Computer Question/Opinion

Alright guys, I know a lot about tools, but not so much about computers. I use a Mac and will never have another PC. Mrs. Conductor on the other hand, she pretty much has to use a PC. 

She wants a desktop for Christmas and I haven’t kept up with PC’s in 7-8 years. She doesn’t need anything extravagant, just basic. She does spreadsheets and surfs the internet, occasionally uses word. Budget is $500 +/- 

Should I be looking at an HP, Dell, something else? Anyone have any suggestions of a model? Preferably something without a tower.

You can’t really go wrong with any of those brands the towers are pretty much a commodity item now. The only thing is try to build/buy on with an SSD over a platter drive makes a huge different in performance after that its pretty meh specs wise. I prefer intel over amd now but with what she is getting it really doesn’t matter. Unless your into gaming you should be good with just about anything now.

Not the best option but you can legit get a thumb drive pc now for 100 bucks. https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Compute-Computer-Processor-BOXSTK1AW32SC/dp/B01AZC4NHS%3Ftag%3Dgdgt0c-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB01AZC4NHS

Thanks Jason. HP, Dell, on Lenovo?

What about this?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-700-22ish-21-5-touch-screen-all-in-one-intel-pentium-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/5196200.p?skuId=5196200&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=5c572fbe-6acf-4f4f-ad90-ece171ecf66b&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199211&ksdevice=m&lsft=ref:212,loc:2

Since you are wanting a desktop, and not a laptop, I would suggest seeing if there is a reputable local PC repair shop in your town.  They can build a custom desktop in your price range, with better parts than you would get from the big manufactures. Wish I lived near you, I would put one together for free, just the price of parts.

Conductor562 wrote:

1 hour ago, Conductor562 said:

Thanks Jason. HP, Dell, on Lenovo?

 

What about this?

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-700-22ish-21-5-touch-screen-all-in-one-intel-pentium-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/5196200.p?skuId=5196200&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=5c572fbe-6acf-4f4f-ad90-ece171ecf66b&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199211&ksdevice=m&lsft=ref:212,loc:2

depending on how she will use the computer this is a duel core only CPU this day and age future proofing it would be tough. I would at least look for a quad core CPU also with a keyboard and mouse the touch screen will most likely never be used…..

for your budget I would go with this instead…

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-300-23acl-23-all-in-one-amd-a6-series-4gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-ebony-black/4943302.p?skuId=4943302

easier to upgrade memory if needed in the future over a CPU

This one isn’t bad for the money 2tb hard drive core I7 and 16 gigs of ram should last her awhile. Only thing is they don’t have it in stock yet. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-aspire-23-8-touch-screen-all-in-one-intel-core-i7-16gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-black/5679328.p?skuId=5679328

comp56 wrote:

21 minutes ago, comp56 said:

depending on how she will use the computer this is a duel core only CPU this day and age future proofing it would be tough. I would at least look for a quad core CPU also with a keyboard and mouse the touch screen will most likely never be used…..

for your budget I would go with this instead…

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-300-23acl-23-all-in-one-amd-a6-series-4gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-ebony-black/4943302.p?skuId=4943302

easier to upgrade memory if needed in the future over a CPU

I’ll need to order it soon, so this one might be a winner. If you guys think this will suit her needs, I might go ahead and pull the trigger on it.

DR99 wrote:

14 minutes ago, DR99 said:

This one isn’t bad for the money 2tb hard drive core I7 and 16 gigs of ram should last her awhile. Only thing is they don’t have it in stock yet. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-aspire-23-8-touch-screen-all-in-one-intel-core-i7-16gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-black/5679328.p?skuId=5679328

http://www.crazifire.com/products/Acer-%2d-Aspire-23.8″-Touch%2dScreen-All%2dIn%2dOne-%2d-Intel-Core-i7-%2d-16GB-Memory-%2d-2TB-Hard-Drive-%2d-Black.html

Conductor562 wrote:

1 minute ago, Conductor562 said:

 

I’ll need to order it soon, so this one might be a winner. If you guys think this will suit her needs, I might go ahead and pull the trigger on it.

anything close to this will do she won’t be doing anything special with it for special needed things 

Conductor562 wrote:

3 minutes ago, Conductor562 said:

 

I’ll need to order it soon, so this one might be a winner. If you guys think this will suit her needs, I might go ahead and pull the trigger on it.

Windows 10 will struggle with only 4 gigs of ram

WigWagWorkshop wrote:

40 minutes ago, WigWagWorkshop said:

Since you are wanting a desktop, and not a laptop, I would suggest seeing if there is a reputable local PC repair shop in your town.  They can build a custom desktop in your price range, with better parts than you would get from the big manufactures. Wish I lived near you, I would put one together for free, just the price of parts.

