I wrote this post to educate seniors about the various computing options available. This information would be helpful for anyone who wants to understand this topic better or needs to replace their existing computing device. However, if you are looking for the bottom line, go to the last section of this post. In this post, I’ll only discuss portable options, specifically tablets, and laptops, as these seem to be the devices many seniors desire.

If you are a senior citizen in 2024, you likely have a computing device. However, consider updating that gadget before the proposed upcoming tariffs are implemented, as they could dramatically increase the cost of all electronics. With so many choices, deciding how to maximize your cost vs. benefit ratio can be challenging. For many, buying a $3000 computer is out of the question. However, those same individuals likely don’t want a $50 computer from Temu. I hope this post will help you sort things out.

Not long ago, having a PC and an internet connection was a luxury. That time has passed. Most of us carry the internet with us on our smartphones. For some, that is all the connectivity they need; however, if you do any type of personal computer work, from writing stories to online shopping, or if you use the internet for media consumption, or if you do any sort of work from home, you will benefit from using a larger device.

In 2024, the many options available may confuse the average senior. Should you spend $25 on a reconditioned school Chromebook or over $6000 on a top-of-the-line MacBook Pro? For most, the answer lies in between.

Tablets

Everyone knows of Apple’s iPad, but several other tablet types use operating systems that are different from Apple’s iOS.

A tablet is a perfect choice for media consumption.  You can watch Netflix and Hulu, stream music, view YouTube videos, and catch up on Facebook.  You can also do home business tasks like shopping and banking or talk to the grandkids via a video chat app. Tablets allow you to keep a calendar, address book, and set reminders. You can easily catch up on your email correspondences. Typing short messages using a tablet’s on-screen keyboard is possible, but buying an external keyboard is best if you plan to type long documents.  

Some keyboards can be purchased as part of a tablet case, which is a convenient choice.  Naturally, these keyboards will be smaller than standard, making typing very long documents frustrating for some (my sister, Nancy, hates using a tablet keyboard, while I have no problem using one).  Some tablets allow users to connect peripherals, like a monitor or a mouse, to them. You can print from a tablet if you have the right printer. Some gaming is possible on tablets.  Complex games require premium tablets with fast processors and storage for large gaming apps. 

Most tablets have excellent battery life. They are great for everyone who prefers a more visual/hands-on approach to computing. Their small size makes them perfect for browsing in an easy chair or bed, and they tend to be less intimidating than large computer systems.

Each family of devices allows you to download additional programs, called apps, from their respective app stores.  Some apps are free, some charge a one-time fee, and others require a monthly subscription fee, so read the app’s description carefully.  You can get apps that do many things, from word processing to games. For instance, you can download the free Facebook app to access Facebook easily.

Tablet Families

Fire Tablet Family

Amazon sells these tablets using a “razor and blade” philosophy. At the turn of the last century, Gillette popularized the safety razor, which they sold at a very reasonable price. These quality grooming tools were made so well that I still can use a razor made in 1953, my birth year (yep, I have one). Gilette didn’t care if they made money on the razors; they were interested in customers buying their overpriced blades.  

Amazon’s objective has been to use the cheapest components to make an acceptable tablet and sell it at a bargain price.  They fill the tablet with Amazon-specific apps and encourage the user to buy everything from books to toilet paper using the tablet. Most of their tablets support Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant.  

A virtual assistant uses AI (artificial intelligence) to answer your questions.  For example, you could say, “Hey Alexa, what is today’s weather.”  Alexa would then give you the forecast. 

The majority of Amazon tablets are usable but of lower quality. The exception is the Fire Max 11, which combines better-quality components at a reasonable price.

Amazon uses a “forked” (heavily modified) version of Google’s Android operating system. 

