Quick roundup of shopping tips

No doubt you’ve been bombarded with computer shopping tips, with every outlet and its sibling slashing prices this week. Many people have asked for my recommendations. Here’s what I suggest. (When something’s available on Amazon, I’ve included an affiliate link.)

The best gift you can give or get: A faster, more reliable internet connection. Everything else pales in comparison.

The next best gift: A good chair. Seriously. Opinions run all over the place, but I thank my wife for my 15-year-old Aeron every day. They go on sale twice a year, at a 15% discount, and the Christmas sale just started.

You want a computer? First, decide if you really need Windows. Realize that Word and Excel run just fine on Mac, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS – although highly complex docs and sheets still need a PC.

For most people who don’t absolutely need Windows, and who don’t mind Google’s snooping, I strongly recommend a Chromebook. Which one? Here’s a good comparison from Tom’s Guide. I used to get panic calls from Windows users at all hours. Still do. But I rarely hear from my Chromebook friends. In fact, in most situations these days, I’ll grab my Chromebook unless I specifically need a Windows or iOS or Android app. And the Android apps will be coming to Chromebooks soon.

The new MacBooks are great – I love my last-generation MacBook Pro Retina – but I’m starting to miss the touch screen. Yes, I do find myself touching the screen from time to time, and my brief exposure to the Touch Bar leaves me cold. If you want a Mac – a religious commitment – but don’t know which one, check out the Time comparison.

Want a “real” laptop? (“Real” = Windows, for you tongue-in-cheek mansplainers.) Stay away from the Surfaces, even though Microsoft has them on sale. Why? Ask somebody who owns one.

I’ve been using a Dell XPS-13 and a big, expensive XPS-15, for many months, and they’re great. Several of the newcomers look promising, including the Asus ZenBook UX 390UA (thanks to RCP for the link) and the HP Spectre x360.

If you’re looking for deals on laptops, check out the Laptop mag guide.

For desktops and monitors, you’re on your own. The deals are amazing. Shop Newegg and Tiger Direct – and don’t forget the refurbs at Dell. Your opinion may well vary, but I don’t see any reason to spend extra for a 4K monitor (and, man, that Dell UltraSharp 24-inch IPS monitor at $180 – use code SAVE190 – is simply unbelievable). Other recommendations are in the comments – hit me with a question.

What else? I love my Das Keyboard with clicky mechanical Blue keys and my Logitech Performance MX mouse. I literally don’t leave home without them.

All in all, the bargains this holiday season are astounding. Google “Black Friday” and you’ll get enough ads to keep you going for weeks. If you find something, leave a note – and a link! – in the comments.