My apologies to the mods and members. I thought I was clear that I do not want a MAC computer. I want a Windows 10 based product. It is what I love. Love latest technology!

How portable do you need it to be? Do you travel much with a computer?

I might suggest something along the lines of the new XPS13. http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-13-9350...3=161816458413
The Dell will have a little dock available soon, but there are other 3rd party options out there. I love the tiny bezels. If I were in the market for a new laptop this would be at the top of my list.

For less money there is the Asus UX305
I currently have a two year old HP X360 that is the best ultrabook/thin and light computer I have ever owned. Just did the Windows 10 upgrade. So I would also be favorably disposed to their latest line, but have no use for the "2-in-1" category.

But for me size and weight are a primary concern since I carry my laptop when I travel. If that is not an issue for you then I would probably just get a cheap 15" computer. Your proposed needs are very basic and would be handled by pretty much any computer on the market today without any issues.

wharvey, what's your budget?

Is that how long a refurbished Dell should last? That seems awfully quick for it to die.

And I don't think it's dead. I think the SSD is likely still recoverable.

And if it's only the SSD that's died, then the computer itself is fine - would just need a new SSD, assuming you have access to Windows repair/recovery via a USB drive or something.

If the only problem is the dead SSD, why not just swap it out for a new one and continue using your beloved current computer?

The data on the old SSD is gone anyway (or cost the same to rescue no matter what you do)

Well, my partner asked if he could replace the SSD and take the machine to his family in Colombia next month. Being a good hubby and letting him do that! :-)

Ah, so you just want a new toy. Nothing wrong with that.

Let us know your budget, and whether you want a DVD drive included in the machine, and what size of SSD you need.

I was looking at $1000 or so.... no need for DVD drive... have an external one for rare occasions when I need one. 250GB SSD should do... what I had before.

I was thinking about this one:



http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineS...&suid=55fba843

If you just use it for internet access, Microsoft Office...you need a computer with 2 core processor, 2GB RAM, 500GB SSD and not use extender graphics cards. And it's cost about 250$ - 300$.

Why do I need a 500 GB SSD? I have been using Microsoft Office for the past few years on the current machine that only has 250 GB SSD.

Link didn't work for me, can't see if it is close out or refurbished. One factor to consider is that if you buy a new computer, and pay with an American Express card, the length of the warranty will be doubled. This benefit is lost if the machine is refurbished.

If you're just using it for internet and Microsoft Office, 250 GB SSD is more than fine. I have pictures and stuff and manage with 256 GB. I simply keep media on external drives (I have a 128 GB micro SD card with music and 3 TB external hard drive with movies and TV shows) and everything backed up on OneDrive

Boy, Dell is dumb. I see the XPS 13 for $800 on their site...and no options for upgrading the standard 128GB SSD. No wonder I like ThinkPads.

Frankly 128GB is probably plenty for most people. Given OP's needs that should be way more than enough space.

My last few ultrabooks have all had 128GB SSDs.