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#Computer question:
I don't know the first thing about PCs anymore. But my neighbor needs a laptop for notetaking for her new volunteer position.
She only has a desktop PC (I assume Windows) and doesn't want to learn how to use a Mac (or Linux).
She is retired and doesn't have much of a budget. I imagine $350 or so would be her top limit. Used but with software still supported would be best.
Any suggestions for what brands to look at for something affordable, portable, and easy to write with (e.g. decent keyboard and trackpad)?
I've tried cheap chromebooks (got one for my mom when she wrecked the last MacBook Air) and they basically suck IMO.
I've already shown her the remarkable2 tablet setup I have, and it's outside her budget (especially with the keyboard case). TIA
@arisummerland probably an old #thinkpad, but it might be hard to find it with a recent windows install..
@elduvelle I had heard that those are reliable and have great keyboards. So I'll keep an eye out. Thank you!
@arisummerland Indeed! I wrote my PhD thesis on a Thinkpad X200s - best keyboard I've ever had!
It didn't have a touchpad though - just the trackpoint (little red joystick) and left & right click buttons. I liked it but it's not for everyone, so you might want to make sure that the model you get has a touchpad.
@arisummerland Any used laptop is likely to have a baked battery. Any new laptop at that price is going to be terrible. I'll try to think of an alternative. I take it they don't have a tablet?
@lopta No tablet that I'm aware of. But you know, that might actually be a good option-- a Windows-based tablet (? Or maybe Android?) with a keyboard? I didn't even think of that. Thanks!
@arisummerland @lopta I was just coming to suggest that. I'm actually typing this on my Samsung Galaxy Tab s6 lite, which is a great lil tablet. I have a ... "Fintie" brand keyboard case that looks like one of those old black and white composition notebooks, and I have a bluetooth Logitech Ergo M757S trackball.
I tether it to my phone using PDA net+, which is a program I've been using and loving since 2012.
@TeflonTrout @lopta I love that cover! I'll see if she might consider working on a tablet like that. I imagine I could suggesf a combo of accessories like that within her price range. Thank you!
@arisummerland It's a pity they've ruled out Linux. Since January my primary desktop computer at home has been a Raspberry Pi 400.
@lopta sadly, they're just not techy enough for that.