Acer

Peter's wife is going to be working from home and they need a computer to access work and do online things like spreadsheets and powerpoints. Leo says that Microsoft Office has been moved to the web. And she can do it on just about any computer, including Chromebooks. But if she's more comfortable with a Windows machine, then Leo recommends Dell and Lenovo, or if she's on a budget, then ACER. HP also makes some attractive and affordable laptops. But avoid very low priced laptops. There's a false economy in that.

Elizabeth has an old Dell Inspiron and her hard drive is all full now so she can't run it. Leo says it's not really worth upgrading the machine. It would be cheaper to pick up a Chromebook for about $400. Leo recommends the Acer Spin. The Spin 11 is $330 if money is tight.

She can then use either Google Docs or Microsoft Office Online. It'll be far more secure that way and save money in the long run. Trying to upgrade an old computer really won't help Elizabeth.

Laurie just needs a basic laptop for checking email, doing homework, surfing in the cloud. Leo says that if she doesn't need special software, a Chromebook is ideal. They are less expensive and more secure. But if she has to run a specific program, then she needs a Windows Machine for that. Then Leo recommends either the HP, Dell, or Lenovo. All three make solid machines and stand by them. HPs are thin and light with excellent battery life. If tough on the hardware, then the Lenovo Thinkpad is built like a tank. Dell is in the middle.

Gordon hears that after about 3 years, routers become less secure and outdated. So does he have to replace his ASUS AC3200 router? Leo says often, news agencies read copy from an electronic press kit. Routers are getting hacked, but if he bought a good router from a company that updates the firmware regularly, then he's OK. ASUS uses DD-WRT, which is updated regularly. So all he has to do is keep them updated.

Carole wants to get her grandson a new laptop, because the iPad is too fragile. Leo says they can break because of that large glass screen. Leo recommends a Chromebook. If she would rather get him a desktop, there are Chrome Boxes as well. The Acer Chromebase is the one to get. Nice and secure, and easy to use.

Can you trust a motherboard for $59? Leo says that it depends. Gigabyte, Asus, Acer are all good brands, and they're also very affordable. PC Perspective likes MSI and they're around that price.

Ryan's bank wants him to do more banking online. He wants to buy one computer that is 100% dedicated to online banking. Leo says that's a good idea, and Leo would recommend a Chromebook. Chrome is incredibly secure and is the most popular browser out there. The Acer Chromebook 15 is one of the best for the money, and at $250, it's a bargain.

Sherry is looking for an affordable Chromebook with a budget of $350. Rich says that to be sure he doesn't get one so cheap that it's underpowered. Acer makes a good model in that price range. She should also get one that has a touch screen so that she can use Android apps. Unfortunately, Chromebooks won't let users install third party apps other than Android apps, but if she can live with that, Rich recommends going to Costco to pick up one.

Craig wants a tablet with a keyboard that he can use as a computer or a tablet. Leo says that Acer has great convertibles, and the screen is fully hinged to go all the way around. It's a great bargain. Dell makes some rugged ones, like the Dell ATG. They're more expensive because they're designed to take a beating. But if he's on a budget, Acer is the way to go.

Caesar's daughter gets all her homework assignments from a website online, and he's going to have to update their computer so it will work better. What should he get? Leo recommends Chromebooks because most schools are using them now. Leo prefers Acer because they have a wide array of models in his price range. Leo recommends going down to a local Best Buy and see which one is best. The 15" is a great option for about $200, but the 11" may be good enough.