My Mum, a New Retiree Asks- What Is a Good Laptop/Notebook/Chromebook for $600 or under?

LLaninchris on 26/06/2018 - 09:14
Last edited 26/06/2018 - 11:11 by 1 other user

Hi all :)

My mum has just retired and needs a computer at home. She’s not flush with cash, but asked what laptop she should get to ‘last her through retirement’.
I tried to tell her that she won’t get one to last that long, but she’s dead set that she will (fingers crossed we get another 20 years- she’s just beaten breast cancer at 67!) - and she’s sure the guys at HN/TGG/JB etc will steer her right… I know that some of them are GREAT, but I also know that some are just great salesmen/women- and this is my Mum.

Every post/deal/etc that I’ve read since becoming a member tells me that this is the place to ask for help because you lot, as a collective, seem to know EVERYTHING!!

I, personally, hate Chromebooks as a school tool for my kids or for myself because I don’t like the google version of Word/Excel etc, but I was thinking about a Chromebook and a good external storage for Mum because, to my thinking, there’s less hardware to go out of date, less bog down with adware and all the crap that new PCs come loaded up with, they’re light and would probably do everything she needs…

I tried to talk her into a good iPad but she doesn’t want to try and learn to use Apple because she has an android phone and a small Samsung tablet already.

Please help? Thanks so much (in advance!) :)

Computing Chromebook Computer Laptop Notebook

Comments

  • altomic on 26/06/2018 - 10:04
    +1

    what is she going to be using it for?

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 15:41

      Hi :)
      Sorry for the late response!! (was out with the littlest one at the library’s story time all morning…)
      Pretty sure that she will only want it for FB, news, emails and general web surfing.
      She was (until retirement last week) a payroll administrator so she’s fairly proficient with Windows etc, but she’s extremely tech-challenged, to the point that I would categorize her as having a tech-disability. I mention anything ‘new’ or ‘different’ to her (i.e. firmware, external storage) and she just clams up, her face goes blank and she offers me a cup of tea LOL… she has no idea about scheduling her antivirus more the less running a defrag :0
      She has had an old Toshiba (?) laptop for about 9years, she hasn’t opened it in the last 3yrs (she’s using her tablet for most things), it’s pretty much only good for a door stop.

      • competecarrot on 28/06/2018 - 22:17
        +1

        Consider a Samsung Chromebook Plus, or a similar hybrid Chromebook/tablet. They can run Android apps and are pretty damn good devices.

  • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 10:14
    -4

    Chromebooks are criminally underpowered, hardware-wise they're basically obsolete out of the box, and your mum will almost certainly have to upgrade in a few years time if she wants something usable. Somewhat counter-intuitively, for someone who doesn't need good specs, getting a higher-spec model now can be a better idea because they can then use that for years and years and years down the line.

    What will she be using it for? And is the budget set in stone?

    • magic8ballgag on 26/06/2018 - 10:25
      +5

      Chromebooks are criminally underpowered, hardware-wise they're basically obsolete out of the box, and your mum will almost certainly have to upgrade in a few years time if she wants something usable.

      I've read some absolute rubbish on this site, but this would have to take the cake.

      Chromebooks are under-powered compared to their Windows counterparts, but considering Chrome OS is far less resource-hungry, beefy hardware simply is not necessary.

      I don't see the operating system on Chromebooks changing drastically enough over the next few years that would make current hardware obsolete.

      What will she be using it for? And is the budget set in stone?

      You probably should have asked this first before going on a tangent about how everything else is superior.

      • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 11:00

        I've used a chromebook. That they're underpowered can't really be disputed - they're basically designed that way, for better battery life, to be super cheap. But the issue is that OP's mum is looking for something long-term, and chromebooks will last a couple of years at best before they go from normal-underpowered, to being too underpowered.

        • magic8ballgag on 26/06/2018 - 12:55

          I've used a chromebook.

          And because you've only used a single Chromebook, I don't think you're in a position to make generalized statements about them.

          That they're underpowered can't really be disputed - they're basically designed that way, for better battery life, to be super cheap.

          I dispute it, I've used many different models and sure, while they're not as powerful as a PC with a Core-series processor, they certainly do to the job.

        • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 13:59

          @Lorindor:

          I'm not even sure you're disputing it, despite saying you are. You just said, further up:

          Chromebooks are under-powered compared to their Windows counterparts

          And even here you're still saying

          they're not as powerful as a PC with a Core-series processor

          If you read my comments, I know that they do the job. Problem is, OP's mum wants this long-term so presumably she wants something that'll still be doing the job 5 years down the line. All computers lose performance with use. They also lose perceived performance because of software advancements. So a chromebook that just does the job now, certainly won't in say, 5 years time. Ideally OP's mum should get a system that's far over-specc'd for what she needs now, so that she won't have to replace it in 2 years. And then again in another 2 years. Etc.

          Just to add, especially for older people, the element of not having to get used to a new machine (which comes with upgrading) is a pretty big one. You want one machine that, once set up, you don't have to change or upgrade much, that'll last a long time. Even if buying cheap and replacing might be more cost-effective, the cost of having to acclimatize to a new machine is not worth it imho.

        • magic8ballgag on 26/06/2018 - 14:38
          +2

          @HighAndDry:

          That's the thing though, they don't need to be as powerful because they're not running a CPU-intensive operating system.

          No computer will be the same at five years old, regardless of what hardware it's running or what it's used for. I simply argued what you stated about Chromebooks in general, which is incorrect and misinforming others.

        • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 15:02

          @Lorindor:

          No computer will be the same at five years old, regardless of what hardware it's running or what it's used for.

          Agreed, which is why get an over-specc'd machine now, so even in its old-and-worn-out state, it'll be fast enough to do what OP's mum needs in 5 years' time. Problem is, there's no such thing as an "over specc'd" chromebook, because - even as you concede - they're underpowered compared to Windows laptops or Macbooks.

          I'm not saying chromebooks are bad. I just don't think they're a good fit for this particular context. Hell, I bought one. Deliberately. I know what they're good for - when you need a TONNE of battery life, need to do only light work on it, and need portability, (and at the time, was poor). And didn't need it or expect to use it for more than a few years. That's where it shines. This, (imho) not so much.

        • magic8ballgag on 26/06/2018 - 15:06
          +1

          @HighAndDry:

          Agreed, which is why get an over-specc'd machine now, so even in its old-and-worn-out state, it'll be fast enough to do what OP's mum needs in 5 years' time.

          Or they can buy a reasonable priced Chromebook now, and upgrade it again in five years time for a quarter of the price that was paid for a top-of-the-range PC today?

          I'm not saying chromebooks are bad. I just don't think they're a good fit for this particular context.

          You said they were 'criminally under-powered', which is an extreme over-exaggeration if I've ever heard one.

          How are they not a good fit? They're cheap, user-friendly, efficient and easy to upgrade in the future due to everything being in the cloud.

        • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 15:08

          @Lorindor: This was an edit to a previous comment, but this is why, although for tech "buy for current needs, update as required" is generally good advice it's not ideal here:

          Just to add, especially for older people, the element of not having to get used to a new machine (which comes with upgrading) is a pretty big one. You want one machine that, once set up, you don't have to change or upgrade much, that'll last a long time. Even if buying cheap and replacing might be more cost-effective, the cost of having to acclimatize to a new machine is not worth it imho.

        • magic8ballgag on 26/06/2018 - 15:15
          +3

          @HighAndDry:

          And that's the point your missing: it's a Chromebook, they're mostly all the same, so moving to another Chromebook in five or so years time will be straight-forward.

          All the while, after three years your PC is full of important data, viruses, incompatible software and dying applications which are no longer supported.

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 15:45

      The budget is pretty much firm- having cancer pretty much knocked her out financially. She had to take all of her sick and holiday leave and then leave without pay.
      She wouldn’t have retired yet if the chemo hadn’t done so much nerve damage- she struggles to get to the end of the day now before either her feet/finger tips/hip etc give her grief.
      She could probably afford more, but I also think that the thought of running short of cash at any time scares the bejezus out of her…

      • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 15:47
        +2

        Ah, sorry to hear that. Glad she's better now.

        Okay if the budget is a fairly firm one (and iPads are out of the question), then Chromebook it is. That or, as someone else mentioned, a cheap dell Desktop with a monitor but I find my own parents don't like sitting at a desk to use the computer most of the time.

        • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 16:15

          Thank you, she’s alive and her health is mainly intact, and that is what counts, so we’re grateful :)
          Yup, she’s definitely not going to have the room for a permanent fixture.
          I’m just struggling with which brand and which ‘type’ of Chromebook- do I steer her towards pricier with the ‘perks’ like touch screen etc or just a good basic one that she can replace for a reasonable price down the track :/

  • GangGang on 26/06/2018 - 10:25
    +3

    Tell her to get the refurbished dell's that are being listed. Cheap monitor, mouse & keyboard. All for $400>.

    Laptop will start to go slow under a year.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/369282 . Bought my dad this & hes loving it.

    • nubzy on 26/06/2018 - 10:37
      +2

      +1 got the 9010 with SSD for $179 and it is a brilliant machine. Get a cheap IPS monitor for about $100, keyboard and mouse and you are set.

    • bdl on 26/06/2018 - 11:24
      +1

      Not to mention desktop will have a bigger monitor which will be better for her vision!

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 15:50

      I think that is a great idea- Thank you :)
      The only problem is that she lives in such a little place, she has no available space for a permanent fixture like a desktop pc :/
      She only has a little dining table and when we all come over to visit it would have to be packed away etc.
      She is pretty particular about keeping her home nice and she would think a pc and monitor ‘cluttered’ it up- so she is adamant that it has to be a portable device… :/

  • mooney on 26/06/2018 - 10:37
    +4

    I have an Asus C302 chromebook. It’s beautifully made and I bought on amazon for $640

    It runs android apps. Great battery life. Core M3 processer so runs speedily. I honestly think it’s all the computer any ‘typical’ person could ever need.

    Personally I think it’s a great great option.

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 15:52

      Thank you!
      I’ll have a look at that one :)

  • freeizgood on 26/06/2018 - 10:43
    +1

    Get a good tablet instead

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 15:57

      I would only push her towards an iPad because they are so self-sufficient and IMO/experience they last so well, my previous one was still going strong after 6.5yrs, then some sod stole it >:(
      She won’t consider a new Windows/android system tablet until her current one has died…

  • Godric on 26/06/2018 - 10:51
    +3

    Depends, does she play or want to get into PUBG?

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 15:58

      Forgive me but, PUBG?
      (Ok everyone can laugh now…)

      • [Deactivated] on 27/06/2018 - 10:01
        +1

        Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a multiplayer online battle game.

  • barbarella on 26/06/2018 - 12:00
    +1

    I'm similar to your Mum…an oldie but a goodie :D
    I love my laptop and use it heaps and piles…
    it is an Acer Aspire ES 15
    like this one:
    https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/acer-aspire-156-inches-laptop…

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 16:00

      Great, thanks!
      I’ll show her that one as well. My Dad (they’re divorced) has an Acer Aspire and he loves his as well! :)

  • Symbiotic on 26/06/2018 - 12:45
    +1

    I tried to talk her into a good iPad but she doesn’t want to try and learn to use Apple because she has an android phone and a small Samsung tablet already.

    Is she familiar with Windows 10? Learning to use an iPad is far simpler than getting to grips with Windows 10.

    • HighAndDry on 26/06/2018 - 14:01
      +1

      I second this. My parents have both naturally gone over to using iPads because of their ease of use, despite having PCs and laptops at home too.

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 16:02
      +1

      She is familiar with Windows 10- and you’re right, I think she should be fine with IOS… she bought me the latest iPad for my 40th- maybe I should just take it to her place for a couple of days with the Bluetooth keyboard and see if she can figure it out…

  • mightyhawks23 on 26/06/2018 - 15:21
    +2

    If she's already has an Android phone and tablet, a Chromebook that has touchscreen and can run Android apps is probably going to be the way to go but really depends on what she'll use if for

    My mum only uses it for email/reading news/Youtube so Chromebook was an easy choice
    If you're like me, you're probably going to be the tech support for this device
    Would you rather just powerwash it and be back up in 5 mins or reinstall Windows/Office/etc and make sure everything is updated? ;)

    I bought quite a low end Acer CB3-111 almost 3 years ago for AU$160
    Only 2GB Ram and it's still holding up well - as long as you don't open too many tabs :)

    • Laninchris on 26/06/2018 - 16:25
      +1

      My eldest son had one of those and it worked fine for him too. I was thinking that lower end might be a good start, in case she absolutely hated the Chromebook OS, but then even at $160, it’s still $160 if that makes sense?
      It would be a waste even if she DID like it and then wanted to upgrade it to the touchscreen etc straightaway.
      Maybe I’ll give her my son’s newer one to try out over the school holidays and then she can decide :)

  • Bystander on 26/06/2018 - 19:25
    +3

    The Asus C302 mentioned above is an awesome machine and will easily last many years.

