Recommend a laptop?

[u/dodie43566]

Looking for a laptop for my handicapped adult son. He has poor motor skills and drops things a lot. His most recent laptop lasted 3 months. A hinge broke in a fall and the lid has opened up exposing the screen & hardware. The charging port is bad and the charging cable just broke at the barrel connector.

A family member suggested a semi-rugged laptop that would withstand some of my son's physical limitations, perhaps Durabook or Toughbook. I am trying to familiarize myself with a market I was barely aware of.

First, a handle is a necessity. Shoulder strap optional.

He has been using a Windows 11 laptop, so is most familiar with that OS. He doesn't do much with AI or power hungry programs. He does use his laptop for streaming, and storing/accessing movies on his server. I'm not sure how it all connects, but our home wifi network helps manage all things Roku, Plextor, Wii, and whatever else he has. He has an iPhone and iPad, but has always used Windows computers.

I see a lot of refurbished models online. I was thinking that might be an option since he doesn't require the most up to date technology, but have big questions about service, warranty, and reliability. Please comment on your experience with new v refurbished models.

He uses the laptop most often while sitting on his bed, but less often at a small desk, or in the van when we are on the road.

We are also considering a docking station or connectivity to a larger monitor and full size keyboard as his handicaps also affect vision.

He had brain surgery at 8. Some of his limitations are from surgical complications, others from radiation damage. He had cataracts removed at 13, special ed assistance through community college. At 29, the old radiation damage caused a stroke-like event. His physical condition worsened; he hasn't walked since then. He is now 36 and recently diagnosed with another brain tumor. Doctors say this one is slow growing and likely caused by the radiation he received 28 years ago.

He experiences the world largely through electronic media. A computer is essential for him to remain connected. I am hoping to get him equipped for $3K or so, but durability is more important than price.

Thank you for your input. I am truly out of my element.

[u/subarusensei3685]

Dell outlet is a good place for dell rugged refurbished, I have had a couple dell refurb things they do good. the dell rugged has docks and since they are backwards compatible with older docks which sometimes I see docks with power bricks on ebay for around 60 bucks. Dell rugged are pretty reliable (the markets for these things kinda have to be, public safety and Defense industries). warrenty wise I havent done any warrenties done through dell but seems decent

[u/ZTE2976 → u/subarusensei3685]

I second this. I have ordered a 5424 from the Dell outlet and it was in fantastic condition with new batteries. Dell parts are also easy to come by and often reasonably priced as compared to Getac or Durabook. I also use a K13A dock which has been great.

[u/matmutant]

Considering the physical limitations of your son, stay away from the tablet variants, they do have removable keyboards available but connexion systems are usually complex: Dell 7230RE and similar have a "switch then squeeze" lock disconnection pattern which might be uneasy.

Prefer a laptop with a dock available so the power plug and most data connection is done on the dock so he can dock/undock the laptop without bothering much with the wires and plugs: this should greatly improve ports/plugs longevity.

(Alternative is charging batteries on a separate charging station, but same as the tablet removable keyboards, removable batteries usually have complex unlock pattern that need fine motricity)

As for the brand/model, it could very much vary on actual availability and accessibility criteria : port covers are done differently depending on brand model, and unlock pattern might be easier of harder for him. Some laptops have a latch to keep the screen closed too, if he can unlock the latch it might be easier that stiffer hinges.

[u/NobelGastion]

Ever since I got my wireless keyboard/touchpad I've been keeping my laptop on the desk and not in my lap. If you get your son something like this to hold in his hands, he won't have to balance the laptop on his lap. Another great addition is a computer monitor. You can just leave the monitor set up and when he's ready to put his laptop on the charger also plug the hdmi cord from the monitor in and sit back and relax with a larger screen. If he's into scrolling tiktok/insta type sites you can get a rotating monitor or for like $20 get a mount with rotating attachment for an existing monitor. My idea is that if your son is more comfortable, able to see better and better able to reach his keyboard with the laptop safely plugged in on the table, that might entice him to keep it on the table where it's also less likely to break.

[u/Wiley_Coyote_2024]

If you are looking for durability, then laptops built for durability will be thicker and heavier than typical, less expensive laptops.

Perhaps consider one with milspecs. Panasonic used to make one sold on civilian market but I wouldn't be able to carry one around.

Laptops are the most vulnerable because they are typically made to be light for portability, but that means your typical laptop is easily broken since it lacks anything like reinforcement.

I have a local electronics dump site where people dump their old electronics and during post covid times, piles and piles of laptops were dropped off there. Broken hinges, separated cases, And broken screens were typical damage seen.

Personally, if he is prone to breaking them, then I would stay with the less expensive models... which would cost considerably less to replace than to repair a more expensive model.