Gotta say that I think the people recommending linux+wine for this are nuts. There's just no point to that. You want a laptop to run a particular software program. Find out what the minimal system requirements for that program are and get something that meets or exceeds them.
In your case, that seems to mean an Intel Core 5 or 7, Intel Ultra 5, 7, or 9, or AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 processor, Windows 11, 8 GB RAM or 16 GB "if using CATalyst VP with Dragon Naturally Speaking," whatever those are, and 256 GB disk space.
Looks like you can get one of a bunch of Lenovo ThinkPads and IdeaPads that meet those requirements starting at about $600, although including Windows Pro and 32 GB RAM will make it more like $750.
> Gotta say that I think the people recommending linux+wine for this are nuts.
Agreed, especially since the vendor is already blaming the laptop. The goal should be hardware and software that is known and reputable, so the vendor can’t pass the buck.
I would shoot to slightly exceed the recommended requirements, rather than the minimum requirements. Assuming that can be within budget. If buying at the minimum, the experience may be sub-par and the next update could move the hardware out of support. If this is for their future job, they need to be able to perform well and not be crippled by the hardware. I haven’t don’t stenography before, but I have taken meeting notes. Slowdowns and latency seem like they would be a frustrating nightmare.
In your case, that seems to mean an Intel Core 5 or 7, Intel Ultra 5, 7, or 9, or AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 processor, Windows 11, 8 GB RAM or 16 GB "if using CATalyst VP with Dragon Naturally Speaking," whatever those are, and 256 GB disk space.
Looks like you can get one of a bunch of Lenovo ThinkPads and IdeaPads that meet those requirements starting at about $600, although including Windows Pro and 32 GB RAM will make it more like $750.