Laptop, Desktop Or Chromebook? Which One Is Best Fot You?

     Still not sure of the fallout from Microsoft's ending of support for Windows XP many may have to be in the new computer market. I am no expert in the field just my observations. What do you need if you could only have one functioning machine?
     Just learning about a Chromebook. It may do everything that is needed. I have seen them for less than $200. They do not have a CD drive. They have a small amount of hard drive space as it is not that important. They do not need an anti virus. Chromebooks rely on the Cloud for memory. They would be good for surfing the internet. Bill paying. Purchasing items on the Web. You do have to use a wireless connection. They run on a Chrome operating system. No Windows.
     The desktop is the old standby. Now with a lot of hard drive and memory. Good processor speeds. But you cannot easily carry them around. They are generally connected to a land line. They are a good gaming console because of their power. A good choice for a home family computer with multiple users. With space for every one's own stuff.
     Then there are laptops. They are a less expensive then in the past. I see them with lot hard drive capacity. Two to four gig of ram and more. What I have noticed is that even with the large hard drive and a lot of RAM they can still have a small processor speed capacity. Which I consider more important as I do not put many programs, downloads or media on the computer. Processor speed and RAM are more important to me. For surfing the net. At this time a laptop is my first choice. Only because I am not familiar enough with the Chromebook. I low end laptop has enough power to do what I do.
      I am not in an economic situation to just go out and buy something. So I hope the XP thing is not as bad as predicted. What are your purchase options? New, used or refurbished? The end of new is around $300. Good hard drive space and RAM. Slow processor speed. Again with me processor speed and RAM are more important than hard drive space. So looking at about $400 to get one with the minimum.
      Used from an individual is out of the question. I have had bad luck with these in the past. Most are broken, infected with viruses and an outdated operating system.
     Then there are refurbished machines off lease from companies from the manufacturer. They have a small warranty and good performing machines. Maybe with scratches and signs of use. They should however work well. Everybody seems to want Windows 7 as Windows 8 was not well received. I do not think that I want a touchscreen. or Windows 8. Microsoft is pushing Windows 8.1. So a nice refurb with Windows 7 is around $200 to $300. But when will Microsoft stop support for 7? I am reading 2015 or 2020. A lot of help there! Do I buy something it will takes months to pay for to have it's operating system go unsupported in a year and be in the same boat I am now?
     So what to do? If you are not poor just go out and buy a new Chromebook, desktop and laptop and let it go. You know drop about $2500 and move on as Microsoft says you should.