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guess what I am wondering is if a standard laptop is the best option, or would I be better off with a chromebook, or even a tablet
..well you will figure out your tinfoil hat situation, which will determine whether a Chromebook is an option.
Regarding standard laptop or tablet for me at least it comes down to usability, as in: if I would like to use the thing for more than very light browsing every once in a while I'd just get a laptop, with a proper keyboard etc. and if portability was a major factor I'd get a tablet basically.
have you considered just getting a dell laptop?