Laptop replacement

My old Mac Air finally gave out.  All my photos are on several desktops.  I no longer do anything with a laptop except surf the net while I am watching tv, email, and occasionally write something down.  I want to go with Windows for economy, and only need about 8 ram, a very small SSD like 125GB, and an os that is fairly fast.  Maybe i3, or i5? 

I want to use Firefox as a browser, Google as my search engine, a free writing platform.  I am very familiar with Windows 7 but never liked the later editions.  Which brings me to my main issue, how to avoid the horrors of Windows 10, especially the S version which locks you into the Windows system exclusively.  I want something off the shelf, preferrably. 

Any suggestions?

Steve, I am now using a Lenovo ThinkPad Extreme1. 15in screen. Win 10 Pro. I have had it for almost two years now and have had no problems with it. I have never had any issues with win 10 but I always use win 10 Pro.

I believe the current model for it is the Lenovo x1 Carbon, or something like that. You can order it with win 10 or Linux operating system. Make sure you look carefully at the ports that are available to you and the screen resolution choices. (This applies to almost any laptop these days.)

This link might help you get started with a look into Lenovo products. Call them as trying to figure out which of their many models fits your needs can be difficult.

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/th ... 2TP2X1X1C8

I would also use the search engine at B & H for laptops to see what they offer with your specific configuration needs.

I have used a series of different ThinkPad laptops (now Lenovo) over many years.  They have always been rock solid reliable devices.  My experience with Windows 10 Professional is also fine.  If you want Windows you have no choice at this time except for Windows 10.

If you watch sales you should be able to find something that fits your needs at a reasonable price.  Costco sometimes has "deals" on laptops from a number of manufacturers, including Dell and Lenovo.  

Good luck

When I retired, we had students using Chromebooks - small, cheap, great for on-line stuff, and used Google.docs for writing (it’s been a while. . . You *might* need WiFi for that)

Thanks for the great information, guys.  So Lenovo, Windows 10 Pro.  I saw several for under $800 at BH Photo.  I'll go that route.

Here is alink to an ongoing Lenovo sale:
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/ibmspp/gat ... Gatekeeper

I know the Windows 10 privacy issue is old on this site, but new to me.  To play it safe I bought a laptop locally, and just returned it for a refund.  The privacy invasion of Windows 10 was insane and the attempted upgrade to Windows 10 Pro crashed repeatedly.

Now that I have had time to cool off, I guess I need to get a laptop with Windows 10 Pro pre installed.

My question is, how to eliminate as much adware and crapware as possible and avoid the forced updates.  Is there a thread on this site covering this issue?

Does anybody make a blank OS where I just add what I want?

I have always purchased laptops with the desired operating system installed.  To my knowledge there is no way to completely stop Windows 10 from updating.  You can postpone and manage the update time windows but you can't fully manage updates manually.  

I much appreciate the valuable input to help in my laptop choice.

I just ordered on line directly from the Lenovo site.  Price was $969.99 US for a custom.  Specs:  15", 10th Gen i7, 16 RAM, 256 SSD, Windows 10 Pro, silver, backlit keyboard.  Model: YOGA C 740.

Delivery time for a custom is listed as 5 weeks minimum.

Once I get it I will have to learn how to strip as much adware and crapware as possible, and stop the spying.  I am confident this configuration will fit my needs well.  Also available with a 512 or 1 TB SSD.

Thanks again!

My experience with laptops from Lenovo has been that the bloatware is limited and easy to remove.
Good luck and enjoy it!

Steve, if you need any port expansion hubs for your new Lenovo, you can get them from Lenovo or from Amazon. One special port plug might be one that allows you to plug in your YOGA to an Ethernet cable for direct access to the Internet. Your new YOGA might be lacking an Ethernet port like my ThinkPad Extreme 1. Here is what I had to get when I want to directly connect my laptop tp the Internet.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... cable.html

Let us know what you think once you get it. My daughter is thinking of getting the same model you ordered.