this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2023
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Just reinstall Linux onto the Asus. It'll run like new, free, and if she's just using it for word processing, Bing bang boom.
Option 2(that I actually did for a writing laptop): buy a used Chromebook at a computer store(they have stacks of them) for 40 bucks, enable Linux(or stu ck with chromeos) and you have a lightweight little weird processor). My only issue was there keyboard was too small and I ended up using a Bluetooth keyboard anyway.
I'd love to extend the life of the Asus laptop, give it a new battery and install a better OS. But she'll have to deal with the weight & bulkiness, especially going on trips. Need something more practical where she can take it wherever like a coffee shop or on a vacation trip.
Chromebook might a good idea. I've also thought about an iPad with the keyboard cover. Both are very practical.
In fact, if her needs beyond writing are limited (eg no need to play games or run some proprietary software), then a Chromebook would probably be the best option. One thing I'd recommend though is to go for an ARM based Chromebook (eg using Snapdragon or a Mediatek chipset), as these tend to have a much better battery life compared to something with an Intel or AMD CPU. ARM Chromebooks also tend to be thinner and run cooler. Also, ideally I'd recommend getting at least 8GB RAM for better multitasking.
The problem with iPads on the other hand is that they can be quite expensive, and lack some of the flexibility a Chromebook might have (eg, say you wanna store your written documents locally and then copy it to a USB drive or something). Most importantly, keyboard covers are kinda meh - especially for a writer - and the lack of a proper hinge/support means you can only use your iPad whilst it's propped up on a table, so you can't use it say if you're lying on the bed or couch etc.
Chromebook is only good when you're online, and it will stop being supported ratger soon – unless you root it and install a modern lite Linux distro, which runs text editors and browsers decently even on 20 year old hardware.
I'm afraid your info is a bit out-of-date. Firstly, most Chromebook are pretty useful even offline these days - most importantly, you can create and edit documents offline, which is the primary use-case for OP's partner. Second, you don't need to root a Chromebook any more to install Linux - installing Linux is literally just 4 clicks (Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux), which would then install Debian in less than 10 minutes.
Edit: Also, Google just announced that they're extending the support for Chromebooks to 10 years now: https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-extends-chromebook-lifespan-to-ten-years/
iPadOS is rather half-assed. Smooth, yes, but despite all that processing power it lacks a lot of functionality that you get with a MacBook. It'll also be way more comfortable typing on a MacBook than the portable keyboard.
Keyboard covers are miserable to type on. She's mainly going to be typing on it right? Take her to a big box store and have her try laptop keyboards until she finds one she likes.
I'd stay away from the Mac unless she really likes the keyboard, but that's just my bias.