An operating system is the main computer program that allows all other programs to work.  Examples of operating systems are:

Fire OS for Fire tablets 

Windows OS for Windows computers 

Mac OS for Apple computers

Chrome OS for Chromebook computers

Android OS for Android phones and tablets

Linux OS for many things

iOS for iPhone-for iPhones

iOS for iPads-for iPad tablets  (optimized for tablets)

Operating systems are developed for different purposes.  For example, Chrome OS is designed to work with low-powered computers, while Mac OS is designed to run very complicated programs on speedy computers. 

Amazon’s software engineers modified Google’s free Android OS to create Fire OS. Fire OS is a closed OS that only runs on Fire devices, forcing users to use Amazon’s ecosystem. 

A computer ecosystem is a group of related technological things. In this case, Fire OS runs programs from the Fire app store, uses Alexa as its virtual assistant, and is preloaded with Amazon apps. 

Some apps, like the excellent free Google apps, Instagram, and Dropbox, are unavailable as they are not in the Amazon Fire app store. I also checked to see if my doctor’s office app, called MyChart, or my banking app was available in the Fire store; they were not.  However, Fire tablets support many other apps, like Netflix, Facebook, TikTok, and Zoom. 

You can access some unsupported programs by connecting with their website versions using “Silk,” Amazon’s proprietary web browser. Still, the experience may not be as good as when using a dedicated app. Additionally, some websites are designed to work best on popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Safari, which are unavailable in the Fire app store.

A browser is a program that allows the user to access and interact with the Internet. The first graphical browser, Mosaic, was released in 1993. The development of browsers changed the way people use the internet.  In the early 1990s, I could only access the internet using a text-based program called Gopher.  It was clunky and not interactive.  Browsers brought a graphical interface to the internet, allowing for other features like hyperlinks. Hyperlinks allow the user to click on a link on a webpage and be instantly taken to a different spot on that page or another page in the World Wide Web (WWW). Every time you view a website full of photos and graphics, thank your browser.  Browsers brought the internet to everyday citizens.

You can side-load the Google Play store to access millions of apps, including those created by Google. Side-loading is a hack used to install apps that are not available on the Fire app store. Although this procedure is relatively straightforward, it does involve a number of steps and temporarily connecting a Windows computer to the tablet; some report difficulty implementing all of this. This option may not be reasonable for a senior who wants to use a tablet right out of the box.

Most Fire-based tablets have an expansion slot for a micro-SD card, allowing you to dramatically and inexpensively increase your device’s storage capacity. This additional storage is best used for data like photos, movie files, and documents. However, some apps will allow you to run them off external storage. However, they may run slower when doing this.

Fire tablets offer unlimited cloud storage for photos.  

Cloud storage means that photo files are saved on Amazon’s massive remote computers, not on the device. You must have an internet connection to store and retrieve the images, which is not usually a problem in today’s Wi-Fi-filled world. 

A word of caution: Google Drive used to offer free cloud storage for photos. Once the service became popular, it started charging for it. Amazon may do the same in the future.

Fire devices are best for those who spend a lot of time in the Amazon ecosystem and use apps available in the Fire app store, such as Facebook and Netflix. If that is you, you can score a reasonable tablet at a good price. At this time, the Fire Max 11 is a good choice. It is selling for a fantastic sale price of $139.99, a 39% discount from its usual price.

The Android Tablet Family

Android OS is free, so dozens of tablet manufacturers use it as their operating system. This has led to some good products and some truly terrible ones.  

The Android OS has been around for a long time and is constantly being updated. Reputable tablet manufacturers post updates for their tablets. However, for other tablet brands, you may be stuck with the OS version that the tablet was shipped with. Updates not only bring new features and stability but also supply security patches. 

Some manufacturers sell a range of devices from bargain level to high-end. Mid-priced Android tablets may offer more dollar value than a comparable Apple iPad.

Some Android tablets pair well with Android phones, specifically Samsung tablets paired with Samsung phones. The Google Play store has millions of apps for just about any need. Notably, all Google-created apps are available and free. Stick with apps from the Google Play store, as other sites may have malware-filled programs. 

