Recent things was the mouse and my 15 inch Acer Chromebook that I got through Swagbucks.
The Chromebook has a manufacturer defect (rare), but it's good other than that. I paid around $300 for it on Amazon and it's currently back-ordered, so I'm waiting to swap it with a new one once Amazon ships it. They have the $349 version currently on the site, but has more local storage (16gb vs 32gb)
There's only maybe 1-2 surveys a week (The unity plugin) I get DQ'd because it doesn't support java because it's a security risk. It lets me use flash. Turns on faster than the 7 second advertised time, though!
I guess that's part of why Chromebooks are so popular. I've been looking at this Chromebook for her as well, but I think it'll be too different. Having to do everything through the browser, not having a DVD drive (she really wants it), etc! Well, thanks for the input! :)
I have the CB5-571 which is also rated to 9ish hours and am seeing similar battery life at around 5-6 hours. If I am spending(wasting) a lot of time on Youtube, its even less. Still beats out my old Samsung i7 that could go for about 30 minutes. My wife has the CB3-531 which is similar but the screen is lower resolution and she gets way better battery life then me doing the same things. When I run Ubuntu through crouton I see the same battery life on that as well. So its not Chrome itself.
This is the unit I have: https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-CB5-571-C1DZ-15-6-Inch-Full/dp/B00TU7U4PU/ref=pd_bxgy_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XPENYWF0VRHM951VNG9F
I don't think I'd go with that; the HDD will be a major bottleneck.
I'd highly suggest a Chromebook. Chrome OS > Windows at $300 or below because Chrome OS is so lightweight. It runs great on lower end hardware.
As long as she is fine with doing everything in a Chrome browser, she will be fine with a Chromebook. I'd personally suggest an Acer Chromebook 14. More than you probably want to spend, but comes with a quad-core, 1080p IPS display and an aluminum chassis. Very good value for the money.
This is also a very good option.
Both Amazon and BhPhoto ship a limited selection of chromebooks to Australia.
A good example is the Acer Chromebook 15.
The australian prices on ebay and by HP etc aren't worth the savings you can get by ordering from Amazon.
Is there a reason people aren't recommending the Acer 15? https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-CB5-571-C1DZ-15-6-Inch-Full/dp/B00TU7U4PU/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1466889635&sr=1-4&refinements=p_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A6401981011
If you're only doing word editing and Netflix, I'd suggest checking out a Chromebook such as this.
Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571-C1DZ (15.6-Inch Full HD IPS, 4GB RAM, 16GB SSD) make sure to get the 4GB RAM version, not the 2GB
I think a Chromebook might be a good option for oyu.
One more :
There's a 1080p IPS, 4GB but 16GB SSD for $299.99 : http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-CB5-571-C1DZ-15-6-Inch-Full/dp/B00TU7U4PU/ref=lp_11008916011_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1426997830&sr=1-3
Doesn't ship right away like the others though. 2-4 weeks.
I bought an Acer Chromebook in 2017 and it's been going strong ever since! This one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TU7U4PU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - as others have mentioned, Google docs is powerful and it does me just fine. I write everything in there, and I can re-download from docs/drive as a word file if I need to for some reason.
Now, bear in mind, I use it kind of as a computer tower - it's closed on my desk and connected to external stuff. After two eye surgeries, even the 15" chromebook screen is rough on my vision. I have an external Samsung monitor hooked up, as well as my beloved Logitech Wave keyboard combo (https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK550-Wireless-Keyboard-Mouse/dp/B003VAHYNC) - the problem is, I write so much that I need to replace the keyboard about every year or so because the paint on the keys wears off and messes me up :-D
Get a Chromebook. With a Chromebook you can get even a model with a decent display (IPS panel).
https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-CB5-571-C1DZ-15-6-Inch-Full/dp/B00TU7U4PU/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TU7U4PU/ref=twister_B00V3DQ4YE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The speakers are well regarded on this model. Plus the SSD and full HD display.
You're an adult and if you think making this purchase will help you in uni and keep you further away from video games then do some research and make the purchase.
I think this Chromebook is a really nice deal but do some research first. They're pretty different from normal laptops and it wouldn't be a good laptop for certain majors.
