What would you suggest as a good, military-friendly laptop for mail.mil, AKO & work purposes?

2017-05-01T04:08:58-04:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 6:05 AM

2017-05-01T06:05:33-04:00

Anything with Microsoft Office will do. Recommend NOT getting a Mac (more difficult getting on AKO in my experience). Highly recommend getting a cheaper second one if you get tagged for a deployment.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made May 1 at 2017 6:53 AM

2017-05-01T06:53:49-04:00

Either will work really. I use AKO on my MacBook Air with no problems. As long as you get a good CAC reader. Windows is made in mind when using the CAC's though as more people/businesses use Windows.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made May 1 at 2017 9:19 AM

2017-05-01T09:19:26-04:00

My suggestion is any laptop that has a built in CAC reader. Yes, they do exist, I have 2. You'll probably have to go the Build to Order route. I know that Dell, Lenovo, and HP all offer the option if you ask for it.

Windows is easier to configure than a Mac. Instruction for both can be found at http://www.militarycac.com. They even have instruction for Windows 10.

Common Access Card (CAC) Information for home use

MilitaryCAC provides CAC installation assistance; Find information regarding the Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 11:27 AM

2017-05-01T11:27:31-04:00

If you can invent a computer that works well with AKO and .mil domain websites, you will be a millionaire.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 12:40 AM

2017-05-02T00:40:05-04:00

For basic word processing, internet browsing, and other "extra curricular activity", a simple $200-$300 Windows 10 laptop will do fine. I got an ASUS on sale from the PX last year, for about $250; it works fine accomplishing simple tasks like AKO, Webmail, and even digitally signing PDF, as well as doing everything else you need a computer to do, aside from Gaming.

The physical laptop isn't really the issue, its getting the software (Windows 10, Internet Explorer, and Adobe) configured properly which can be the massive headache. Even now, I have my stuff configured to where it works, but it still randomly decides not allow me to login to Webmail or AKO at times.

Whenever you eventually get the laptop, use this site to help you configure your CAC Reader, and other software for usage: https://militarycac.com/

Common Access Card (CAC) Information for home use

MilitaryCAC provides CAC installation assistance; Find information regarding the Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2017 1:16 AM

2017-05-04T01:16:56-04:00

Avoid getting a Mac. A safe option would be a Dell or an HP. My HP envy worked wonders. You just need to make sure that your software is up to date. A healthy computer should never hurt you.