I have purchased my last two Laptops on Ebay. One was Used (Toshiba) and the other New (Acer). My current Laptop is the Acer, I've had it for around 5 years. It's been a very good laptop for me. The only things I've done to this computer was to Upgrade the RAM from 3GB to 8GB and Upgrade the Hard Drive from 320GB 5400rpm to a 500GB Seagate SSHD Hard Drive (Hybrid Drive) @ 7200rpm.

Do you have a Price Range and a List of Things You Would Use The Laptop For?

These are always good things to Post here!

Do you have a preference in what Operating System you would like, Windows 7 or Windows 8.1?

Is a Touchscreen something you would want on this Laptop?

There are also Tablets, would one of those be an option (again, depending upon what it will be used for)?

I could ask a million questions but the few I have asked could give us a good start to helping you out!

I can't afford much more than $400. I wish I could get windows 7.
If I get new it will probably will be 8.1. I have never used touch screen but guess I can learn. Ask me any question that will help U.

It will basically be used just like my computer. I just need something that I can use while I keep my feet up. When I walk I am in a lot of pain. I have a dead bone in both knees plus I have to go to wound care as I have Celulitis in both legs. I have to keep them up as much as I can. We (dr &I) are trying to keep me out of the hospital..I was in the hospital for 6 weeks last year for the same thing. I'm sure I told U much more than U wanted to hear.. LOL
Thanks for any help,
Dar

Possibly consider a Chromebook.

They are light weight, boot up in seconds and are easy to use.

You don't have to worry about constant updates. Lots of apps available.

I bought one for my 92 year old mother and she loves it.

After having owned probably 12-15 laptops, computers and tablets (PC, Android, and Apple) over the last 20 years, my recommendation is to get a refurbished iPad at the Apple store. I have two iPads, one I got new and one I got refurbished. The refurbished one comes with a new battery, a one-year warranty, and look like they have never been out of the box. I just looked at the Apple store and you can get a 4th generation, 16 Gb iPad with a retina screen for $299, or a 32Gb one for $349. If you think you will do a lot of typing and don't want to use the onscreen keyboard, you can get a nice case with a built-in stand and keyboard that the iPad snaps into for $25-$35. I have been a PC/Windows person for most of my life, but the ease of use of the Apple iPad and operating system has made me a convert. My significant other, who was reluctant to try Apple products until I got her an iPad, learned most of what she needed to know in about an hour, and now I have a hard time getting it out of her hands.
iPad - Apple Store

Anker keyboard/case

Newest model Anker keyboard/case

I look at Staples & OfficeDepot at new Toshiba & Lenovo with an i3 or i5 intel cpu, 15.7 inch laptops. When they have their sales you would walk out with under $400 spent. Almost monthly both will have sales.

Then at the grocery store buy a $10 wooden cutting board... to set your new laptop on. Instant Laptop Desk :)

There are great deals online with free shipping, also Walmart has some great deals and yes wayyy under $400.00 brand new. Stay away from Lenovo since it is all over the news that they install maleware on all of their PC's. Chrome book is ok depending on what you plan top use it for? remember it is small and has a tiny hard drive as well (very little storage) Also every Sunday paper had all the tech stores ads in with some awesome deals. Don't run out and buy the first thing you see, do your homework. And do not be scared of W8.1 it's very good, and if you download Free W8 Classic Start then it will look and run just like W7.

If you do go the iPad refurb route, I did read an article a while back
explaining the full story with Apple refurbs. They really do complete
high quality refurbs, replacing some parts that don't really require
replacing, and so on, so their refurbs offerings are pretty reliable. With other manufacturers it's often hard to tell - you'd have to do a bit of research or read the buyer comments on Amazon, etc.

You
might check some of the deal sites for iPad or any other tablet or
laptop, new or refurb, at one of the online sale sites. I use bensbargains.net - funny name but it stays on top of the latest sales.

I wish someone would help me find my 2 ipads. I hid them so if burglar got in they would be out of site...........now I can't find them. And these are the golden years???????????????????

emma-
Yes, I've had that experience, and spent a little time looking in good hiding places after being gone on a several week trip. If they were still on when you hid them, take a look at the link below and see if this can help:

Play a sound on your device

Below are a couple Laptop with Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel i3 Processor, 4GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drives. Either of these computers should be a good computer for all your needs and more! Sorry, they are just a shade over your $400 limit, just felt for a couple dollars more these were better machines. I believe both of these computers are New! I'm sure there are other deals out there, but I'm not sure what your time schedule permits. Sounds like the Doctor wants this to happen soon!

