I guess my question is.... why are you still using AOL email? It seems so....ancient.   Have you thought about switching to a different email account source?  I have my email thru my ISP (Internet Service Provider). I also have a Gmail acount.  You can also get email through a Yahoo account.  I will say... years ago, I could go online, download my email, and read it off-line. Nowadays, I have to stay on-line to read it.  I don't know if that is a consideration for you.

Yes, there is a difference between a laptop and a tablet. They are not quite the same.  The most recent laptops that I have bought... I have bought refurbished.  Dell has an online store where you can buy refurbished models.

I don't know what price range you are looking in. But here is a link:

https://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?brandId=2801&c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&ref=cpbc_readytoship1_cta_secondary_shoplaptops

edit: here is a link to sign up for a Yahoo account:

https://login.yahoo.com/?.src=ym&pspid=159600001&activity=mail-direct&.lang=en-US&.intl=us&.done=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.yahoo.com%2Fd

here is a link to sign up for Gmail:

https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/identifier?dsh=S-49966204%3A1690322259655303&continue=https%3A%2F%2Faccounts.google.com%2F&followup=https%3A%2F%2Faccounts.google.com%2F&ifkv=AeDOFXj34ntCVQaa05pq7PZV5xG3Vnk7Jv1RI4u2V25SSfavOrfEsJt6UTzjCZwpwb3yTT5Rk8rjuw&passive=1209600&flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=ServiceLogin

Maybe you want to sign up for an account. Use the email.  See how it works for you. Maybe have your kids and grandkids send you some emails to see if you like it. IF you do, maybe you want to keep it.  IF you don't like it, close it out.  Just a thought.

edit to add:  down below is a thread on email accounts. Maybe you want to read it:

https://newagtalk.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1118527&mid=10288294#M10288294