in my experience working in tech for a large corporation, the following has been deduced:
acer travelmate (P series current) are the workhorse. they arent expensive, but will chug along for at least 3 years office use even with the person hitting the strokes not having any ideas on how to use it.
dell (the mid range/higher range models) a few issues on specific models, however their customer care is probably the best i have experienced. the slim line ssd models are super light/portable and our execs love them.
sony best of the best on high end models. no expense spared. however price is not worth the components.
Sorry for the tardy reply - chromebooks are a handy second computer if your computing needs are modest. I recommend that before you consider a Chromebook - which tend to very inexpensive with a couple of exceptions - do your homework and if possible use a friend's computer to set up a google account so you have access to Google docs and the other features. You can also use Windows Office apps with a Chromebook but the number of features is restricted. The Chromebook has its limitations but I find it to be easier to tote around than a big laptop. BUT (and it is a big but), it needs an internet connection (you can work on it without, and it syncs later) and a special app to print on a Google print-capable printer. Most are SSD (2 or 4 GB RAM with 16 or 32 GB system). Chromebooks are very fast and mine boots up in about 7 seconds.
I have an Acer 720. It is small, light and has a battery life of about 8 hours. Hoewever, I got the last one at Interdiscount and there are other better, models available (the main reason for buying the 720: it is the only Chromebook where you can swap out the 16 GB memory chip for a 128 GB or 256 GB memory chip, and turn the whole thing into a Linux based laptop of substantial power). The Toshiba 2 has an awesome screen for example. Interestingly enough, some schools of higher education are now requiring Chromebooks for submitting classwork. I'm sure one of the reasons is the bulletproof nature of the Google/cloud computing concept: If your Chromebook is stolen or damaged, no data is lost. Viruses are no longer a problem.
I was also somewhat skeptical about cloud computing but have since gotten used to it. It is where it is all going anyway. Even Windows 10 no longer supports a CD-ROM drive (I'm told) although it is possible to install driver to support a aftermarket device.
I just explained what the cheaper Acers are like... that is still a cheap and low spec Acer.
Stick to the brands I mentioned above. This Lenovo would be miles better and has a decent low-power Intel i7 CPU too (actually, no other laptop has a CPU this good for anywhere near the price) https://shop.mediamarkt.ch/de/comput...0/idpx7o7hu0pe
Go to Media Markt and have a play around. I can't emphasize enough how critical a good keyboard is.
indeed I would not scrimp too much on this. You want quality, decent support and decent hardware.
The Lenovo chicklet keyboard is good, I have a t450s and love the keyboard - and that's coming from an x220 before. And my personal machines are all good quality and last >5 years. My last 2 have been Dell XPS and having seen the new XPS, I want it. But my XPS12 is only 2.5 years old and perfectly adequate and performant.
Lenovos are also very good and I would say that 599 model is excellent value - especially with the 2 year guarantee.
I'm gonna go to MediaMarkt and look at it this afternoon, it's only available online. Thanks a lot mate. This has been doing my head in. I'm amazed one can get a Core i7 at this price .
Cheers Sean. Being a laptop dummy, I really needed this support.
I ordered one of the Lenovo yesterday based on the recommendations here and after a quick consultation with a tech minded friend. It arrived today! Haven't opened it yet.
The C720 is a good model. Avoid anything with an ARM processor or Bay Trail processor inside. Those are too slow.
It is a misconception that chromebooks need an internet connection to work. They need it no more than an ordinary laptop. In any case, I imagine it to be a non-issue since for most people, using the internet is the main reason for having a laptop!
I like Lenovo's too. The thinkpad range is pretty decent. I've used the T series and X series a lot and personally would go for the X250 for portability reasons. The T and X series are good work horses.
If you decide apple, I would get a white 2009 or 2010 macbook used, around 200chf off ricardo. No fancy unreliable graphics card, can go to 8gb RAM (16gb for 2010 model). Get a cheap SSD, 90chf for 250gb.
You are correct - most Chromebook apps do not need the Internet connection. Emails work fine but will obviously only be synced after you are back within server range. The biggest limitation is the amount of storage space. That's why i looked for this specific model (Acer 720) - it is the only Chromebook that you can open up and swap out the memory chip for a 128gb SSD card. It just clips in.
I would also go for MacBook Pro. I think one with the most up to dated version will serve good for at least 3 years with no need for an upgrade. Good luck
Seconded, the Retina MBPs are amazing. Have the mid 2012 15" and runs amazingly well (I guess the i7 future proofed it somewhat), wouldn't dream of upgrading for at least another 3 years.