Myself, I THINK my next Laptop will have Windows 8.1 and a Touchscreen. I really like my Acer Android Tablet, i like having a touchscreen. I just purchased a Refurbished Acer Iconia W4-820 64GB Tablet w/Windows 8.1 for $155 Shipped. I want to Give Windows 8.1 a try before splurging for a new Laptop!

Toshiba w/Intel i3 and Windows 7 Home Premium $429.99 Free Shipping from Toshiba

Acer Aspire w/Intel i3 and Windows 7 Home Premium $426 Shipped

I second the suggestion of a Chromebook.

Chromebook

They are not still on, I always turn them off. They will turn up and my closets are getting a nice clean and organize out of the search. LOL

Well...next time you hide them so well, leave them turned on so you can find them :-)

Kudzu, I found them. I hid them in a closet in a purse, hanging under a coat. As soon as I lifted the hanger, I knew I had found them. I have to keep things like glasses, scissors......well anything small in the same place or I have this problem. I remember the good ole days when I didn't have anything of value. LOL

Oh, was looking for jackets and coats to donate and they are all still in the closet. Another day.........Maybe.

I understand Emma you found your iPads, then just had to play! Finding them must have made you feel as though you have something new again! I'm sure you'll get back to the Coats/Jackets at another time and date.

emma-
I know...every time I find something that I had put in a "safe" place I remember how logical it seemed when I originally put it there. Too bad I can't remember the logic when I'm looking for it.

I just need to write myself a note and save it like a password, but then I would lose the note.

I only have one thing hidden and I'll never forget where it's at. I hide some of my Medications, don't want anyone to know where they are. Some of these meds are Highly Sought After Medications. Wouldn't want the Grandkids accidently getting ahold of them either. I would never hide my Laptop, Tablet or iPod, my grandson likes to use them! Okay, I take that back, if I was on Vacation I would hide things like that! Don't want someone cleaning our room to Check Out with my Tablet!

I probably made a mistake but today I bought a nextbook. it is windows 8.1. I have never used windows 8. I'm waiting for charter to
put in wireless tomorrow. I probably won't have much help. I doubt not many if any of U have it. I need to figure out how I know I need adapter.
I saw somewhere I can use e-mail but don't see that anywhere now.

I am familiar with a touch pad.. all I have used since the 90s...from what little help have read it will be a little different.

I will know more tomorrow when I get to try it. Being wireless how much do need to protect it. I will use a pass word..never have before.
Thanks,
Dar

Sugar,

I just purchased a Tablet with Windows 8.1. I've worked on a few laptops that had Windows 8 or 8.1 on them. Many things are different, but a lot are the same. You just have to figure out how to get where you want to go. There are many, many videos on YouTube with How to Use Window 8.1. Lots of things are hidden at the edges to the screen. Swiping from the Right will bring up Charms. The Charms have Control Panel in them, Power Shut Down and Restart, Personalization, etc... you'll just have to play. Swiping from the Left will bring up any open Programs/Apps. You can close these Programs/Apps by dragging them to the (I think it's to the top on a laptop and to the bottom on the tablet). On the Start Screen if you swipe up from the bottom it will bring up a list of all installed Programs and Apps.

Make sure the Windows Firewall is enabled for Safety. Make sure your new Wireless setup had a Built-in Firewall (Ask Charter if it does). Have a Good up to date Anti-Virus Program, Malwarebytes and Super Antispyware. You should be goo to go after that. I always keep my Computers and Tablets Updated by Microsoft for safety too!

Hope this all helps you out some! Watch a few videos on YouTube (just type in the search box what you need to know how to do). Hopefully someone has a Video you can watch and then you'll be all set!

bugspop1,
I got the wireless installed today. Something isn't right as nothing will load...not even the store. I had someone here today & we put in my weather..it worked but stopped working when I closed it..

