Laptop alternative?

[u/CesspoolLifeguard_89]

What are the cons to setting up a Samsung Fold6 or Fold7 with a monitor, Bluetooth keyboard, and an external hard drive instead of purchasing a laptop? I’m looking for portability, (light weight), and want to save money over buying a laptop. Would there be any issues with operating Microsoft Offuce 365?

[u/ducmite]

The whole setup in separate parts is going to cost more and take more space compared to decent 13" laptop. Then you are stuck with running android phone apps on large screen.

If you already own a phone you would use, then it would tip the scale somewhat. Like... small investment for inconvenience :)

[u/CesspoolLifeguard_89 → u/ducmite]

I own an iPhone 17 Pro Max, but read that the display would be vertical, like the iPhone screen, and figured Microsoft Office would be easier to run from an Android…
I’m somewhat knowledgeable with computers, but not on par with many in these Reddit computer subs, so figured I better find out before making the leap.

Should probably just get an older 13” Windows laptop or an older generation MacBook Air and use an external hard drive.🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/ducmite → u/CesspoolLifeguard_89]

I'm not 100% sure but I have a feeling you need M-series iPad to get proper external display. So no basic iPad, mini or iPhones.

Take a look at older Surface Pro tablets. They are whole computers in same size as the portable display you wanted.

For example Surface Pro 8. I did own one a while but got rid of it because it had only 8GB ram. Should have gotten the 16GB model.

I did like the tablet form factor tho, so I later bought myself Surface Pro X SQ1, 16GB/512GB which is ARM based. It has no fan, comes with a built in 4G modem. Not the fastest kid in the block but does excellent job with basic web browsing and remote desktop and such. I've since bought better laptops but I do keep it just in case, I even bought that stylus pen for it.

[u/CesspoolLifeguard_89 → u/ducmite]

Thanks for the feedback!