

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/lifecycle/how-to-access-microsoft-365-on-a-chromebook this will help

mrcrumb

You can definitely buy new laptops with Linux pre-installed.

Cisco001

macbook, chormebook, linux, tablet with keyboard

GDB2222

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82112018#Comment_82112018

What's wrong with me? I don't care if some far-off computer knows my inside leg measurement, or (and please keep this to yourself) that I have wide feet and am not interested in narrow shoe sizes.

zagubov

Unless you want to train yourself up on computer systems, I'd recommend switching to a mac for an easier life. I'd buy secondhand using the new silicon hardware. They keep their value well. I'm still running a 14-year old one as it plays DVDs I can cast on my TV. Newer ones are still user-friendly, intuitive and you never hear of anyone giving them up in disgust to get a Linux instead.

You can avoid a lot of intrusive software by using Brave or Firefox, and it can run MS Office or Mac equivalkets as well as LibreOffice. Free VPNs like ProtonVPN will run on it, as will most cloud services with minimal fuss.

EnPointe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6680548/non-windows-laptop

what is your use case ?

as that drives a lot of the decisions which is the most appropriate / least inappropriate alternate Operating system