Ideas for New Laptop with VGA connection?

peter021072

My old laptop (10yo) Toshiba Satellite 660/c6600 has formed an habit of spontaneously switching off, and is slow when operating large spreadsheets and new software, so it's about time I bought a new laptop.  I currently connect it an even older 4:3 monitor with a VGA port, since this is at a convenient height and has a  larger screen.  I also sometimes connect to my larger TV screen which also has a VGA connection, although I suspect it has more modern connections. I also have a wireless keyboard which can be positioned right up to the edge of my desk so I don't need to lean over.  Positioning of the screen and keyboard are important considerations given my bad neck/back.

My main use will be Internet and spreadsheets (Open Office) not gaming.

I suppose my other main criteria other than positioning, is a stress free transition, as I don't want to find any Internet/monitor connection problems or programs which are incompatible.  I currently run windows 10 home with other specs attached. If I get a new laptop I can then risk cleaning this old one up of all the junk.

Has anyone suggestions for a laptop ~ £500 which fit the above criteria?  In general I've been happy with my Toshiba Satellite hardware, is even survived dropping down the stairs several years ago!

400ixl

You can buy adapters such as HDMI-VGA to convert modern outputs to legacy, and USB-PS/2 for the mouse (if it uses that old small round connector) so no need to search out old connections on laptops. These are only a few pounds each.

That should open up the search for you in what laptop you can get.

Example HDMI to VGA - https://www.amazon.co.uk/KamKorda-Adapter-Converter-Splitter-Female-Black/dp/B086V6876P/ref=sr_1_16?crid=1IBU6HH7TLQGS&keywords=hdmi+to+vga&sprefix=hdmi+to,aps,81&sr=8-16

Neil_Jones

Almost granted you won't find VGA on modern laptop hardware, as its a relatively chunky connector now compared to the thinness of a lot of modern units.  even network ports tend to be half hidden under flaps.

As above, the adaptor route is the easiest solution.

k_man

Also double check if your 4:3 monitor has other input ports, e.g DVI (or even HDMI if newer), many have one of these in addition to VGA.

HDMI to DVI would give better picture than converting to VGA

cx6

Depending on how long you use your laptop each day, it may also be worth checking the power consumption of your old monitor as it may be a false economy to hang onto it if it is a power-guzzler.

[Deleted User]

Buy a desktop PC rather than a laptop if you can only use it sat at a desk with a monitor connected, you will get more tech for your money and won't be wasting it things that you don't need.

getmore4less

Deleted_User said:

Buy a desktop PC rather than a laptop if you can only use it sat at a desk with a monitor connected, you will get more tech for your money and won't be wasting it things that you don't need.

The micro/mini sff are pretty small.
I have been looking at things like the hp 400/600/800 range.
(Dell do them as well)

Something like this as a min spec
I5-8500
8GB
256 SSD (m.2)

£200+-£50 range.

Found one £220 2yo still had a year warranty it had to go back as the bios was locked out

Look for one with a VGA as the optional port or buy adapter.
This better spec £240 as an idea.

https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=sdeshp800g4m22b
------------------

Maxing the memory and SSD treatment might sort your current one for £30-£50 depending on memory options DDR3 is cheap 4GB sticks(~£5). Small SSD ~£20-£30.

peter021072

Deleted_User said:

Buy a desktop PC rather than a laptop if you can only use it sat at a desk with a monitor connected, you will get more tech for your money and won't be wasting it things that you don't need.

I was thinking of going for this ACER Apire TC-16. 

Presumably it doesn't come with a monitor?

Does 'free upgrade to Windows 11' mean it has Windows 10 installed and ready?  I doubt if half the software I have will work with windows 11, and I'll be messing around with upgrading them as well.

getmore4less

For your use cases you won't need anything that expensive.

Something 2-4yo second hand <£300 

spend the rest on a decent monitor keyboard and mouse.

Jenni_D

peter021072 said:

1. Does 'free upgrade to Windows 11' mean it has Windows 10 installed and ready?
2. I doubt if half the software I have will work with windows 11, and I'll be messing around with upgrading them as well.

1. Probably Edit: yes, look under Specifications / Operating system
2. If it works with W10 it'll almost certainly work with W11

Se1Lad

Something like this would be fine - £230, windows 10 (but would also support windows 11) and also has a VGA port!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-ProDesk-600-G4-Mini-Desktop-PC-i5-8500T-8GB-RAM-256GB-SSD-Win-11-Ready-/265568243038?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0