Need a new laptop and I'm not tech savvy. Looking for recommendations

[ChadAmberg]

I've been a computer guy since the 80s, been working with Windows since 1990 or so. I've used every version of Windows since 3.1. My career was made on Microsoft, I've got a ton of certifications and such.

And I've gone Mac at home because it's a better experience.

My wife used to go through PC laptops every 2-3 years. Finally on a whim I got her a MacBook that was on sale, and... it lasted her 10 years. A few years after I got a MacBook too, adjusted within a week, and never went back. The last thing I wanted to deal with when I got home was fixing computer stuff, and with Mac everything does just work.

[Delfuego]

Don't overspend. Replace more often. 10yrs is too long. Expect 3-5yrs, any extra is gravy. Get the premium warranty for at least 3yrs, they are all cheaply made and have high failure rates. I have thrown lots of +$2K laptops w/o warranty in the trash after 1-2yrs.

They are all the same on the inside
Good laptops run $1500 and up
Mac Laptop run $2k and up
Your buying the company's support more than the machine
Buy direct and not used or from a reseller

We run Dells and Macs mostly at work (thousands). Dell ProSupport + is still good. Apple support is not good. HP, Lenovo, has been hit or miss lately.

[Little Dutch]

Given your requirements I'd push you to just buy a modestly priced Asus. Look for an Intel core processor, probably an i5 gen 13 for your needs (core i5-13xxxxxx). 16 gig of ram absolute minimum, but more is better.

Staples actually runs reasonable pricing on their sale-priced laptops. I tend to buy from newegg, but I've done well on pcs and laptops that meet your requirements at staples in the past.

https://www.staples.com/laptops/cat_CL167289

[ChadAmberg]

Don't overspend. Replace more often. 10yrs is too long. Expect 3-5yrs, any extra is gravy. Get the premium warranty for at least 3yrs, they are all cheaply made and have high failure rates. I have thrown lots of +$2K laptops w/o warranty in the trash after 1-2yrs.

They are all the same on the inside
Good laptops run $1500 and up
Mac Laptop run $2k and up
Your buying the company's support more than the machine
Buy direct and not used or from a reseller

We run Dells and Macs mostly at work (thousands). Dell ProSupport + is still good. Apple support is not good. HP, Lenovo, has been hit or miss lately.

You can get a good Macbook Air for ~1000.

[colorider]

Since you are in Arvada, pop in to Action Computers off of Wads. They have many used laptops in all kinds of price categories as well as performance/age. I've purchased several well working units from them.

[eddiememphis]

What did you decide?

[zulu01]

Been dragging my feet. Just started looking around last night. Looked at some options at Costco. Need to do some more research.

[buffalobo]

Since you are in Arvada, pop in to Action Computers off of Wads. They have many used laptops in all kinds of price categories as well as performance/age. I've purchased several well working units from them.

This^^^.

They were good to deal with and helpful if machine had issue, even though purchased used.

If you're unarmed, you are a victim.

[O2HeN2]

You can get a good Macbook Air for ~1000.

And you can get a GREAT Chromebook for less than $300:

https://www.costco.com/acer-chromebo...000252543.html

If you have no need for a Windows-specific software, I'll reiterate; forget Apple, forget Microsoft and get a Chromebook.

O2

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.