You might also like these sites:
I would think about the Acer Chromebook 15 with 4 GB ram. It's a large screen that's very responsive for $250.
Links: https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-CB5-571-C09S-15-6-Inch-Full/dp/B00TU7U4PU?th=1 https://zipso.net/chromebook-specs-comparison-table/
Can't decide between your suggestion and this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TU7U4PU/?tag=at88-20
For her needs, it sounds like Chrome OS would be fine such as this Chromebook.
For something that is Windows based, this would be ideal.
Acer makes the only 15" Chromebooks.. The Full HD model with 4GB RAM is the best choice.
Sure, what about this?
Chromebooks; if you're okay using Google Docs and you can do everything you need on a web browser, then by all means go for it. If you're unsure about Google Docs you can actually use it right now and try it. If you want a Chromebook something like this would be good. Just keep in mind if you use any Windows programs, they will not work on a Chromebook. Chromebooks basically are just Chrome web browser netbooks.
If you want something Windows based, you can check this out.
What about this?
Deff go with a Chromebook.
What about a Chromebook?
What do you think of this?
I believe you should be able to take off the bottom cover and do that.
Have you thought of looking into a Chrome OS based system such as a Chromebook/Chromebox/Chromebase? These things are nearly impossible to mess up and run very quickly.
Have you looked into a Chrome OS machine such as this.
Last update for now:
Amazon will send a replacement and let me use the one I have now until the 17th of May. Google Support says I have a defective trackpad :(
Here is the chatlog if anyone is curious, with certain things censored:
> Hello,
> Here's a copy of the chat transcript you requested:
>
> Initial Question: My chromebook has a defective trackpad. If i use the trackpad and the keyboard at the same time, it makes the screen flicker.
>
> 04:17 PM PDT Pamela(Amazon): Hi, Thank you for contacting Amazon Chat Support.This is Pamela and I'll be happy to solve all of your concerns today. I am sorry for the inconvenient with the item, what I can do for you is to issue a label so that you can return the defective item and also replace the chromebook for you, will that work?
>
> 04:18 PM PDT Me: Yes, as soon as possible. I see that the laptop on the website is on backorder.. is that going to be a problem?
>
> 04:19 PM PDT Pamela: It says that it usually ships in 3-5 weeks, I can select one day shipping for you, so that you can have it available as soon as possible
>
> 04:19 PM PDT Me: That would be wonderful. Hopefully the next one works.
>
> 04:19 PM PDT Pamela: sure, one moment please
>
> 04:22 PM PDT Pamela: The replacement order is Order ID: 115-3628769-4901822 I chose one day shipping for you and the delivery date will be Monday, May 4, 2015 - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 and the label that you can use to return the damaged one is link deleted will this work for you?
>
> 04:22 PM PDT Me: Why is the range more than one day?
> 04:24 PM PDT Pamela: because if you see the website, it days "Usually ships within 3 to 5 weeks" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TU7U4PU choosing one day shipping, this is the fastest speed at the moment
>
> 04:24 PM PDT Me: That's a bummer. Guess I'll have to do it.
>
> 04:25 PM PDT Pamela: I am sorry, I know that it doesn't work that well, but you can keep this item for the moment and return it until 5/17/15 that is the last day that you have to take it to the ups office
>
> 04:26 PM PDT Me: That will work for me.
>
> 04:26 PM PDT Pamela: Great then, I am sorry again for any inconveniences caused by this damages item and the long delivery date, is there anything else I might help you with?
>
> 04:27 PM PDT Me: Not at the moment
>
> 04:27 PM PDT Pamela: It was my pleasure, Have an amazing day :) - Whenever you feel ready to finish, please make sure to click on the "end chat" link and not in the "X" button. -
Just a heads up, Amazon is saying the model you linked is 1920x1080 but Acer says that model is 1366x768 see here. I've sent a catalog update request to Amazon after seeing it so perhaps they will update it to reflect actual specs. On a side note, if you want a 15.6" IPS 1080p chromebook in white, it can be found here for $100 cheaper than the one you were looking at. Also, as far as storage I'm using the Acer C720 with 16gb of storage and I literally have nothing saved onto the machine itself. With google drive and streaming services (google music/netflix/hulu/etc) I've found no reason to store anything locally, ymmv.