On the net it said the box has a USB cable.. I don't have one. All I got was a charger. I knew I was gonna be frustrated but not this bad, I'm gonna try & get charter back. One thing I really don't like is it appears not to have speakers. Do any of the tablets have speakers? I don't want to have to use earphones. I'm about ready to take it back :-( I may have to put in a few more $ & get something better.

Dar

Well I learned one thing..I got Fox News on & it does have speakers..I figured it should, Called Charter about the wireless not connecting & the tek said I had to call the company who made it & gave me the phone #. it seems like it should be a Charter problem. If I ever get it running I need to learn how to download a couple of my favorite card games & mohjong.
Dar

Dar, I'm pretty sure part of your problem is terminology. I'm in the same boat sometimes, making it difficult to ask what I need to know. Now, nobody knows what you actually bought, but maybe having Windows 8 explains enough. And I'm thinking the "box" without a USB cable that you speak of isn't your unit but the box (router?) from Charter. You said you had someone there and put in your weather. Is that a friend/someone who could maybe write down the steps for turning it on/off and sign in, etc? Please don't take that as an insult. I have a crib sheet for using the one I have. I don't use it often as it's kind of balky and bad touch screen. Following the first few steps brings it all back to me. I'm due to get a better one soon too.

Dar,

Very Important to let us know if your talking about the Tablet or about the Cable. Also helps if you can give us a Physical Description. Like when you said Box; What Box are you talking about? Are you talking about the Box the Person from Charter Installed today? Are you talking about the Box the Tablet came in? Or maybe you're talking about the Power Cord and calling it a Box? Just take your time and don't get flustered, breathe!

Yes, your tablet should have Speakers on it, guess you found them. They won't make a sound unless there is an App, Program, Video, Music, etc... running. How far away are you from the New Modem/Router Charter installed today (I assume that you asked it the Wireless Router had a Built In Firewall)? If you're very far away, move closer and see if that helps. We'll go from there after you see if that works.

Yes, the box is the one the tablet came in. The battery is charging now. I was sitting just a few feet from the wi-fi. I then moved right next to it & it wouldn't connect again, I had a charter guy here this afternoon. He got the wi-fi connected BUT after he left I closed the tablet & wi-fi was gone. Even when it was on it wouldn't go into any apps. He told me if it was him he would take it back & buy one that's loaded.

No I didn't ask about a Firewall. I'm just a dumb ole gal.. what do U expect... LOL I did do fair with IE ..never used it. I found basically everything I wanted.

I have a phone number to nextbook help..Hope I can get them Monday.

Either they help me or it's going back to Walmart.

Dar

You should be able to set it to always connect to your wireless network. What did the Charter guy do to connect it?

Nextbook wifi will not stay in the on position

Sugar (Dar),

I'd try the Hard Reset like described in Pkponder TX's post, Nextbook wifi will not stay in the on position. If the Hard Reset doesn't work I would then return it to Wal-Mart for your Money Back. If you are considering another Tablet over a Laptop, you must first consider what Operating System you want; Android, iOS (Mac) or Windows. I've used them all and don't really have a huge preference. Each system has it's own quirks.

I currently have an: iPod Touch 4th Gen, Acer Iconia A500 Tablet with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), Nokia Lumina 928 Smartphone with Windows 8.1 and an Acer Iconia W4-820 Tablet with Windows 8.1. I've only owned the Acer Iconia W4-820 Tablet for a few days and I'm really liking some of the features. One complaint I do have for the Windows OS is that there aren't a Huge amount of Apps Available for the Windows OS yet. I did like my Nikia Lumina 928 Phone and it's the reason I purchased my new Acer Tablet. I went with Acer because I really like my older Acer with the Android system.

If I were you I take a little time and consider them all; Android iOS and Windows. I'd consider, Laptop, MacBook, Netbook, Chromebook and Tablet, which one? You can do most of your studying Online. You can also make the Purchase Online if you prefer not to have to shop at the store (or are unable). I have Back Problems and don't go shopping often, I do however use the internet (makes my trips to the stores shorter).

Bugs,
I think if I could just get a microsoft account I could handle things now..every thing I try says "something went wrong."
I have learned a lot along with the frustration. When I went into the setting it said I was connected to wi-fi. It seems no matter what I try I get "something went wrong."
Wouldn't wi-fi have a little star by the bars.
I think a laptop is more than I want.
I want something I can take to the doctors..I have to go every Thursday for several months & no guarantee I won't end up in the hospital,, I did for 6 weeks on last attack of cellulite.

