Hey, gang! I am a network admin for a small regional ISP. My work laptop is starting to behave erratically and is due for replacement. I am hoping you can share your suggestions for a replacement.
Needs:
- Decent performance (i3-i5-class CPU)
- 8-16GB RAM
- SSD HDD, 256GB or more
- Light weight
- Ethernet port preferred
- Wifi (2.4 and 5GHz)
- multiple USB ports
- rugged
- good display
To explain further, I use my work laptop both at my desk for testing and frequently in the field to log into serial ports on devices via a USB to serial adapter. I also use the laptop to test customer connections and the like. My current laptop suffers from being rather too heavy when in the field and is showing signs of wear and tear.
Whatever I choose must have great battery life, be light in weight, and be able to handle light field use (e.g., testing connections in non climate controlled cabinets in the field or at a customer site). No, it does not need to be Toughbook level tough, but it should be able to operate in FL heat for a bit and travel in a backpack style bag and get bumped around a bit. Budget is < $2k. Touch screen optional, but would be nice. Tablet-style or convertibles would be acceptable as would traditional laptops. NO LENOVO. Mac or Windows OS okay. So far, I have looked into the Surface Pro4 and MacBook Air, but both would require an ethernet adapter. I own and use Mac and PC products, so I am proficient in using OS for my needs.
Your suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help.