So I've been looking at a bunch of laptops but I'm not very well versed in their hardware capabilities. I basically only need to run basic browser/email, Eclipse or other IDE, and if I ever do play a game it would likely never be more intensive than say RuneScape (old school). It's only going to be for school and coding mainly.

I've looked at some of the Chromebooks and I really like the price, but I have read that they can bog down quite easily when compiling or even using an IDE. Id rather not have to get a Chromebook and have to use Linux, but I will if the price difference is worth it. I don't really have a set budget, but I also would like as inexpensive as possible. It doesn't have to be pretty as it will also go with me to the field with the Army.

Any suggestions? They have a few on sale that are pretty inexpensive at Best Buy right now, but, as I said before I don't even know if those specs are any good for a laptop.

I would check into rugged or ruggedized laptops, especially if you plan to take them "in the field".

I don't know what your MOS is. I mean if you sit in an office all day, then you could get by w/o one.


I have no clue if these are reputable companies or not, but...

http://toughruggedlaptops.com/
https://www.ruggednotebooks.com/

For just regular laptops, we'd pretty much need a price range at least.

This post was edited by Ghot on May 26 2018 02:39am

I'm in maintenance. I should have clarified by the field part. I'm not so much concerned about it being able to survive harsh conditions. What I meant to say was that I don't want anything fancy so that when it inevitably gets scuffed and scratched I won't care. I don't want to go over like 300-400, but if it can go lower that's fine.

I would use a $150 one if it would do nothing more than word processing, browsing, and able to utilize an IDE without locking up.

Answer these questions:
Which IDE (some are more straining then others, especially visual studios) / Is refurbished okay / mentioned linux, plan on reinstalling the OS anyways or live session through an external device like a flash drive?
These play a factor in minimum specs you'll need.

What kind of MOS takes a laptop to the field? Damn POGS... jk

I used to be 11 bravo. Some of us weren't even allowed to take electric shavers.

Well I'm attached to a unit full of 42A. HRC unit. Naturally it's more laid back than when I was with 11th cav lol.

As for the IDE. Only one I've ever used was Eclipse but I've been wanting to try out BlueJ. I don't really care much if refurbished, but I would prefer windows. I mentioned Linux because of ChromeOS. Though I've read most of those computers are quite sluggish.

Location? May want to just buy one from Craigslist or ***

I am in GA. I have never trusted Craiglists for some reason. I don't trust people

It's pretty common these days for people to arrange Craigslist transactions to occur at a local police station.