Laptop for Travel

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I have laptops , tablets ( Ipad and Galaxy ) , and several desktop computers . All serve a purpose .
I do watch some TV on the Ipad , but I like to travel with the laptop for the typing , paying bills or posting stuff and emails .
You can get a nice laptop for your price point . I have Dells and a couple HP's . Currently using an HP with windows 11 and a 15 inch touch screen .
Lighted keyboard and a wireless mouse are a must have for me . Mine does not have a DVD drive . Wish it did .
I think going to get that Dell. I will have wifi on plane also. I always go Spirit so I can get the big seat and comes with wifi.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chopsaw
Base model Dell Inspiron Win11 can be had for $250.

Yep, I have had great luck buying from their refurbs too. I have an Inspiron in the kitchen I use mostly for banking.

Another vote for Dell.

I have Dell Inspiron as well... my second one...
I think this will do. Should also be able to use it for when I use forscan on my truck so I dont have to drag everything outside!

labtop
 
  • Like
Reactions: texomakid
That looks like it could work. Thanks.
For a good basic laptop you can't go wrong with those base Dells.

I like them because they run most Linux distros without issue and I generally get about 10-15 years of solid use out of them before they can't run the latest Linux distros.
 
I am not much help, I prefer a Mac Pro Air. Great computer, allows me to use my iPad as a second monitor. Battery life is outstanding compared to most windows based laptops. But the price is UGLY.

- Jason
 
I like them because they run most Linux distros without issue and I generally get about 10-15 years of solid use out of them before they can't run the latest Linux distros.
I kind of migrated back to windows since the release of 10 and 11, but the laptop I use for paying bills is running Linux mint. Although windows has improved some, I prefer the added security with Linux for financial stuff. That is the only thing that laptop gets used for (I said I had 4 lol).
 
I starting to think 15" may be a bit big to travel with? Its something that not going to get used a lot.
 
I starting to think 15" may be a bit big to travel with? Its something that not going to get used a lot.
I had mine with me on a few planes recently and the only time it was an issue was flying into Roanoke I felt a little crowded by it because those planes are so small. On a regular full size plane I was fine. Pretty sure newer ones are lighter and closer to the actual size of the screen.
 
I had mine with me on a few planes recently and the only time it was an issue was flying into Roanoke I felt a little crowded by it because those planes are so small. On a regular full size plane I was fine. Pretty sure newer ones are lighter and closer to the actual size of the screen.
Thanks for reply. I going to go BestBuy today to get a feel for how big they are.
 
  • Like
Reactions: texomakid
Think about using your tablet for TV/basic computer, air pods (or equivalent) for sound, AND - IMPORTANTLY - buy a keyboard for you tablet. A keyboard cover that attached to your tablet is very nice...but I prefer a loose keyboard because I use my tablet mostly for viewing/gaming.

It's only a few days and you can get by.
 
I just ended up buying one of the $249 base Dells just because of the price but because I live in RI I had to pay $12.98 in tax on top of that.Delivery free and should be here Tuesday.If you have the time to wait I'll let you know what I think of it.Actually this will be the wife's new laptop and I'll be bastardizing her old one.
 
Think about using your tablet for TV/basic computer, air pods (or equivalent) for sound, AND - IMPORTANTLY - buy a keyboard for you tablet. A keyboard cover that attached to your tablet is very nice...but I prefer a loose keyboard because I use my tablet mostly for viewing/gaming.

It's only a few days and you can get by.
You probably right. I was just thinking since I going to have to buy a new tablet would just use money to get a laptop that could be used for some other things. Will have to give this some thought.
 
You probably right. I was just thinking since I going to have to buy a new tablet would just use money to get a laptop that could be used for some other things. Will have to give this some thought.
FWIW - We are looking for a new laptop to replace our old clunker with random screen "issues." We are in the $350-$400 range (Best Buy) for the laptop we are looking to get. We use the laptop for my work at times (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) but mostly for surfing/shopping. For my Day job as an engineer, I have a monster set-up...don't need or want that at home.

I would suggest dropping in a Best Buy (or??? Walmart/Sams/Costco even) and taking a look. A laptop will be far cheaper than an Apple tablet and more versatile.

As a pretty deaf guy that wears hearing aids (60/80 % loss of hearing when 3 1/2 y.o.) - I like wireless, over the whole ear, noise cancellation headphones for the flight there and back. Bose is awesome but $300. There are cheaper versions.
 
I'm up here at Best buy looking to be honest I think a 13-in would be fine.

Edit;
Guess getting 13" in a laptop not easy. I got home and looked and seen another tablet on my desk stuck away. It was my newer one that works fine. I still want a laptop but I know I have something to use now! Probably just get that Dell.
 
Last edited:
My (old) laptop screen went black again, this morning ... this is the 4th or 5th time this has happened. I am going to have to buy a new one now. All is backed up into the cloud and to an external HD.

I am 18 months from retirement to "part-time" so I think I am going big with this purchase...decent laptop (does not need to be expensive - not pushing needy software), docking station, dual monitors, etc. If I see anything that jumps out, I will let you know. Probably start looking on Monday.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Clicky