I live in semi-rural West Virginia. There’s rarely a reputable anything shop. We’re just lucky to have the internet ?

comp56 wrote:

5 minutes ago, comp56 said:

http://www.crazifire.com/products/Acer-%2d-Aspire-23.8″-Touch%2dScreen-All%2dIn%2dOne-%2d-Intel-Core-i7-%2d-16GB-Memory-%2d-2TB-Hard-Drive-%2d-Black.html

Why is this one so cheap?

DR99 wrote:

4 minutes ago, DR99 said:

Windows 10 will struggle with only 4 gigs of ram

 

You guys are getting too computers for me now, lol. How many RAMS will she need? 

8gigs would be the Minimum I would look at. You don’t know how up gradable some of the AIO’s will be they are starting to solder everything down for size and cost.

I have no idea what an AIO is, but I’m gonna take your word for it ?

AIO All in One is what they call computers that have the computer built into the screen

This one isn’t too bad and is around your budget. http://store.hp.com/us/en/ConfigureView?catalogId=10051&urlLangId=&langId=-1&storeId=10151&catEntryId=1339653&quantity=1

What I noticed is you can’t change any configuration now on some of these computers now. You get what you get and that’s it.

This one is a little more, but what do you think? It has 8 GB of SDRAM (whatever that is) and a quad core processor

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LWT0DA1/ref=psdcmw_13896603011_t1_B01M7WP7FG

DR99 wrote:

8 minutes ago, DR99 said:

8gigs would be the Minimum I would look at. You don’t know how up gradable some of the AIO’s will be they are starting to solder everything down for size and cost.

true enough, it would be a shame if it isn’t a removable stick of ram 

Conductor562 wrote:

5 minutes ago, Conductor562 said:

This one is a little more, but what do you think? It has 8 GB of SDRAM (whatever that is) and a quad core processor

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LWT0DA1/ref=psdcmw_13896603011_t1_B01M7WP7FG

That is a pretty decent unit. Just wish it was a little closer to your budget.

DR99 wrote:

3 minutes ago, DR99 said:

That is a pretty decent unit. Just wish it was a little closer to your budget.

I concur….

Does that one have a removable stick of RAM?

Conductor562 wrote:

4 minutes ago, Conductor562 said:

Does that one have a removable stick of RAM?

wouldn’t be able to answer that without having it in front of me, they are changing things like DR99 mentioned to cut costs so anything goes these days

@comp56 Gotcha.

@DR99 Reading the comments and googling nessecery features, I got the idea that a $500 budget wasn’t that realistic. If I can get something that works better for her for a little more, it’s money well spent. 

Plus it’ll soften the blow when I tell her I’m returning the miter saw and getting one that’s twice as much ?

Man, I got a new phone last week and the f$&king auto correct is killing me!

What miter saw are you looking at now?

Try looking on Woot, the stuff is typically refurbs but there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ll find a lot of systems that will fit your budget for sure. I had a laptop from them and it lasted a good 6-7 years, never had any issues with it. Of course one day it just croaked, but any system can do that. You never know if they’ll last 5 days or 5 years.

Conductor562 wrote:

18 minutes ago, Conductor562 said:

@comp56 Gotcha.

 

@DR99 Reading the comments and googling nessecery features, I got the idea that a $500 budget wasn’t that realistic. If I can get something that works better for her for a little more, it’s money well spent. 

 

Plus it’ll soften the blow when I tell her I’m returning the miter saw and getting one that’s twice as much ?

 

Man, I got a new phone last week and the f$&king auto correct is killing me!

sweet I went with the Milwaukee 6955 corded however got it at a sweet price (on sale$399) I just love it cuts square and plenty of power…..

I was gonna swap it for the Dewalt 709, but I might just go ahead and get the 780. I need to refresh myself on the differences before I decide for sure. 

Kato wrote:

3 minutes ago, Kato said:

Try looking on Woot, the stuff is typically refurbs but there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ll find a lot of systems that will fit your budget for sure. I had a laptop from them and it lasted a good 6-7 years, never had any issues with it. Of course one day it just croaked, but any system can do that. You never know if they’ll last 5 days or 5 years.

I agree kinda when I’m looking for a laptop the best buy here offers a second year warranty on their open box items and much cheaper, the 4 that I looked at you would never know it was even turned on…….works for me…..saved $300 and a bonus year warranty….

To be honest, I’m not really set on any particular saw. I’m open to suggestions. I’ll start a thread about it.