Malware is software designed to do destructive things, like infect your device with a virus or steal private information from you. 

Most Android tablets use Google Assistant, a very powerful virtual assistant. You can also download Alexa (Amazon’s virtual assistant) and use that app.

Many Android tablets have an expansion slot for a microSD card, allowing you to increase your device’s storage capacity inexpensively. This additional storage is best for data like photos, movies, and documents.  Some apps will allow you to run them off this external storage.  However, they may run slower when doing this.

Apps like Google Docs (word processor) and Sheets (spreadsheets) store their documents in the cloud-based Google Drive. Google gives all users a small amount of storage space for free, and their paid starter plans are inexpensive.

Most Samsung tablets have a Dex feature, which makes the tablet look more like a desktop when connected to external peripherals, like a Bluetooth keyboard. Some will even let you connect an external monitor.

Remember that Android is an operating system designed primarily for phones, not tablets.  This may lead to some issues when running some apps on a tablet. 

A decent Android tablet may be a good choice if you already use an Android phone.  Additionally, it is possible to find a functional Android tablet at lower prices than an iPad.

It is difficult to give a specific recommendation for an Android tablet as there are so many, and they change frequently. Consider a brand-name tablet with 4 GB or more RAM and at least 64 GB storage. If you save a lot of large files, like many movies, go for more storage (or add an inexpensive microSD card). If you play many complex games, go for a faster processor, more RAM, and storage—i.e., a high-end tablet. Remember that streaming movies and music does not permanently use storage space on your tablet. It may use a bit for buffering, but that is not permanent. 

The higher-end units within a brand’s range will have better screens, faster processors, and better construction.  They may have more features, like a stylus or the ability to connect an external monitor.  However, a budget/mid-range, brand-name tablet will do the job for many.  

Go to a store like Best Buy for a hands-on experience before you buy. Regarding inexpensive Android tablets, I have read good things about the Walmart Onn 12.1, the Samsung A9 Plus, and the Lenovo M11 Android tablets.  These budget tablets aren’t the latest or greatest, but they work.  Currently, these tables can be had for less than $200. Samsung tablets have the best reputation for software updates of the three. Lastly, some caution is advised with brand X Android tablets, which may contain malware pre-installed at the factory.

The Apple iPad Family

This is the gold standard when it comes to tablets. iPads come in various price points, from a reasonable $350 to several thousand dollars. Higher prices provide better “everything,” from displays to memory to powerful processors. 

iPads are stable and built to last. They are enjoyable to use because they are refined and designed to be user-friendly.

Millions of apps are available in the iOS app store, and you can do anything with them. However, like other tablets, iPads are best for consuming media, viewing social media, and performing tasks like email, shopping, and banking. Naturally, there are games adapted for iPads. Your personal information may be better protected with Apple products, as Google’s primary business is selling user data. 

If you plan on using an iPad as your only device, it is best to buy a keyboard case. Apple keyboard cases are excellent and sophisticated, but they are highly priced.  You can purchase off-brand keyboard cases for significantly less. They won’t be as good, but they will do the job. 

You can download Google Apps, like Google Docs and Gmail, on an iPad. They can be used offline but work best when connected to the internet. You can also download Amazon apps like the Kindle app, which allows you to order and read ebooks (books converted to an electronic form) from Amazon.

Apple supplies many useful apps for free, including Pages, a word processor; iMovie, a simple yet robust video editor; and Photos, a good photo editor that runs without an internet connection. Apple also includes other apps like FaceTime for video chat, Apple Messenger, a sophisticated texting app, and Notes, which allows you to save anything from your mom’s secret meatloaf recipe to a PDF file of your washing machine’s quick-start guide. iPads are the number one selling tablet, so all the usual apps from Facebook to YouTube are available.

Apple’s virtual assistant is Siri, but you can add Google Assistant and Alexa via their respective apps. 

