Recommend cheap laptop (used OK) with a great keyboard

Mar 15, 2003
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103
106
I need a laptop for writing (mostly blogs/short stories, things that won't make me any money), with the following criteria:

1. Small, but not netbook small (already have 2 10" netbooks)
2. Great keyboard - full sized, keys that don't fall out
3. Fast enough for office productivity but I don't plan on doing any gaming
4. Good built quality - my msi wind and apple mac book pro have keys that are already falling off
5. Sub- $700 (the subber the better!)

I've looked at the Acer Time line and it does seem like quite the bargain, but I really worry about the build quality
 

TheStu

Moderator<br>Mobile Devices & Gadgets
Moderator
Sep 15, 2004
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What exactly are you doing that causes your MacBook Pro keys to fall off? I have seen that on much older ones that a key or two may come off, but after 3 years of heavy typing everyday, my MacBook keyboard was still holding together like a champ.

I was going to recommend something like a used or refurbed 13" MacBook because of my experience with their keyboards.

Next to Apple, Thinkpads probably have the best keyboards I think.
 
Mar 15, 2003
12,668
103
106
What exactly are you doing that causes your MacBook Pro keys to fall off? I have seen that on much older ones that a key or two may come off, but after 3 years of heavy typing everyday, my MacBook keyboard was still holding together like a champ.

I was going to recommend something like a used or refurbed 13" MacBook because of my experience with their keyboards.

Next to Apple, Thinkpads probably have the best keyboards I think.

The macbook pro keyboard was due to my own mistake - cat hair clogged under a key and I removed it, like I usually do, which caused the plastic scissor to break. I wouldn't call this a bad keyboard at all (typing from it now), but the larger point is that it's too expensive for a throw in my messenger bag laptop. It's also my work computer, and I don't want to mix business with extra curricular stuff.

I also don't need anything nearly as powerful, I just need it for web browsing and writing.
 

CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
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I like my ASUS UL30A. You can pick up one of the cheaper models (UL30A-X1 / X5) for about $650-700.

It has a chiclet style keyboard, meaning decent space between each key. It DOESN'T have a full-sized keyboard (since it's a 13.3"), but there's plenty of comfortable typing room. It has some keyboard flex (much less than my previous laptop), but decent tactile key response. I have yet to run into any difficulty while typing on it. They also have 14 and 15" models that may fit the bill.

I've also had good luck with Dell's laptop keyboards. My girlfriend's XPS M1530 is wonderful to type on, and several Inspirons I've used are satisfactory at a minimum. Perhaps a Studio 14z?

I've also heard people rave about Sony VAIO keyboards, and some about Lenovo (or older IBMs). Might want to look into those as well.