Recommendations

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.

Ann's Macbook Pro is stuck on OSX Yosemite. Apple says they can't update her to Catalina. Leo says Yosemite isn't all that old. 

So now she wants to get a new Mac. Leo says the longer you can wait, the better. She's worried that if she buys an Intel-based mac now, it'll be worthless tomorrow. Leo says that isn't true. Apple is committed to Intel for the next two years at least, while it develops its new ARM-based Apple Silicon chips. It'll be a steady transition to their own chips. 

John is working from home and needs to get a  new computer. Would a Chromebox work? He already has a Chromebook, but it's too small for daily use. Leo says that you can get Chromebooks in just about any price and performance level. It just depends on how much John wants to spend and what he needs. John's budget is $500. Leo says that the ASUS Chromebox 3 is a good option starting at $300. It's an i3 processor and 4K graphics. But you can upgrade to an i7. But that's almost $1000. If you want a Chromebox, that's the brand Leo would go with. What about Linux? Can he buy a Linux machine?

Pete has a TV that won't turn on with the remote. He has to turn it on manually from behind. So he's looking for a new 55" that won't break the bank. Leo says that TCL and HiSense are very affordable because they are trying to break into the US market. Much like Vizio. TCL also has a Roku built into it, making it very affordable.

Elliot needs to buy a new computer for watching movies, writing documents and emails, and going online. No gaming. Leo says that opens up to either Windows or Mac, and Windows has been completely bollocked lately due to bad updates. In fact, Microsoft has admitted they no longer really test their updates before putting them out, and Leo says that's inexcusable. But if he needs a Windows laptop, then Leo recommends the Lenovo 2-in-1 laptop. The Lenovo X1 Yoga is also excellent. Great for movie viewing as it can "tent" bend backward to turn into a tablet.

Sundeep is trying to decide whether to get a Chromebook, a laptop, or an iPad for traveling. Leo says that for what Sundeep is needing, the Chromebook is probably out of contention. But the iPad is a great option. Because everyone has a mobile device now, Airlines no longer have entertainment systems onboard, choosing for streaming content via WiFi. You merely download the airline app, and you can watch movies, TVs, etc. That's where the iPad can shine.

Vince is going to be sailing around and he wants a tablet to stay connected. Leo says to stay away from third-party tablets and stick to the iPad or an Android tablet. They are the most reliable. Cheaper third-party ones will not give you the experience and performance you need. Leo also recommends getting a Dual Electronics Stand Alone Bluetooth GPS receiver. Leo has one and it's far more accurate than the GPS in the mobile devices.

Alan wants to get an all in one PC for gaming and watching TV. Is this possible? Leo says that games are the most challenging applications for a PC. They usually require a more powerful processor, more RAM, and a faster hard drive. But the main piece is the GPU or graphics card.. All -in-1 would make it a challenge, but you can get one with a better GPU. Leo recommends the Lenovo A940. Dell's XPS27 is also a good choice. It would also enable him to do graphics, photoshop, or video editing. 

Eddie is looking for a good color printer for occasional printing. Leo likes the Epson EcoTank 4550 (who is a sponsor of The Tech Guy show & the TWiT Network). It comes with a lifetime of ink. It'll cost a bit more, but you're saving on ink down the road.

Joe wants a good Tri-Band router. Leo recommends ASUS. It gives a 2.5 GHz and two 5 GHz bands. Also, check out theWirecutter.com, they like the TPLink Archer A20.