Apple apps synchronize with other Apple devices, so you can start a word-processing document on your tablet and finish it on your Mac. This ability makes an iPad a clear choice if you already use other Apple devices, like an iPhone or Mac computer. 

A few years ago, Apple separated iPad iOS from their phone iOS. Although many similarities exist between the two operating systems, iPad apps can utilize the iPad’s additional size and other capabilities. iPads have become more computer-like and now allow a variety of peripherals, including keyboards, hard drives, and monitors, to be connected to them. Modern iPads can use a stylus, which varies from model to model. iPad iOS includes features that make it more functional for “real” work.  However, iPads are not as comprehensive as a traditional computer for most business applications. With that said, many business applications have specifically been written for the iPad.

The reasonably priced basic $350 iPad will do the job for most seniors.  If you keep a lot of movies on your iPad, buy one with more storage. If you plan on regularly doing complex jobs on an iPad, like 4K movie editing, go with one of the higher-end models. The iPad Air M2 is incredibly powerful for the price. The top-of-the-line iPads are called iPad Pros. They are costly and are overkill for most seniors.

My sister Carol changed from a laptop to a basic iPad several years ago and hasn’t looked back. She can use FaceTime, send text messages and emails, watch YouTube videos, stay up-to-date on Facebook, and quickly check up on various news sites.  iPads generally have excellent build quality and long battery life.  Since they are built well, they usually work for years. You can only download apps from Apple’s app store, which is monitored to prevent viruses and other malware.  Millions of apps are available for just about anything you could think of. 

The excellent basic iPad starts at around $350 and is enough for most. You can often find this model for less on sites like Amazon. The current “generation” of the basic iPad is the 10th generation. You can order all iPad versions with more internal storage but at a steep price. Unless you use massive apps or need the storage space for other reasons, 64 GB of memory will likely serve you. Using iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service, you can store documents and photos. Apple provides a small amount of free cloud storage, and basic plans are inexpensive, with 50 GB of storage costing only 99 cents/month. iPads do not have micro-SD slots, so you are stuck with the amount of internal storage that you buy at the onset. 

You can also buy a refurbished iPad from Apple (https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad) or last year’s model at considerable savings without sacrificing much performance. Avoid very old iPads resold from sketchy companies. Even if they work, their battery may be on its last legs, and they are expensive to replace.

I would buy an iPad if I were interested in getting a new tablet. However, if cost is an issue or if you use an Android phone, a good basic Android tablet is a reasonable choice. Amazon Fire tables are great if you can get a good deal and heavily use Amazon services. 

Laptop Families

The Chromebook family

When Chromebooks were introduced 15 years ago, they were a joke. They were very cheaply made with puny processors and tiny amounts of storage.  They were a glorified web browser. However, Google has consistently improved Chrome OS into an efficient operating system that runs well on lower-powered (and therefore less expensive) machines.  

Six years ago, I did a deep dive into Chromebooks and reviewed several units selling in the $100 to $300 price range.  None of the units were sexy; they had so-so displays, mushy keyboards, and small trackpads.  However, they were all perfectly functional.  Many browser-based programs (programs accessed through a computer’s web browser) were also available, allowing me to write long documents, create spreadsheets, do my banking, watch YouTube videos, listen to Spotify, and even manage this website.

In those days, browser-based photo editing apps like Google Photos had limited abilities but were still useful. However, Google Photos is more powerful now and even has AI functionality. The only thing that was impractical for me to do on those older units was video editing. However, I could record and upload a simple video to YouTube using a Chromebook.

A few years ago, I recommended a Chromebook to my father-in-law, who has been quite happy with it. Before that acquisition, he had been using inexpensive Windows machines and had constant issues with slowdowns, crashes, and other problems.  

Chromebooks update easily, and their performance is surprisingly fast since they are primarily web-based. Two of my kids were given Chromebooks by their schools, and they used them until graduation from high school. My daughter felt she was never hampered by using one during those years.

