What kind of computer do you recommend?

[UptonSinclair]

One alternative for a quick fix is to try using a usb keyboard with the laptop. It might extend the life of your current computer until you are sure what you want.

[UptonSinclair]

I was no fan of Windows 8 when it was released, but now that I have used it for a while I have no problem with it. The biggest issue people have is the unfamiliar Metro interface. I have seen no stability issues. It doesn't make sense to buy a computer with Win 8 and then pay to replace it with an older OS. The complaints remind me of the issues I dealt with moving from Win 3.11 to Win 95. Users don't like changes to their GUI.

[mrs.b]

True- for a desktop. But the OP indicated this was a laptop.

Oops! I missed that minor detail...in the very first sentence of the very first post. :eek: I picked up at the historic desktop at home. UptonSinclair to the rescue with a budget-friendly solution, or off to Best Buy or Walmart! Make sure it's got Office Home/Student (not trial version), and anything off the shelf and within the budget will work fine.

I suggested reformatting to install Windows 7 if Windows 8 isn't a desired learning curve. It does not cost all that much, as compared to going the Mac route.

On the Windows 8 debate...fear of bad change is not the same as fear of change itself. I've given Windows 8 a solid try and think it's fantastic for a tablet setup, just not so much for desktop. It's on one of my laptops, but it's coincidentally the same machine I'll be tossing to our "find another use for this" pile to replace with a tablet running the same OS. To each their own, but I think it's telling how much sales dipped after 8 released, how quickly 8.1 released, and how quickly Windows 9 is supposed to try to strike a happier balance between desktop usage and tablet/mobile.

[jmeitrem]

True- for a desktop. But the OP indicated this was a laptop. Yes - it is likely a bad keyboard, as you said. But good luck replacing it! For a laptop, I'd think that's a shop job, not a DIY - and the replacement (if one can be found) will be WAY more than the $20 one would spend on a replacement desktop keyboard.

(A bit later) I did some Googling.

(1) As a shop job it would be up to $100 for labor and around $50 for an entire new laptop keyboard.
(2) I read that you can learn how to do it yourself on the internet and save the labor. Can't vouch for how easy or effective this method is.
(3) Individual keys that have gone "bad" can often be replaced - much cheaper. Sometimes easy and DIY - sometimes not.
(4) You can always hook up a cheap ($20 or less) USB keyboard to the laptop and use it instead.

Or... you could go out and buy yourself another machine.

Johann

I've replaced quite a few laptop keyboards and can say that it is fairly simple. It is usually just a couple tiny screws and takes 10-20 minutes. I've found all of my replacements for less than $20 on ebay. But given that the originator started off by saying that it is an OLD laptop, I am not against replacing the whole thing. I just always have resale value in mind, and replacing the keyboard for cheap will help make some money back to put toward the new laptop.

[bluebooger]

if you live near a large city craigslist is still good for computers (and for legal software)
yeah, there's always lots of junk, but search through and you can find some good deals
and you can usually have the person meet you at a starbucks or somewhere so you can try out the laptop before you buy

[hicandle]

Thanks all. Wonderful advice. I adopted a cat from a shelter in December on Friday 13. Lucky day for her but not for my laptop! She jumped into my lap while I was using it, one key shot off into space, actually the dark hole of my recliner. I don't miss that key, no idea what it was used for.. however, ever since the p key has not cooperated with my suggestions and now the zero key is showing signs of rebelling. I had no idea a keyboard could be replaced. I am not up to the task but I think I can find someone who is. If it costs too much or takes too long I will have to rethink. You folks are so kind and so savvy. Thank you! I am wondering if learning to operate a mac after so many years with windows would equal the struggle to learn windows 8!

[mrs.b]

If the keyboard fix does not work out, these are still out there:

Acer Aspire 15.6" Laptop PC with Intel Core i3-2348M Processor, Black/Silver E1-571-6607 - Walmart.com

or

Acer Aspire 15.6" Laptop PC with Intel Celeron 1007U Processor, Black V5-131-2629 - Walmart.com

plus

Find the Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 Product Key Card at an always low price from Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

and you're set for what was said to be used on it.

Hope you and your new fuzzy friend get it sorted, either way!

[AlbaTiVo]

I am wondering if learning to operate a mac after so many years with windows would equal the struggle to learn windows 8!

Don't buy a Mac.

[publius2k4]

Don't buy a Mac.

Why not? What's wrong with mac?

[Westerner]

Don't buy a Mac.

Buy a Mac! they're so cool