Decent low price pc or chromebook

My wife has an older friend who is having technology issues, which, I think are related to even older hardware, and possibly a dial up connection.

I think the best solution would be a low cost laptop or a Chromebook. Windows 10S would probably be fine. An option for LTE connectivity would be great too. I originally thought an iPad would be good, but 32Gb is a bit skimpy for memory, and the 128Gb version pushes the cost over what they might be able to handle.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Conversation 6 comments

  • skane2600

    05 December, 2017 - 1:50 pm

    <p>I think you need to state the price range. If the person is currently using dial up, it sounds like there's not much money available. Also note that inexpensive PCs aren't usually customizable so there aren't going to be many options to select other than possibly RAM or disk size. I think it's also unlikely to find a low-cost device with LTE.</p>

    • AnOldAmigaUser

      Premium Member
      05 December, 2017 - 3:52 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#224418"><em>In reply to skane2600:</em></a></blockquote><p>Anything over $250 is probably a stretch. Less would be better. </p>

  • Bats

    05 December, 2017 - 3:21 pm

    <p>Does this "older" friend have high speed internet access in his/her home? I ask because you mentioned Dialup and LTE connectivity.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>I bought a 15" Chromebook for my mom at Groupon for about $120. If the friend has a smartphone, then you can show him how to tether data into to it.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The iPad optioned you mentioned is not a bad idea. If you set him up to work off the cloud, then you negate the 32GB and he/she will be fine.</p><p><br></p><p>However,….</p><p><br></p><p>iPads are not cheap and if there is money to buy that, then I would recommend going to Amazon and search for HP Spectre X2. It's a 12" 2-in-1 Windows 10 PC. You can get a good refurbished one for about $300-$350, backed by Amazon limited warehouse warranty. That particular PC is an older model (I think 2015) and it's Verizon LTE ready. I actually had this machine, before I upgraded to the 2017 model.</p><p><br></p><p>Usually "older" people need a device that is straight-forward, easy to use, and easy to see. For me, it's a toss-up between Chromebook or iPad for that r</p>

    • AnOldAmigaUser

      Premium Member
      05 December, 2017 - 3:51 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#224450"><em>In reply to Bats:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yes, this is an older person, and cost constrained. Not sure about the connectivity, I just know they use netzero for email. I can imagine they might use it for internet as well, there is very little technical savvy. I am afraid that I am going to find the computer running Windows 98. Tethering a phone would probably be too confusing.</p><p>I was thinking Windows or Chrome because it would be less of a change than iOS. I think even the 32 Gb model iPad would be a stretch when you add in a keyboard.</p><p>Thanks for the suggestions.</p>

      • Bats

        06 December, 2017 - 4:10 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#224459"><em>In reply to AnOldAmigaUser:</em></a></blockquote><p>Well iOS is different, but it's easy. You basically press an icon and do whatever. I've seen iPads used in nursing homes. Just go Chromebook. It's $120 at Groupon. I checked. </p>

        • AnOldAmigaUser

          Premium Member
          08 December, 2017 - 6:10 pm

          <blockquote><a href="#224918"><em>In reply to Bats:</em></a></blockquote><p>For older people, different can be hard, no matter how easy it is. This is not just limited to technology. Can they use it, absolutely…will they, though?</p><p><br></p><p>In this case, the answer is no. My wife reached out and offered, but there is too much going on for them to think about any change.</p>

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