Schools love Chromebooks because they are inexpensive and easily managed by their IT team. Viruses are not an issue if you only use Chrome OS. Since Chromebooks are primarily cloud-based, students who forget their Chromebooks can be given a loaner. When they sign in, the loaner is configured exactly like the computer they forgot, including their assignments and apps. 

Chromebooks are most useful when connected to the internet, but they can run some programs in situ (directly on the computer).  Chromebooks can now run many Android apps, giving users many more options, including additional games and even some basic video editing.  However, video editing requires a lot of internal computing power, so don’t expect miracles.  

Chromebooks recently added the ability to run Linux programs, many of which are free and powerful.  There are Linux versions of Audacity, which is a DAW (for audio recording), and Gimp, which is a free powerful photo editor with much of the functionality of Photoshop. Here, too, you will be limited by the lower processing power of Chromebooks.

Some Chromebooks have a microSD slot, allowing memory expansion. However, this option is phasing out on newer models. Documents, photos, and the like are stored in Google’s cloud service, Google Drive. Google gives a small amount of this storage for free, and basic storage plans are available for a small monthly fee. 

The ability to use Android and Linux apps opens up additional potential for Chromebooks but also holds additional risk, as downloads may contain malware. This is especially true if you download programs from sketchy sites. 

A basic, inexpensive Chromebook will be fine if you spend most of your time using browser-based applications. If you want to run many Android apps and/or Linux programs, you will need a Chromebook with a faster processor, more storage, and a better display.  This year, Google introduced Chromebook Plus Chromebooks, which have more powerful processors, more storage, a better display, and a better webcam. These models can also use Gemini, Google’s advanced AI (artificial intelligence) program.  For a Chromebook Plus model, expect to pay $250-400.  You can pay much more for a premium Chromebook, but at higher prices, most are better off buying a traditional laptop.

Some Chromebooks offer touch screens and can fold backward to create a tablet. However, they are bulky and not nearly as comfy as traditional tablets. A touch screen may be handy if you run many Android apps, as many are designed to be controlled by touch on Android phones. 

Chromebooks allow many peripherals, including printers, scanners, monitors, and external drives.  However, you must check the web to see if your device supports Chrome OS.  You can check the device’s website for compatibility or simply Google, “Is XXX compatible with Chrome OS.” Some peripheral manufacturers don’t make specific drivers for Chromebooks. You may be stuck using a generic driver that may not offer as much functionality as the dedicated drivers written for Windows or Mac OS.  However, most users will get enough useability from a peripheral device if it is compatible with the Chrome OS.  

Editor’s Note:  I just tried to print using my Epson printer using an updated Chromebook, which was significantly easier than when I did this 6 years ago. Chrome OS found the printer and connected with it with a click.  However, its functionality was reduced; for instance, I had no option to print double-sided. 

Battery life on most Chromebooks is excellent.

At this time, I would only buy a basic Chromebook if money was very tight.  Instead, I would spend $250-$400 on a Chromebook Plus Chromebook as everything about them will be better. I would avoid refurbished Chromebooks on eBay as some previously lived as school Chromebooks, and you can only imagine how they were treated.  A Chromebook will give you a laptop experience and an excellent price point.  Many are durable, and since their processing is mainly done in the cloud, they don’t slow down over time like Windows computers.

The Windows family

You can buy a Windows computer for a few hundred dollars, but they are trash. Companies introduced these ultra-cheap Windows computers to capture the Chromebook market.  What they produced were horrible, slow, and clunky computers.  I tested one when I explored Chromebooks around 6 years ago.  I’m sure things have improved, but that computer was the worst experience I have ever had using a computer, including the first computer I ever owned, a Commodore 64, gifted to me in 1983! Expect to spend around $500 or more on a basic functional Windows OS computer. For around $1000, you can get a quite nice Windows machine.

Windows computers have many positives as well as some negatives.