Conductor562 wrote:

I have no idea what an AIO is, but I’m gonna take your word for it [emoji38]

IMHO OMG LMAO….when my daughter was younger, I had to figure this shit out quick…..like POS? do you know what that is?

comp56 wrote:

IMHO OMG LMAO….when my daughter was younger, I had to figure this shit out quick…..like POS? do you know what that is?

 

JimboS1ice wrote:

Just now, JimboS1ice said:

POS Piece of shit?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

parent over shoulder……

comp56 wrote:

parent over shoulder……

I would have guessed piece of shit as well. 

I still don’t know what FML means or what it’s proper context is. 

Conductor562 wrote:

2 minutes ago, Conductor562 said:

I would have guessed piece of shit as well. 

 

I still don’t know what FML means or what it’s proper context is. 

at one time kids used it as parent over shoulder but it is also known as piece of shit FML IS fuck my life

Conductor562 wrote:

I would have guessed piece of shit as well. 

 

I still don’t know what FML means or what it’s proper context is. 

I get it now. I should have known before now, I just never cared enough to ask.

Conductor562 wrote:

13 hours ago, Conductor562 said:

I was gonna swap it for the Dewalt 709, but I might just go ahead and get the 780. I need to refresh myself on the differences before I decide for sure. 

to bad look what they had on sale this morning….

Wow, I bet they’re gone now ☹️

Jronman wrote:

1 hour ago, Jronman said:

@Conductor562 Windows computers are kinda iffy when you buy a prebuilt machine. A cheapo one especially a laptop/tablet will probably not be very reliable or prone to more problems than a higher end computer. The cheaper computer may include “gimicky” features that may not have all the kinks worked out. Also for the price, the performance of a cheap computer can be low and the computer may have extra bloatware. Bloatware is a package of softwares and free trials that computer manufacturers will install onto a computer, and it tends to cause performance issues or make the computer prone to malware. I would suggest spending a little extra cash and getting something a bit more expensive because the performance will be better and reliability will be better.To get the most bang for your buck you should find a friend that knows how to build a computer and have them work with you to build the ideal computer for your wife for her needs. Performance will be higher per dollar than a factory built computer and it won’t have bloatware.

i agree with you for the most part, but pretty tough putting together an AIO system in house, besides with a $500 or so budget you won’t get much more building it yourself after buying all the components along with COA of  OS …many of the bloatware can be removed to stream line the system…..last system I put together for a guy rang in just under $4500 without displays…..now that is were you can split hairs….

Windows 10 makes it simple to remove bloatware now. http://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-reinstall-windows-10-without-the-bloatware/

@comp56 I was talking about a desktop. I’ve never built one before and I can’t say if its cheaper or not. I was just saying from what I’ve been told its cheaper.

If your building a sytem with a ton of features and power yes you get much better pricing, but for a web browsing word processing pc you will have a hard time beating the big companies.

the way they build these desktop/laptop/AIO systems so mass produced in this price range it is hard to compete, plus for the added value(if any) you will have some sort of comfort knowing if anything hardware goes wrong you pack it up and have it looked after in a simple few steps, I was building everyday computers for people for about 15 yrs but I have stopped and only do major gaming systems for people reason is even I couldn’t compete. Plus I would never suggest having someone build their own or have someone build one for them when I know they know very little about them. One reason I stopped was so many people would get a system up and running and software problems would arise they would call me to fix it because I built it, but it has nothing to do with me. Computers are like everything else now buy it, use it, replace it all within a few years, it is not a major investment like it was a few years ago. buy cheap buy often…….no different with TV sets people are not keeping them for 20 years like they used to……

$500 budget for a big box store system is plenty good for an everyday computer, sure they have bloatware and out of the box can be tweaked to run far better but most if not all of that is settings and that can be done very easily with some guidance. in Fact I posted about this a couple years ago on the forum anyone need help or have questions about windows xp/ windows vista/ windows 7/ windows 8/8.1 or windows 10 I would happy to help…..

Yep I don’t know how pc places make money doing repairs some of the shit can be so time consuming. It got better but I had computers that were so slow and so messed up it took hours to fix. You can only charge so much either its funny if a plumber says 125 an hour ok here you go. If you repair a computer can you do it for 30 bucks. I will do if for a friend, but outside of it its a huge pain. When I was right out of high school I landed a sweet job working on computers, but after the company closed I kinda lost the love for it at the same time. It’s weird how if you passion becomes a job you kind of lose the love.

Personally I thought about having Conductor buy his wife an Imac and just running boot camp for a second. He could have mac os and windows for his wife. I think Apple has made it super easy to do now.