Ask HN: I haven't had to buy a Windows computer in 20 years
meifun Wednesday, December 03, 2025Hell HN,
I haven't had to buy a Windows computer in 20 years. I am back in school for stenography. As I get older I wanted to learn a "trade" that would ensure I could work into my older years. The school requires Windows as they work with Stenograph hardware.
I've looked everywhere to buy a laptop. I need ram mostly and a few USB ports.
I bought a cheap $200 laptop (16gb ram) at Walmart and after a few months of nothing but troubles I need to acquire something better that is budget friendly but reliable. The problems have been with using the stenography hardware and everything freezing up. The company that makes the stenotype machine is blaming my laptop.
I could spend $500-$1000 (perhaps more if it is compelling). I don't really need all the fluff that comes when you buy a machine these days.
Can anyone recommend a path to finding a reliable, laptop with lots of RAM that will last for several years?
Thank you for clarifying my confusion in the market.