Desktop, laptop, tablet?

Apple laptop! One and only. Pricy but worth it.

I used, and even taught, Microsoft Office products on a PC for years but when I retired I could no longer afford them, so I use Open Office now. I do have Google Docs which is excellent for sharing with others and both can save in MS formats so I can deliver effectively an Excel spreadsheet to a university college and import his data back and then work on it using my Open Office system and export the final report as a word document back to him. No longer actually use, nor need, relational databases, modern spreadsheets do the job as much as I need, just as well.

I have just been given, my choice, an Amazon Fire tablet to replace my absolutely antique Apple mini iPad which I have never really been happy with. As an engineer I would rather have a tool I can play with than a toy that I cannot get inside the workings of. Same with the phone, I loved my Blackberry. I hate, but put up with, my iPhone since all the alternatives are so dreadful but it is under protest and it is sworn at, at least three times a day.

I have an iPad Pro with a separate keyboard I use for everything, work, watching tv, photos, reading books, music etc

My 6 year old IPad died at the weekend so I trekked off to the Apple Store to get it certified dead. I decided to buy a new one. The assistant was extremely helpful, said I didn’t need an expensive model for my needs, so I bought a cheaper one. Apple’s service is really impressive. You can go back anytime with any queries and you can also have free lessons. So if buying Apple products I would now always go to the Apple Store.

I have an old laptop computer which regularly tells me, usually annoyingly when I am typing something, that it is not running on genuine windows. I do like my I pad for the internet or sending emails sat in the lounge or conservatory, but I like my computer for filing emails.

I find Apple products far more intuitive than MS ones. My husband uses Windows and I struggle to remember how to do the basics after years on a Mac.

I have an iPhone, a MacBook Air, a watch and an iPad. I love that they 'talk to each other' seamlessly. I wouldn't replace the iPad if it died. I have a keyboard case for it, and a 365 subscription, but I now so rarely need to take equipment anywhere that it is rarely used. I prefer the MacBook, as I can save things on it, and it is generally easier to navigate. The iPad is a toy, really.

Everything else would be replaced immediately if it stopped working, although I hang onto things until I really need to change them. The MacBook is 5 years old, and I'm not even starting to look at new ones. I always buy more memory when I buy laptops, so they last longer before struggling, and mine is doing fine up to now🤞.

I have a MacBook Air, and it’s a great laptop. Also an iPad and an iPhone - love the way they interconnect. I used to use an iMac but felt I didn’t need it, so gave it to my other half. Wish I had trusted my instincts and bought the MacBook Air first!

Before retiring I used Microsoft computers at work. I now have a voluntary role supporting individuals with their IT devices. I have an Apple iMac, iPad, an old MacBook air, Microsoft (Windows 10 - I can't afford Windows 11 but Windows 10 is end-of-life and unsupported from October 2025), an Android phone and a Kindle e reader. I have some experience with a Chromebook too but don't own one. I'm used to swapping between devices and trying to get them to work together.

I think you have said it yourself - can you face getting your head around Microsoft/Outlook again? I'm often asked why I don't like Microsoft. My experience is that it was developed for business use and relied on IT support teams to sort out any issues using administrator rights and to assist with training with updates/changes. They never expected Jo Public to use them without support. After a recent update on my Windows laptop, I was locked out because I had lost admin privileges and couldn't make adjustments to my printer settings although I still had standard user rights. In the end, I carried out a complete reset - I should have prepared a 'Recovery Disk'.

Your list of requirements doesn't include spreadsheets and databases and I think Microsoft wins with Excel, Access and Word too but I have them on my Apple devices (I pay a subscription to 365) - they work well.

I can tell you, although your old iMac died after printing labels, I've spent hours trying to get my Windows 10 to do the same while helping someone struggling with Windows 11. It is much easier to print labels using Apple.

My DH uses the iMac which is now 10 years old and I know it doesn't have long. DH is not comfortable with technology but uses it for so many things and I think that we will have to replace it. I can't imagine him battling with Windows when the iMac is so much more intuitive.

I wish you luck with this.

We also use a far from young iMac maw. I’m also not sure I’d want to switch back to Windows, it’s changed so much, yes of course I could if I had to but I truly don't want to have that extra challenge. Life is challenging enough here. The instant telephone support from Apple is also reassuring. I’m a big fan since they patiently talked me through reinstating the contents from our backup.

No conclusions here other than to say when the time comes we’ll wander into the Apple store and ask to play with the various machines while seeking their advice on the most suitable and least financially ruinous for our relatively simple needs. We’ll also ask the technical wizard who sorts out any major glitches or updates that I feel are beyond me for his advice. Mr C chooses to just use and ipad these days so it’s down to me really.

Non negotiables for us, well me really, are a decent sized screen, a ‘proper’ keyboard or the ability to use a decent separate wireless keyboard. Also the ability to attach an external drive for backups and plug in a camera card to transfer photos.

That probably hasn’t helped at all, apologies. I’ll be interested in all the responses to tuck away until a decision has to be made here. Good luck .

My Galaxy tablet A9+ does all that very efficiently and costs about £219. I got mine for about £180 in a sale. Of course the keyboard is on the bottom of the screen rather than a separate keyboard. I hope you find so thing that suits you. The trouble is there is do much choice now and so msny specifications that it can get very confusing.

We have a Dell laptop connected to a printer. Very happy with it and Microsoft/Outlook not difficult to use. It just takes a bit of time to get used to something different.
We both have Samsung phones.
I have an iPad but it was secondhand from a friend.
I suppose it depends on what you want to spend.
Good luck with making your choice.

I have an iPad Pro with a keyboard case. That’s all I need. It’s like having a laptop.

Two apple iPads and Apple iPhone Apple I watch love Apple products

I think I am in the minority nowadays. I have a PC and a tablet, more than sufficient for my needs. Both, along with my phone are linked to two printers.

I have never had a desire to have any Apple product. The only reason I can think of is that I was responsible for the I Macs in school and never warmed to them.

I have an extra large monitor and keyboard, which I couldn't have with a laptop.

Sorry I am of no help.