my Luddite friend

Hi geeks! I miss this forum; I never seem to have enough time!
I have a friend who is quite skilled in all areas of science... except one. He is absolutely overwhelmed at the very mention of computers. I have been looking for a cheap little laptop that he could manage on his own, no bells and whistles, and easy to use. I love my Macbook and know so little about PC's, but a Mac is out of the question for this guy. Does anyone have a simple little laptop they love and would recommend?
Thanks, Tess

 

There doesn't seem to be many people around right now, long week end maybe so be patient and someone will answer you.
As for me I plug along counting on the folks here myself. Good Luck

 

thanks Darlene and Halo. yes, I think this is a very good start. My friend is somewhat off grid and I am considering buying a laptop for him. Obviously, the cheaper the better. I prefer a laptop because he is a creative sort who may not do well at a desk.
yes, Halo, his needs are pretty basic. Email, web surfing, the occasional printout. No interest in games. He is entering the world of computers under protest, but I am tired of seeing him distraught over feeling so very out of the loop.
Thanks for your help!

 

Most people need the ease of use of a fullsize laptop keyboard for their first computer. And if he's off grid, a laptop is definitely the way to go, not only because Desktops consume huge amounts of power, but also because a laptop can be recharged with solar.

Why not a Mac? For all that I hate them, they do make excellent 'My First Computer' systems.

 

That is funny,:-D our first was a laptop because we were full timers in a fifth wheel and thought we wouldn't have the room. After about a year we got a desk top along with a desk (more room in those things then you would think).

I just made a comment today about how you never again have rack your brain trying to remember something or just want to know something, it's all in there. He will wonder how he ever got along without one in no time.

 

thanks, Halo, for mention of specific models. Gives me an excellent starting point. I will start researching these tonight. Triax, good point about the solar! He would so love that! He actually works on experimental solar projects. (I know, you'd think he'd be a total cyber head, right?)
As for the MAC... I wish!! It would save me loads of time spent reassuring him that Russian cyber gangs were not going to infiltrate his computer through exotic virus's... but alas, the Mac's are so cost prohibitive. Too bad.
I am way out in the woods myself, although quite fortified w/ computers. So I won't be walking into a Best Buy anytime in the next few days. I'll start doing the research online and then plan a trip into "town," which is a day trip from here.
Thanks, all for your excellent help!
Tess

 

... pardon the double post. Halo, I LOVE these little netbooks you referred me to! I really want one for myself! And Triax, I found a guy online who retrofit a solar panel to a charger and solar charges his laptop with it using a $20 charger. My friend would actually love to do something like that as he is actually pretty adept in all areas of electrical engineering. This might just win him over; can't wait to make the pitch... thanks guys! You are the best!
Tess

 

You're very welcome. I'm interested solar myself, so I always keep a watch out for that kind of thing.