What is the best laptop/tablet for under $200?

Question

Currently have an Acer C7 Chromebook..which isn't too bad other than its not even 2 years old and have already replaced HD once, which took forever. Was due to infamous "chrome OS is missing or damaged, please insert usb recovery" wish was that easy. And then risk losing all saved files anyway.

Wouldn't be totally against getting another chromebook..maybe from another brand or new version. But his one has a 300gig HD and from ones Ive been looking at...most seem to only come with like 16gigs. Pretty big difference and a pretty big deal breaker. As dont always want to need an external HD attached, just to have decent storage space.

Was looking at tablets but are sooooo many now and even though I know basic things to look for....Brand name, Processor type/speed/size, HD storage space, screen resolution, plus other features. Plus I really like the idea of having a normal keyboard, so screen doesnt get dirty, etc.Know you can get ones for tablets but pretty pricey from what I've seen. I like the portability of a tablet but the chromebook is pretty small itself and not that bad to take around. Plus if its a tablet, unless its really worth it, dont want to spend more then $100, especially if ill have to get some type of bluetooth keyboard. But max is $200 on a new laptop. The chrome OS, took bit of getting used to after using windows whole life. But does seem bit easier, far as virus, updates, maintenance, etc.

Main uses are pretty basic but like option to do more, if need

Answer 1

Truth is, if you buy a tablet new, it's tough to find a truly "good" one for $100 or less. Wireless keyboards for tablets can get pricey, too. By the time you buy a "good" tablet, a wireless keyboard, and a case and/or screen protector, you've already passed the $200 limit you mentioned for a laptop.



I have a HP Slate 7 tablet. I don't know if you can buy them new anymore, and doubt they're below $100 if they're still available in stores. I do know, however, that you can get them gently used for around $100 or less on eBay. I say that to say this: If you're really interested in getting a tablet, eBay can be a good way to get a great tablet at a decent price if you're willing to go that route and take the risks of purchasing used electronics online.



All things considered I'd probably stick with a Chromebook. I have a smartphone, tablet, and laptop, and I use the tablet so little I've decided to sell it at some point soon. There's nothing I can do with the tablet that I can't do with my smartphone or laptop, neither of which is an inconvenience to deal with. Though the tablet is more convenient is some ways, more portable, and has several other advantages over a laptop, I think the Chromebook is the better way to go. On the other hand, you never really know these things until you try.

Answer 2

Try and get a refurb one. And avoid Windows 8(or windows at all) puts the cost up. Stick with Linux if possible or Windows XP

Anyway aim for over a 2GHZ processor and 2 GB of Ram.

May i ask what are you mainly going to be using it for?

Answer 3

Sorry, but I don't think you will find a new laptop for 200

A decent laptop is going to run from 400 to 500.

I suggest go to wal-mart, Office Depot, and Best Buy.

There you will find the best prices.

Answer 4

first of all if you want a decent laptop, probably $500+. A good tablet would be the new nexus 7 it runs android and has an amazing graphic screen.

https://www.google.com/nexus/7/

Answer 5

You have two routs you can go. You can get an android tablet. Which I would reccomend you get a flagship product from last year (these tend to stay working well and trendy for at least 2 years) Such as the Kindle Fire or Nexus tablets. However if you do raise your budget to $230 you can get the latest Nexus 7 or the latest Kindle Fire HD. You won't have a keyboard, but later on you can always buy one.



My next option for you would be a Google Chromebook. It runs a Google developed operating system which only has one major draw back - You must use the cloud storage. This means that almost all of your documents will be saved online and not on the computer itself. This is not an issue if you have internet every time you open the computer. But Chromebooks are light weight, affordable, energy efficient and smooth running.



Links below:



http://amzn.to/1gLxeg6

http://amzn.to/1hfRdPp



http://amzn.to/1omCoEh *with this tablet you can actually afford a case/keyboard to go with it for under $200!! such as http://amzn.to/1llPYDu

http://www.google.com/nexus/7/



http://amzn.to/1dKRu2b



*Keep in mind that non of these solutions can do things such as download video games made for windows or apple nor can they run software such as photo shop. These are very simple machines with limited capabilities. They run very smoothly and have excellent battery life so long as your computing is basic. If you want something more powerful that is meant for more demanding tasks then you must spend at least $500. I like to play lots of graphic intense computer games and edit videos. For that purpose I have never spent less than $1000.