The Windows operating system is highly robust and was made to run complicated programs using the computer’s built-in hardware.  Windows computers can do complex tasks like editing photos in Photoshop and video editing using Adobe Premiere. You can run these complex programs on a $500 Windows computer. However,  you will be limited and get better performance with a more expensive Windows computer with a fast processor, lots of RAM, and a big and fast SSD drive.  

Another Windows advantage is that some software only runs on Windows, the most popular operating system for laptops. In the day, every place I worked at used EMR (Electronic Medical Record) software that ran only on Windows. However, more specialty software is now cloud-based and will run on many machines via a web browser. My wife uses an EMR software called “Simple Practice,” which is browser-based and can be used on devices from Chromebooks to Macs. 

There is a broader variety of software programs for Windows machines.  Pick any category, and you will find more software titles than those available for other systems, including Mac OS.

Some Windows laptops have touch screens.

On the negative side, because there are so many Windows computers, they are targeted by malware.  Because there are so many manufacturers and models of laptops, some models run Windows better than others.  With its many features, Windows tends to be bloated and requires more expensive/faster everything for optimal performance. 

Windows updates can be long, buggy, and frustrating. If you haven’t updated your computer in a while, it may take a very long time to update. I have had Windows laptops running well, but after an update or a new Windows OS version, they slowed down and became highly frustrating.

Windows machines tend to get slower over time, often forcing users to buy a new machine after several years.  Naturally, the more premium the machine, the longer it will remain functional.  

Cheaper machines can have poor battery life, and less expensive Windows machines may also be bulky and heavy. If you are not tech-savvy, you may do better with a different OS system.

What to buy? For a user with simple needs, go for a $500-$700 computer. Don’t buy a machine with a traditional hard drive; get one with an SSD (solid state drive) of 256 GB or larger (these are now commonplace) and at least 8GB of RAM (more is better). If you are out and about with your computer, try getting one that is 3 pounds or less. Naturally, if you are into editing 4K videos or playing the latest and most complicated games, you will need a higher-end unit, but that is beyond the objectives of this post. 

The MacBook family

MacBooks have become increasingly popular.  Mac OS is a comprehensive OS, just like Windows.  However, Apple designs Mac OS and also builds Mac computers, allowing them to be optimized for each other.  MacBooks are famous for their stability, reliability, and longevity.

They are also more expensive than a comparable Windows machine, but they will likely last longer and continue to run well throughout their life.

MacBooks are not upgradable, and ordering a model with more RAM or storage quickly escalates costs.

Although there are fewer software choices than Windows, much of the available software for the Mac OS is excellent and stable. Macs are used professionally for every application, including movie editing, photo editing, CAD, and other advanced needs. You should be able to find great software, except for specific specialty software that only runs on Windows. However, as I stated in the Windows section of this post, more and more specialty software is becoming browser-based and works on many different operating systems.

I did a lot of video editing in the early days of video editing on computers.  Buying a video editing Windows computer then was extremely expensive, so I taught myself how to build my own.  I built many Windows computers for myself and my friends but switched to Macs over 15 years ago.  Their combination of software and hardware allows me to do things on my laptop without constantly trying to figure out how to tweak a program to stop it from crashing (as I did on my Windows machines). Macs just work. Macs are the best full-featured laptop for most of us.

All Macs come with software, including a terrific office suite and simple but useful movie and photo editors. Macs include an excellent texting program called iMessage and an amazing video conferencing tool called FaceTime. Naturally, calendar, appointment, and note-taking apps are also included. 

In 2020, Apple switched from using Intel processors (the computer’s brain) to processors of its design. These “M” chips are more energy efficient, often process faster, and very capable. The “M” processor is a game changer, making even the most basic MacBook Air a mighty machine.

My favorite thing about MacBooks is their integration with other Apple products.  I can send and receive iMessages, take and make phone calls from my computer, easily view photos taken on my iPhone on my Mac, edit a word processing document created on my computer on my iPhone or tablet, and so much more.  I am a fanboy of Macs.