    If you're looking for something cheaper with a bigger IPS display this 15.6" Acer is a steal at under AUD$400.

    Don't listen to the "underpowered" comments and such. It's just not true. I have 3 Chromebooks and they're brilliant. My home CB is 4 years old and still going strong. Never slows down and does everything.

    BTW, I set my retired Mum up with a Win 10 desktop & an iPad & a Chromebook that was $200 from OfficeWorks. After a year of use she still loves the Chromebook. And best of all there's virtually no support needed.

    • Laninchris on 27/06/2018 - 08:51

      Thank you :)
      I’m think I’m definitely going to take my sons Chromebook over for her to use on the holidays- see if she can get used to the different system. I’ll just have to make detailed, step by step (failsafe) how-to notes until she gets comfortable.
      I agree with your no support needed comment-it’s probably the main thing that I really like about the chromebook!

    • SlartiBartFozz on 27/06/2018 - 23:25
      +1

      +1 This is the key point — virtually zero support required and so far they are immune to viruses (touch wood).

      iPads are comparable to a Chromebook, for user friendliness and reliable performance over time, but iPad aren't built as tough as an average laptop (home/power/ports tend to need replacing every couple of years with daily use, we have 3 iPads in our house and repairs can cost more than buying a new Chromebook, if the warranty doesn't cover them); also, after about 3yrs the Apple updates tend to chew up most of the available space, and as Apple charges more and more for it's cloud storage and iTunes (we now have to pay $4.50/mth for 200GB of backup, while Google unlimited photo backup and Spotify has way more music than iTunes and both are free).

      Alternatively, you could opt for a mid-level Windows netbook, but expect it to need a system refresh every 18-24mths, and you need to signup for a solid full Internet Security Suite like Kaspersky or Commodo, because Microsoft's inbuilt tools doesn't protect from the threats of Ransomware, are the like.

      Whatever you do, make sure you help her setup Google Photos to automatically backup photo folders to the cloud, setup an online email if she doesn't already have one, and adding an external harddrive for file backup is a great idea as well.

  • Sunshines bright on 26/06/2018 - 19:59
    +1

    {NOTE: seen after I wrote this that she owns a samsung tablet, so my question is this? why is that not sufficiant? The size? or something else? She can get a larger one seeing as she currently has a "small" one. and they have some that combine mobile with Tablet functionality.}

    I have a Samsung Tablet that is perfect for FB, news, emails and general web surfing. I have owned it for 3 years so far and it is going strong. Mine is just a 7" so she being older may prefer a 10" I found this one at Office works for 288.00. She will just need to update or allow it to update itself to keep the OS updated.
    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/samsung-ga…
    This tablet features a 10.1" TFT LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200.
    It features 2 GB of RAM which ensures that you can effectively multitask between apps.
    It includes a storage capacity of 16 GB with the option to add an additional 200 GB via microSD.
    The outwards facing camera is 8 MP for clear photos and the front facing camera is 2 MP.
    The Octa-Core processor allows for better multitasking as the second core can run apps separately to your first core.
    This tablet supports connections via dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Mini-A USB and 3.5 mm.
    It measures 164.2 W x 8.2 D x 254.3 H mm and weighs 0.558 kg.
    The tablet can run for up to 12 hours.
    It runs on the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system.
    It comes with a 2 year warranty for added peace of mind.

    Mine is this one https://www.shopbot.com.au/pp-samsung-galaxy-tab-a-7-wifi-8g…

    I am not very familiar with chrombooks but I did find this " The primary means of input for a Chromebook is still using the classic keyboard and trackpad just as with a laptop. There are more Chromebooks that are adding touchscreens with improved support from Chrome OS but it is still very uncommon.Tablets, on the other hand, have been designed with just a touchscreen in mind." and "…Chrome OS is little more than the Chrome browser", "…designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and documents living in the cloud."

