Chromebook
 

I have never been anything other than Windows but I am looking to buy a cheap laptop that will not be going anywhere and will always have internet access.

It seems to me that a Chromebook would fit the bill, but is there anything I should be wary of in terms of security and compatibility with software/ web sites?

I am fed up with having to buy the latest Windows every few years to stay compatible with websites - I don't think the Chrome OS requires this - am I correct?

Any recommendations on make/model would also be useful.

I am not interested in Apple or any OS that requires a degree in programming.

Thank you

Chrome is neither Windows, MAC, or Android, not Linux or any other *ux. An upside to Chrome is that it is more secure, even if your machine is out of date and won't update any further. The downside is related to that - because it blocks encryption and executables, it isn't "customize-friendly." What you see is what you get. You can download and install apps from the Chrome Store (Google Play). It's also not intended to be used offline. The newer ones CAN be used offline, but they have limited functionality without the Cloud.

If you're mostly interested in internet-based stuff - browsing the web, reading Kindle books online, catching videos on YouTube, e-mails and social media, a Chromebook might be a great, affordable option.

If you want more functionality than that, you'd probably be better off with a Windows machine.

I have an Android tablet that I use as a mini-laptop, and it is just as functional as my Windows laptop. It's just smaller. The case has a built-in bluetooth keyboard, and I use a bluetooth mouse. I have LibreOffice on my microSD which is similar and compatible to Microsoft Office but has more features and functions, plus it's free and open source which means I never have to pay for updates or new versions. It has a 1080p HD screen and stereo speakers so watching videos and even movies is pretty easy in a pinch. They have bigger ones these days but I keep mine on my nightstand when I'm not needing to bring it anywhere. It's a great alarm clock and I keep my books loaded on it. When the power goes out from storms, I don't need the internet or the TV to keep me entertained. Since it weighs less than a pound I can carry it in my purse with no effort at all.

You need to decide for yourself what you want your new laptop to "do." Make a list. Then check with Chrome, Android, and Windows, and see which one will check off all the boxes with the most ease. For me, it's a Windows desktop and laptop, and an Android tablet that's set up to function as a mini-laptop, and phone.

Thank you for your detailed response, OBB.

I am actually asking for a friend (no, really!) so I will have to check what his needs are. He has been told that his (Comcast) e-mail address will be unusable unless he upgrades to Windows 11, which his current computer won't support. I don't think he's a heavyweight user of the internet - no streaming TV or game-playing - so sounds as if a Chromebook - or maybe even just an Android tablet - would suffice.

I'm on my second Chromebook. Ditched my Windows computer for one 8 years ago. I totally LOVE it and there's nothing that it won't do that I want to do and I'm a tech guy. I definitely don't miss Windows at all.

Asus and Lenovo are the two brands that make very good Chromebooks. I paid around $400 for my current Chromebook. Bought it off of Amazon.

While selling computers at Best Buy, I saw the Chromebook come in. Someone bought one and since it wasn't a "real" computer, brought it back. I picked it up at a discount (I still have it, but it doesn't work anymore). After getting used to it I liked it. After a lifetime of working with all types of computers (Mainframes, minis, card deck, paper tape,etc.) I found it very easy to use. The operating system (OS) is locked down in such a way (it is based on a version of Linux) that you cannot get a virus. Each time you start it up, it checks if your operation system is the same as they left you with. If not, they load the latest OS. Updates are automatic (but not intrusive). I turned my old Windows 7 PC into a Linux Mint rocket. I use the Chromebook 99% of the time, but there are times Linux can do something the Chromebook can not.