Can I use the internet away from home? Gonna keep trying..even this gives me something to do when I sit with my feet up.
Hang in there with me *smile*
Dar

sugar-
You can use the Internet away from home in two ways:

1. You can go someplace, open up the settings on your tablet or netbook, etc., and see if you have free wi-fi available where you are using it. For instance, many restaurants, healthcare providers, airports, all Starbucks, all McDonalds, many small businesses, most libraries, etc., have free wi-fi, and any such electronic device should be able to connect to it (presuming the device works properly).
2. If you get a tablet with optional cell phone technology built in, and also pay for a cell phone carrier data plan, you would be able to connect to the Internet anywhere there is a cell phone signal from your carrier.

I have 2 iPads and an Android tablet, but none of them has the built-in capability to receive data (Internet access) from a cell phone carrier. I simply use them to connect to the Internet using my home wi-fi wherever I am in the house or out in my yard, and I take one along when I travel because I can usually find free wi-fi somewhere. I didn't want to add an extra hundred dollars or so to the price of my tablet for added, built-in hardware so I could connect to a cell phone data plan, and I did not want to additionally pay for that monthly data plan as it can get expensive and is sometimes limited in terms of how much info/data you're allowed to access each month by the carrier. If I'm traveling and I absolutely can't find a free wi-fi connection, I connect to the Internet with my smartphone.

So, to be clear, if you are going to opt for a tablet, you need to decide whether you want a model with wi-fi capability only (like mine), or are willing to pay more for the same tablet so it has the built-in capability to connect to the Internet through a cell phone carrier and pay monthly for a data plan.

Is that clear, or do you need more explanation?

Yes kudzu9 it is perfectly clear. I was hoping that I could load a game or 2 to play later..guess I can't. it still gives me something to do while sitting with my feet up...if I ever get an micosoft account done. That would help.

Thanks everyone for being so patience with me..

Dar

Sorry to bother everyone again. I started a hard reset..was doing OK till I come across "I can't do it running on battery" that's all I have. I do think my problem about MS account may have been created by the Charter tect. He was going to set it up then decided he couldn't. He probably left it part done.

This is no good to me if I can't even change the date & time.

Dar

Can you plug it in? Or do I misunderstand?

I made a stupid mistake & I was just coming in to tell on myself. Being able to run off of power will (I hope) make a difference in resetting it. Too tired tonite to try.
Dar

Dar,

Since in Settings it says your connected, can you connect to the Internet using Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox? If you can connect to the Internet thru IE, Chrome or Firefox, it does sound like your not connecting to MSN so you're bale to access the Store!

Yes, you will need to set up an MSN Account to make Purchases and Download Apps. My Acer Iconia W4-820 Tablet was extremely easy because I had just set up my Nokia Lumina 928 Smartphone back in May/June. My Smartphone has Windows 8.1 also. It's not that hard to set the account up, just follow their Step by Step instructions.

Here is a Link: MSN Help/Support Line. You can call Toll Free and talk to Help and Support for your Setup. They will walk you thru your setup so you can get going!

Not saying there's anything wrong with that site(msnhelpsupport.com), sometimes sites can get rated unfairly, however, due it's bright red WOT rating, I'd seek support elsewhere. I can be overly cautious though.

https://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/msnhelpsupport.com

Thanks bugs,
I haven't had time to do anything on it today. Between playing dominoes,,napping & just laying in bed (Legs are elavated with pillows) talking on the phone ( son had to go ER) He cut his hand pretty bad. Then I watched a movie including popcorn with several in here. I hope I'll feel like working on it tomorrow & not be so busy. BTW yes I can click on the IE icon & connect. I'm tired!!
Dar

Sugar,

Sounds like you can Browse the Internet with your Tablet! Sounds as if the Store is your problem. If this is the problem, all you'll have to do is to set up an MSN Account. I set up an account for my Nokia Lumina 928 Phone w/Windows 8.1, so it was very easy setting up my Acer Iconia W4-820 Tablet. Been almost a years since I set my MSN Account, up but I don't remember it being that hard! My Tablet was just a week ago, but there was no need for setting up another account!

interesting too))