[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by chrisinva

OBB, I can't thank you enough for understnding my question & replying (multiple times) in language I can understand. Haven't selected the laptop yet, still complying & comparing TOTV and Next Door comments.

And thanks to all who commented. I appreciate that many individuals commented & re-commented on suggestions. It's great to have this forum for an intelligent, thoughtful discussion.
Blessings to you all & Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey - there is a pretty nice windows 11 laptop that I thought would be perfect for my sister (who is also not tech-savvy, but IS software-oriented). It's the Lenovo IdeaPad Ryzen 5 7520U with 8gb memory, 256gb SSD storage, a 15.6" screen, with a blue case, for $299.99 at Best Buy. She just ordered it yesterday. If they can order one, that's a good deal. If not, you could try the HP 15.6" touch screen with 12th Gen Intel Core i5, 8gb memory, 512GB SSD. It's $349.99 and weighs 3.5 pounds. Also has a 10.25-hour charge rate, which is pretty good for a laptop.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6...?skuId=6587788 for the HP

Windows 11 does NOT look like Windows 10, which does NOT look like Windows 8, which does NOT look like Vista or Win95. But there are ways to make it ALMOST emulate Vista, if you prefer a cleaner desktop with little icons instead of tiles and lists. I can direct you to the thing I found that I ended up using, if you need. Just DM me. It doesn't look "exactly" as I'd like it but it's pretty close.

Lastly - a lot of these laptops come with Windows 11 in "S" Mode. You'd have to upgrade to regular Windows Home, which is FREE but requires that you click stuff and press buttons. Any geek can walk you through it, it's mostly not a big deal. If you choose to keep it in S mode, you will ONLY be able to download apps from the Microsoft Store, and you won't be able to use Google Chrome or Firefox - only Microsoft Edge for your browser.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Best Buy is a good option.

Except BB has a restocking fee if you return it.

[Grinchie]

Check out Amazon special deal right now til gone: Lenovo 20 Ram, 1T SSD, 15.6”, comes with 1 year Office, wi fi 6, Bluetooth, webcam & SD Card reader total cost $344.70 with tax added in. Great deal - on special.

[Grinchie]

Great deal re Lenovo with 8 gig, but but check out Amazon with a Lenovo on sale with 20 gb ram & 1T SSD + for about 344.00 out the door & includes tax & one year of Office. Sweet deal…

[Grinchie]

Check out this Lenovo on Amazon special til gone - $ 322.15. Has 20 gb, 1T SSD, adequate chip, 1 year of Office, webcam, Bluetooth, SSD card reader. $ 344.00 with tax. Really good deal for most users.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Grinchie, your Lenovo "deal" is no deal at all. The Celeron N4500 is clunky, only a 2-core 2-thread machine with only a 1.1gh clock speed (max is 2.8ghz, which is what most 'modern' laptops START at). For $20 more they can get a system twice as fast, with twice the functionality. They don't need 20G ram or 1TB storage. They're a casual user. Most people don't even use the 256GB that is standard on laptops these days.

[MorTech]

Even the latest Intel N100 processors are barely adequate. There are a lot more deals in laptops above 3.5 pounds if you are not too hung up with the 3 pound weight limit.

[PoolBrews]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Except BB has a restocking fee if you return it.

They only charge a restocking fee if you don't return it in the same condition as when you opened it, or if you return it after 15 days. Just make sure to keep all packaging, and do a factory reset on the laptop before returning it.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by PoolBrews

They only charge a restocking fee if you don't return it in the same condition as when you opened it, or if you return it after 15 days. Just make sure to keep all packaging, and do a factory reset on the laptop before returning it.

I would add that, if Best Buy installs any software, they will charge you for it.

Personally, I would never buy a computer that had been returned.

[PoolBrews]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I would add that, if Best Buy installs any software, they will charge you for it.

Personally, I would never buy a computer that had been returned.

I have zero qualms about purchasing a returned laptop. I was in the IT field for 40 years, so I'm very comfortable with anything I might run into. If there really are issues with the laptop (and not just buyers remorse), I can always return it.

The laptop I purchased was on sale for $899 (normal price $1,499, and it's back to that now). I got a returned laptop in excellent condition for $751 - nearly another $150 savings. First thing I did was to factory reset it. Zero issues and saved a ton of $$$'s.