What is the downside? Price. A basic MacBook Air will start at around $1000 and go up from there. A powerful MacBook Pro that is all spec’d out can cost many thousands of dollars. Additionally, MacBooks are not upgradable, so you need to buy a computer that will meet your needs now and in the future (MacBooks tend to be usable for a long time).  

If you want a traditional computer but can’t afford the latest MacBook model, buying an older model with an “M” series chip is reasonable.  M3 and M4 chips are being used at the time of this writing.  However, a MacBook Air with basic specs and an M1 chip is still an excellent machine.  I just checked the Walmart website, and they are selling NEW 2020 MacBook Airs with an M1 chip and 256 GB of storage for an amazingly low $650.  You can buy a renewed Air with an M2 chip on Amazon for around $720. These super-powerful machines will serve the needs of all but the most demanding users. 

The MacBook Pro is the next model up from the MacBook Air. You would know if you needed such a powerful computer; most seniors don’t. 

For a basic MacBook Air, 8 GB of RAM is acceptable, and many users will be just fine with 256 GB of storage. I’m typing this post on a 2020 MacBook Air with an M1 processor, and it does everything I need a computer to do. If this were a Windows machine, I would likely have already replaced it. I have had this computer for almost five years and have only used 150 GB of storage. However, I archive thousands of photos to an external hard drive. 

Editors note:  I’m an enthusiast photographer who does some professional work.  I take a lot of photos using professional gear, which I back up to an external drive.  My iPhone photos are backed up to the cloud. 

iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service, allows you to store files, documents, and photos. Apple provides a small amount of free cloud storage, and basic plans are inexpensive, with 50 GB of storage costing only 99 cents/month. You can also expand your storage locally using a flash drive or an external SSD. All your Apple devices can access files stored in the cloud.

So what is the bottom line?  

Consider a tablet for non-technical people who consume a lot of media, use social media, and want maximum portability.  My pick is the iPad, but an Android tablet could be a choice if you already have an Android phone or if you need the best bang for the buck. Fire tables are suitable for those who spend a lot of time in the Amazon ecosystem.

If you want the layout of a laptop but your needs are simple, go with a Chromebook Plus laptop. Software and security issues are managed automatically. The Chrome OS is simple, so your computer should work well for quite some time.  For a very inexpensive price, you will get a full-sized laptop that will allow you to do everything from online banking, to watching Netflix movies, to video chatting with the grandkids. I use the Google Office Suite for the majority of my writing.  In fact, I’m using it right now to write this blog post.  This suite is free and accessible via a web browser to all computer operating systems, including Chromebooks. I have used this Office Suite to author complex documents, create complicated spreadsheets, and make “PowerPoint” like presentation slides for talks I have given hundreds of people. Did is say it was FREE?  (I guess I did)

If you plan to run programs directly on your computer or do a lot of photo editing or simple video editing, I suggest a MacBook Air with an “M” processing chip. These are excellent computers and a joy to use. My friend still uses his 2017 MacBook to run a business in December 2024. MacBooks are built to last. 

You can buy Airs that are new but an older model for an excellent price. Check websites like Walmart and Amazon. Additionally, look at the Apple website’s refurbished section. Avoid shady sellers pushing old units with Intel microprocessors, as that is old tech. The average user won’t notice much difference from a Mac with a “M” chip built a few years ago. If you are running high-demand programs, buy the best laptop you can afford. 

If you need to run software only available for Windows, get a Windows computer but spend at least $500 (you may need to pay considerably more depending on the software needs). 

Also, Windows computers are better for serious gamers. Remember that complex games usually require high-end systems. True gaming laptops can be very pricey, so don’t believe an advert claiming that a $500 Windows laptop is a gaming laptop.

Having a computing device has become a necessity in today’s world. I hope that this post has demystified this topic for you. 

Peace

Mike

Images are from Amazon and are being used for educational purposes only.