I suspect your problem is not with Windows but the 4 GB of RAM. I can’t imagine trying to run everything in such a small amount of memory. I recommend a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. You might see if you can upgrade your RAM, which would be a lot less than a new machine. Probably less than $100, but I don’t really know what kind you would need.

But, if you decide to go new, make sure it will run the software you want to use. Also, if you switch to a different operating system, you will have to relearn how to do everything.

You might try contacting the computer club.

Chrome ok for the light user
 

i use windows 10 - my wife uses chrome book

I am a computer programmer and a heavy user of MS office , she uses such thing very rarely
your main issue may be you tax program - since almost nothing is housed on the chrome book - you will need to be on a web based solution for you taxes

we are strongly considering replacing the Chrome book with another windows 10

not going to get much for $400.

define further
 

You really need to define further what you find slow. Most of what you mention is internet based which means the fastest computer will still be hindered by download speed of your connection. What specifically do you find slow? What tax program do you run? Is it internet based or resident on your computer? If resident on your computer it may not run on a chromebook.

samsung chromebook will do just fine with your budget

My Chromebook with a Celeron chip and 4 GB of ram is very speedy for every day computing.

Keep in mind the Chromebook does not need as much power as a Windows machine because the operating system is far less complicated.

Windows is loaded with all kinds of crap.

Stop with high level tech talk! :D

Hi John. I'm not the sharpest in the toolshed :-) but have used almost all the gadgets: PC Windows & laptops, Chromebook, Macbooks, and iPads. Since budget is your first concern, then a Chromebook will do. Chromebooks are mostly for ONLINE usage which means it relies heavily in the speed of your internet connectivity, not necessarily the CPU nor memory. You can have the fastest machine but if your internet is slow, then the machine is useless. I hope that helps. -myk

I use computers a lot, though haven't really kept up the latest technology. Had some really good ones and had good luck with AMD processors, so I'm not afraid of going that route. A good Internet connection is important for speed. I get 70-80mbps wireless. As we age, it gets harder to learn a whole new operating system. I've used Windows since way back (3.1) In January, when Microsoft stopped supporting WIN 7, I bought an HP Chromebook for $200. Found it very limiting with what I could do with it and the screen too small. Even my 17" laptop wasn't enough screen. I don't want my stuff dependent on the Cloud either. So I broke down and bought a desktop with WIN 10 ($600) and a 24" monitor ($200). Much easier on the old eyes. Though I still detest Windows 10, it's what I'm used to and I still use a lot of older software. It has an optical drive, a SSD, 8GB Ram, lots of USB ports and such to connect stuff. I considered trying a Mac but too apprehensive to learn something completely different. I have an iPad and not impressed. Use that for games and ebooks as I couldn't get the email account working. On your budget and if you trust the Cloud, you could get by with a Chromebook, but it's not going to do everything a Windows pc can do. Don't know if any of this was helpful at all - just my 2 cents. Maybe try MMD Computer on 441 in Lady Lake. They might have some refurbished deals. They have handled all my pc issues and upgrades for 17 years. Good luck to you!

I received a surface for Fathers day 3 years ago...and its great...very simliar to and IPAd...you can use the keyboard or detach it at any time using the tablet mode... It also has a screen pen where you can draw or pen (write) notes.
Simple to use..

Try installing LinuxMint. It is free. If you don't like it, then close down and boot to windows again, or go ahead and buy your new box. Linux uses your hardware very efficiently. Often it is like getting a new computer. The program comes with native productivity aps, and you can get your Calibre program too.

Hurry up and bust a move. The 2020 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. This sales tax holiday begins Friday, August 7, 2020, and ends Sunday, August 9, 2020. It is only Tax-Free for the first $1000 that is spent. Apple Card is also Interest-Free for a year so if that helps you that's great. I know it's over your budget but I hope it works for you. Good Luck. You won't regret buying an Apple once you get past the price. To me, it's worth it.

Agreed, if you don't spent a 1000 for a laptop you will complain about it being slow!

Although I'm not a chrome book aficionado I agree with your concept.

As a retired IT consultant I always buy off-lease BUSINESS computers from the manufacturer for a few reasons. 1. Business computer is made with more resilient materials. 2. Business computer has less "bloatware" installed. 3. They last longer...

Be forewarned...you MUST install all your own application and utility software for your use (security, word processing, etc.). For this reason this paradigm may not be best for all.

au contraire. I've no doubt I can find something quite suitable at or below budget.
Maybe one man's trash is another man's treasure!