    You can find a Chromebook as low as 282.00 but you can find them to be upwards towards 900.00

    I personally prefer the Andriod OS to using just a chrome browser style (which I have zero experience wiht) OS as I can download chrome onto the android if this is my preferred browser.

    I really think if she can and is willing to get used to using touch screen, she would be best served technologically and financially by getting a Samsung Tablet. Not sure if all the Samsung Tablets come with this option but the newer ones have ((built-in Microsoft Office Mobile. You can create and edit office documents, as well as back up your media easily and intuitively. And with 100GB Microsoft® OneDrive™ cloud storage complimentary for two years,^ you can access files across compatible devices.* )) from here: https://www.samsung.com/au/tablets/galaxy-tab-a-10-1-2016-t5…

    • Laninchris on 27/06/2018 - 08:58

      Thanks for putting those links etc up for me :)
      I think that screen size and wanting a keyboard are two of the key factors in her wanting a laptop or chromebook.
      I will certainly show her the larger screen tablet- I can always get her a Bluetooth keyboard or a case with a built in keyboard to get around the ‘no keyboard’ argument!

  • resisting the urge on 27/06/2018 - 08:38
    +1

    A few things:

    "To last her through retirement"
    "the guys at HN/TGG/JB etc will steer her right… I know that some of them are GREAT"

    Both of these are fanciful to my mind. The more important questions are:

    "Reliable"
    "Easy to use"
    "Maintained and Supported"
    "Does not actively share or sell my personal information"
    "Does not actively collect my activity ('telemetry') for surveillance purposes"
    "Does not leave me exposed to ransomware and other malicious attacks"

    If you think she may be leaving the latter to you instead of returning to JB/TGG/HG every time something goes wrong, your choices are iPad (a compromise) or a laptop with a healthy Open source OS that she (and to a lesser extent) you can maintain.

    Either way you will need to make sure her router is secured and minimises her attack surface, which is necessary now, even if she is very adept and has a dependable, supported software stack. Without considerable (and even active) perimeter security around the device, methods by which users are targeted for helpful information and attack are made electronically obvious, let alone easy, even to average script kiddies.

    Both the Borg and Google will collect all her info (and the family's, link it and sell it on. Worse they will force change on her at a massive rate, leave her unsupported in no time with core parts of the system being abandoned quickly. A non-Google (MS Android/Win) device will accelerate the last part.

    My experience is that there is a point we all get to where the minutia of things just gets too great for aged people if they are not already familiar with the software, and they will break everything that's not bolted down tight. So if they are already familiar with insecure software, your efforts to help them will likely be made in vain.

    If you are having trouble, perhaps get her to try using Firefox and begin learning about personal data security in the age of a weaponised Internet, particularly, the risks of not doing so.

    • Laninchris on 27/06/2018 - 09:13

      Fanciful is a very nice way of saying ‘naive and anxious about how fast the world is changing’, and I 100% agree with you!
      As for the comment about the sales staff- I really have encountered some nice ones over the years, but they’re very few and far between and I’m not wagering my Mums $$ on my good people judgement skills.
      I’m also a little cynical (having a copper for a dad can do that!) and as soon as I start getting the hard sell or ‘bullsh!t misdirection’ I get cranky and my brain switches off and I go somewhere else… and it’s a long distance between tech stores where we live LOL
      I tried so hard to get her to consider an iPad, I’ll keep pushing that idea as well because I have really found it so much safer and my devices ‘cleaner’ since I made the transition to IOS across the board at home!
      Also, to be able to link her device to mine, would enable me to keep an eye on her and help her better from home- like I do with Dads iPhone- I can’t seem to move him away from his Acer laptop though :/ maybe when that gets too slow and annoying I will get him over to a small Mac :)
      Thank you!

      • resisting the urge on 27/06/2018 - 09:43

        When I said, fanciful, I was only talking about those stores and how they treat people. Def. not that anyone is naive and anxious about how fast the world is changing’

        Nice sales staff aren't much help in a decision like this, as you clearly know given your post. OK, so perhaps you mean she is naive and fanciful in this thinking, but the real question here is that she wants to do X and Y and Z and needs a device to do it. She sees the cheapest and easiest route to that and wants to go.

