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  1. #1
    Relic Shield
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    Budget laptop/2 in 1 recommdation

    My wife loves the iPad air you all recommended me the last time I asked for help so I'm back.

    Sister in law is looking for a budget chrome book or laptop or 2 in 1 device to use as her first device for her physical therapy business. She texted me a list of things she needs that seem pretty basic to me. Mobility and battery life are important because she'll carry this from patient to patient.

    She's in Canada if that matters for device availability

    Needs:
    - Laptop or Tablet w keyboard (13-15")
    - RAM - 16GB
    - Internal Memory - 256 GB SSD
    - Battery Life - min 10hrs
    - Warranty (2+ years preferable)
    - Wifi and Bluetooth capable
    - User-Friendly interface and OS (intuitive w minimal learning curve)
    - Either IT support is not needed, or included w purchase
    - Integrated anti-virus/security software (no need to purchase or renew on ongoing basis)
    - Needs to run web-based clinic management and exercise prescription software
    - Compatible w word processing, spreadsheet, and PDF software (web-based or local)

    Wants
    - convertible (laptop w 360° hinge or tablet with keyboard)
    - stylus compatible touch screen
    - casting capability
    - USB connection
    - compatible w portable projector (HDMI or USB connection)

    Currently leaning towards chrome book because cheap and the battery lasts forever

    Edit:typo

  2. #2
    Hackey Thread Lurker since 2010
    I could have bought an 11 pull and have 1000 gems left over, but all I got was this silly title.

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    Work computer? Dell Lattitude. These are meant to take punishment. I'm still on an 8th gen intel model at work and it has been through the ringer for the 4+ years without any slow down. No need to go cheap if it's going to be carried around constantly.

  3. #3
    Impossiblu
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    Don't know what kind of software she's going to need but I'm going to make the boring suggestion of an iPad again. Ticks all the boxes you have there and they're very commonly used for mobile work like this. They are also compatible with projectors and you can even find cheap ones made specifically for ipad.

    Since it's being used for work I can't imagine needing or wanting to go even cheaper than that. It'll pay for itself faster than it's a problem and can probably use it as a tax deduction.

  4. #4
    Hyperion Cross
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    There is unfortunately no such thing as a budget 2-1, or it's very rare.
    They're either underpowered and therefore probably shit, or overspecced! And most laptops that have 16gb of RAM do not pair with 256gb SSDs

    For Synistar's suggestion, check for an ebay or local company that refurbishes ex-business equipment. High chance of picking up a dell latidude 2-1 from 2-3 generations ago for cheap and very usable, e.g.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/27520871296...Bk9SR8LFm__qYQ#

    Otherwise the general ipad running office 365 apps will work just as well; for the latest ipad they sell (but not cheap) a keyboard for the base ipad that clips on via magnets I think to make it seem 2 in 1
    iPad Pros have it too but it gets expensive from there
    iPad Air 4 (last gen, current is fifth) also has a keyboard you buy

    Or you can save money and go 3rd party like Logitech, or some shitty one on Amazon.

  5. #5
    Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
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    You might want to check Dell Refurbished USA and Canada. They usually have deals around any holidays so you might be able to grab a 2-in-1 and the likes for 40% off for Easter weekend.

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