smtowngirl :
sdogg1m :
smtowngirl,
You do not need a desktop to own a Chromebook.
Based on the intended use any base laptop will be adequate for your needs.
A couple recommendations:
1) Stay away from Celeron processors from Intel.
2) If you want extremely long battery life then you will want to check out Haswell processors. If battery life is not an issues then any laptop in the $400-$600 range will be suitable to your needs.
Are there any brands I should avoid? And is touch screen worth the extra money?
Touch screen for what you want to use the computer for is not worth the money. Only buy this is you like the functionality of other touch devices (IE Iphone) and really want it for your laptop. Just know that any laptop you purchase (not chromebook) will have Windows 8 pre-loaded and there is a bit of a learning curve.
As far as staying away from a particular brand, almost all laptop manufacturers buy parts from the same companies, your best bet is to keep all your options open and weigh the reviews of customers! If the majority of customers have a good experience with the product then more that likely you will have a good experience.
I have purchased laptops from Gateway, HP, Toshiba, and ASUS. I have not had a bad experience with any brand. If I were pressed to recommend a brand then I would recommend Toshiba.
I have recommended a few laptops in my previous post. Anyone of them would suite your needs. It just depends on price point and functionality. I am not a fan of touch screen work with laptops and desktops. The chromebooks are fast but limited. I would recommend the basic laptop model.
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