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Replacement Home Computer Advice

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  • 26-08-2017 9:51pm
    #1
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,226 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm looking to replace a home laptop and am undecided on how best to replace it.
    We have a study which will be where it is based - so I'm open to desktop based systems as opposed to laptops.

    The majority of usage is internet browsing and some office based activities.

    I don't like the thought of an all-in-one as the two items are locked together, however I've been taking a closer look at mini PC's such as an Intel PUC and similar.

    The lack of mobility with a mini PC is not a concern for me as it would be permanantly based in the study.

    Are these mini PC's the best option for me and if so what spec is the best to go for? I've seen ones with Celeron processors and 4GB RAM - which sounds slightly underpowered to me.

    I've seen PCSpecialist do an Intel NUC specced as i3-7100, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Win10 for £530gbp. Seems like a lot of money for what it is. Would a correctly specced standard PC be a better option?

    For the PUC, do you have to reach over the top of the screen to turn it on?

    Suggestions appreciated either for a mini PC or an alternative setup.

    Thanks.


Comments

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    #2
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users Posts: 14,011 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    It might be helpful to know why the existing one needs replacement ...... something broken maybe?


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    #3
    Shoog
    Registered Users Posts: 5,203 ✭✭✭Shoog


    The small form factor PC's with an i3 would be more than adeuate for what you need. I do some serious computing and have never found an i3 to be wanting. These small form factor PC don't take up much real estate on the desk and they are far more versitile than a Laptop. I got one for my daughter https://www.refreshedbyus.com/dt-hp-prodesk-400-g1-elite-sf-3-6-bun?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz7PXsoH31QIVS7XtCh1ktAWLEAQYAyABEgIOOPD_BwEwhen she went away to college, and she loves it. Windows 10 is a pain in the hole though and if you can get anything with Win 7 I would advise it.

    Shoog


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    #4
    shaunr68
    Registered Users Posts: 555 ✭✭✭shaunr68


    If you have no need for mobility and aren't severely restricted in terms of space in your study, I think you would get better value for money buying a desktop PC and monitor rather than something gimmicky like a mini PC.


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    #5
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,226 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Johnboy1951 wrote: »
    It might be helpful to know why the existing one needs replacement ...... something broken maybe?

    Old laptop, running Win Vista, with broken hinges. Very slow so I switched to Lubuntu.
    Laptop is for scrap.


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    #6
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users Posts: 14,011 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    Thanks.

    Unless seriously caught for space I would not recommend a NUC or anything that small.
    They are very costly (when fully kitted) for what you get.

    There are Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) devices for sale which have good specs and about as small a footprint as one usually needs.

    I have seen them for sale on Adverts at about one year old.
    IMO, that would be money better spent than on a NUC or similar device.

    Search adverts.ie for Dell USFF to see what I mean.


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    #7
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,226 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Thanks - those look closer to the old optiplex boxes I had at work. The towers are just ridicously big for what I need.


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