        To me it sounds more like she wishes to stay online as she gets older, to remain connected with the world. Perhaps you can frame this more around that than buying this or that device, right now. Besides, will she use it for good, or will she abuse it, or will your efforts be made in vain no matter what? We all want to help our folks but there is a point when it is just best to stay away if they don't want help. I am close with mine, but I cheaply and successfully started them on the journey to online freedom years ago (relatively speaking), but if starting again, I'd be a lot more forceful against the powers and temptations they encounter.

        No-one wants anything new that's different, getting them to change for change's sake is impossible. But the question now is actually how anyone can continue to use throwaway IT and unsupported, insecure software, online.

  • Slippage on 27/06/2018 - 08:41

    I'd go a tablet

  • kallico on 27/06/2018 - 08:46
    +1

    I am 65 and have a samsung 10.1 and love it. I also have a lenovo laptop, it has windows 10 and is set up to automatically update and as yet have had no problems, have had it for a couple of years, having said that I rarely use it except for downloading ebooks to calibre and then transferring to my kindle. I have always found jb hifi really helpful. Tell your mum to go in tell them what she exactly wants and they will help her.I am not that tech savy but manage quite well.I guess you really need to know what exactly your mum wants to do and if she really needs a laptop. I find the tablet does everything I want except run calibre thats why I have the laptop.

    • Laninchris on 27/06/2018 - 09:21

      Thank you :)
      She is in pretty much the same boat as you… she uses the tablet for most things but she wants the laptop for those ‘extra’ bits and pieces.
      And try as I may I’m yet to talk her out of one.
      The biggest problem with going to JB it anywhere else right now is that she is an impulse shopper and this is too big a financial decision (with her having just retired and not being tech-savvy) to make on a whim - without having a solid plan in mind first :)
      Everyone here has been really helpful!!

  • srhardy on 27/06/2018 - 17:20
    +1

    https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/deals/popular-laptop-deals?s…

    The dell Inspiron 15 3000 is $380! >$600 for 8gb/1tbHD

    Id personaly go the $850 Inspiron 13 5000 2-in-1 with 8gb and 256gb SSD ~ Have this, its awesome

  • HeWhoKnows on 27/06/2018 - 17:22
    +1

    Under $600 and over $450 much the same.
    Go for best processor, maxiumum RAM and biggest hard disk capacity (SDS if possible)
    Maybe set up in spread sheet to compare

    She needs to decide if she is looking for a desktop style laptop with bigger 15.6" screen or something more portable with a 10" - 12" screen
    Thats is your first and most important decision

  • Brendoo on 28/06/2018 - 01:59
    +2

    I would get the most powerful regular laptop you can afford, it will give you the most longevity. I would not recommend a Chromebook.
    Screen size is fairly important. I think your Mum should look at the typical screen sizes (which obviously also dictates laptop size) to see what she prefers. Big is around 15.6", Medium around 14", small around 11-12". Someone getting older probably wants something easier on the eyes, so I wouldn't suggest the small one. I'd suggest 14" or 15".

    Here's an example: An ASUS (very good brand) Core i3 (good performance for your Mum's usage), Windows 10 laptop, with 15.6" screen, 256GB SSD drive (much faster than a normal hard drive) and 4GB RAM (8GB RAM would have been better, but for her use 4 is ok).
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ASUS-F540UA-GO344T-Everyday-Lapt…

    This laptop is normally $705.50, but for the next couple of days Dick Smith has 20% off on eBay, so the price is $564.40 (save $141.10). Pretty good deal.

    • srhardy on 28/06/2018 - 07:56

      put ubuntu on it and you wont miss the 4gb but a extra 4gb used would be easy too come by, good find

  • Rorschach on 28/06/2018 - 12:39
    +1

    A ThinkPad or a Latitude. Business laptops are built to last, though are not as pretty (the X1 Carbon disagrees).
    I think a Dell Latitude from the factory outlet would be your best bet. The listings change every couple of days depending on stock.

    I'm guessing she's used to either Windows or MacOS? I wouldn't want to push a 67 year old to adapt Android or Chrome OS (unless they can/want to!) for daily use. If MacOS, the Apple refurb store may offer decent choices, but likely nothing in that budget.

    All the best to you and your mum!

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