My wife's hp screen is falling apart after 6 years. She only does typical basic computer stuff. My computer guy says to get a Dell with Intel processor. Apparently you can't build your Dell (for the most part) so selection is limited. Should I really follow computer guys advice. I have 4 years on my Dell XPS. It's been great, but wife doesn't need an XPS.

My work laptop is a Dell and its been pretty solid for almost 5 years. I'm getting a new one with the AMD processor so I'm excited to see how it performs.

if she is just doing web stuff, get a chromebook

CapCity12thMan said:

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if she is just doing web stuff, get a chromebook

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This, I would get a Chromebook if everything is online, or a MacBook Neo if she needs something that installs a few usable apps. I really like the new Dell XPS 13, but only as a Linux box, I can't really see Windows holding up with 8 GB of RAM (Neo only works because hardware was designed to work hand in hand with OS).

IMHO to take on the overhead of managing MS Windows, dealing with their updates, and stuff that just regularly doesn't work for someone who does web browsing just isn't worth the hassle.

I got my 90 year old dad a chrome book and have never had to intervene for maintenance or fix something. His knowledge about how to use it is one thing, but maintaining it is not even a thing.

In contrast, my high schooler has a Windows machine and I am constantly having to screw with it. Constantly.

She does more than web browsing and dislikes chromebook. She's a high school math teacher and brings her own laptop to school.

Why did I laugh at that?

Not sure what "basic computer stuff" entails - but if it's just surfing the internet I would just get a iPad Pro. If she's a PC person, my wife uses her MS Surface and loves it. If she can work with Mac's that Neo is well priced and a great machine.

rme said:

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My wife's hp screen is falling apart after 6 years. She only does typical basic computer stuff. My computer guy says to get a Dell with Intel processor. Apparently you can't build your Dell (for the most part) so selection is limited. Should I really follow computer guys advice. I have 4 years on my Dell XPS. It's been great, but wife doesn't need an XPS.

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Knowing your budget would be helpful. If you're looking for something cheap, the base level Dell 15's (formerly Inspiron) are fine. Just a basic plastic body laptop. I like the Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3 too. They feel a little sturdier than the Dells. You'll have to check the specific model to see if the RAM is upgradeable on those. Ram should be upgradeable on the Dell 15, if that's something you're interested in.

Or you could look for a good used Thinkpad. Something like a Lenovo Thinkpad T14 Gen 4 or Gen 5. Thinkpads are just rock solid laptops. For whatever reason Thinkpads on eBay typically don't come with chargers, so you'll have to buy one separately.

If 100% web based use and she doesn't need something like itunes, you might considering getting a used one and installing Linux Mint or Zorin.

The GUI's are polished enough most Windows users can use with very little learning and the OS is free.

Should last years.

MacBook Air. I have a 2018 Pro that is still humming along.

I've had Dell's, HPs, & Lenovo - this one lead me to get a Mac. Some where higher end, some we're mid-spec, but none were cheap. Few lasted more than 3 years. The MacBook cost much more, but it's actually saved me money due to not having to replace frequently. The MacBook Pro is more than what I need, the Air would more than handle anything I do.

EMY92 said:

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MacBook Air. I have a 2018 Pro that is still humming along.

I've had Dell's, HPs, & Lenovo - this one lead me to get a Mac. Some where higher end, some we're mid-spec, but none were cheap. Few lasted more than 3 years. The MacBook cost much more, but it's actually saved me money due to not having to replace frequently. The MacBook Pro is more than what I need, the Air would more than handle anything I do.

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I would agree with this. And I much prefer windows to Apple OS. But if you are just needing it for web surfing, emails, etc. then it's all you need and more.

She's not interested in learning a mac. She does alot more than surfing the internet. To me basic means no intense graphics, cad, or heavy excel crunching. I order a Dell for her.

The Dell process and website now really sucks.

rme said:

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She's not interested in learning a mac. She does alot more than surfing the internet. To me basic means no intense graphics, cad, or heavy excel crunching. I order a Dell for her.

The Dell process and website now really sucks.

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Order whatever you want, but don't misstate things: there's only a slight learning "curve" (misused term if there ever was one, but whatever) on the Mac platform; and the MacBook Air will do pretty much all of the examples you gave, depending on what you mean by "intense" graphics.

91AggieLawyer said:

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rme said:

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She's not interested in learning a mac. She does alot more than surfing the internet. To me basic means no intense graphics, cad, or heavy excel crunching. I order a Dell for her.

The Dell process and website now really sucks.

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Order whatever you want, but don't misstate things: there's only a slight learning "curve" (misused term if there ever was one, but whatever) on the Mac platform; and the MacBook Air will do pretty much all of the examples you gave, depending on what you mean by "intense" graphics.

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It's fine if someone doesn't want a Mac. In my experience, if someone says they don't want a Mac, don't force them to get a Mac. You become the first point of contact for every single little issue/annoyance/grievance that they have with MacOS.

Yes! Maybe a small learning curve, but a steep my-wife-said-she-doesn't-want-a-Mac curve.

agdoc2001 said:

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Macbook Neo is a lot of computer for the money. New Dell XPS 13 seems pretty great for the money as well.

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I recently dumped an economy level HP for a MacBook Neo and love it.

As others have said - it's a fair amount of computer for $699. My daily work entails Zoom calls, and basic CPU functions inside the Google Suite like Sheets/Docs/Forms. Battery life, display, ease of use are fantastic.

I don't need mine for anything substantial processing wise but otherwise highly recommend it if she likes the Mac OS.

rme said:

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Yes! Maybe a small learning curve, but a steep my-wife-said-she-doesn't-want-a-Mac curve.

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Oops - guess my rec isn't relevant lol