New Laptop as spare - advice

DIYhelp76

Hi all

Thanks so much for all the helpful replies. I realise I didn't give enough detail to begin with!

• Yes, sorry I did mean a good storage capacity (not necessarily memory, but just a reasonably fast memory capacity). Just good enough for internet, emails, mostly Word docs, occasional streaming).

• I know there are options such as separate log ins/drives/usb drives etc but not really tech savvy enough for this. Also, my feeling is I'd like a completely separate laptop so I can have complete separation between work and personal use. And also to have a spare device in case of failure of one of them.

• Current laptop is very old, but has been upgraded. It works fine, but as I'm doing self employed work, I probably need a back up in case of failure.

• Yes, happy with a second hand option if can find safe/reliable supplier. 

• Screen size not necessarily important - but prefer larger so can do split screen work if needed.

• Would like ability to plug in standard size USB keyboard for better speed of use.

Any recommendations / further advice much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

getmore4less

Does it really need to be a laptop? 

Are you regularly using it in multiple locations?

I have been looking at the micro machines that are very portable


Most of the time I would be using in one place but easy to move if needed. could even take it with me and use a tv for the screen in hotel etc.

The HP elitedesk 800 mini can take 3 storage units 2 M.2 format and 1 regular 2.5" SSD/HDD 
the i5-8500 (win 11 supported) start around £200+

They support 3 displays or could just remote access from your current laptop.

An example of what you can find out there
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sdeshp800g4m22b

These things are small others do similar size machines.

Brie

getmore4less said:

The HP elitedesk 800 mini can take 3 storage units 2 M.2 format and 1 regular 2.5" SSD/HDD 
the i5-8500 (win 11 supported) start around £200+

They support 3 displays or could just remote access from your current laptop.

An example of what you can find out there
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sdeshp800g4m22b

Is this just a hard drive?  Sorry = very non techy here and needing to get a laptop or something as well.  I may have a monitor mouse and keyboard so just need to thing that makes everything work.

getmore4less

Brie said:

getmore4less said:

The HP elitedesk 800 mini can take 3 storage units 2 M.2 format and 1 regular 2.5" SSD/HDD 
the i5-8500 (win 11 supported) start around £200+

They support 3 displays or could just remote access from your current laptop.

An example of what you can find out there
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sdeshp800g4m22b

Is this just a hard drive?  Sorry = very non techy here and needing to get a laptop or something as well.  I may have a monitor mouse and keyboard so just need to thing that makes everything work.

Full blown PC in a micro case,  you can go Small form factor  for a bit more flexibility but bigger.

For basic use these are ideal as they are low power and functional.

been watching some youtube video from people that are using them eg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdEf-dXl-_Y

prowla

One option would be to run a virtual machine (VM) on your current laptop; you could put all of your business work in that.

For backups you can copy the entire machine to a USB drive; you can even then restore that VM onto another machine and run it on there if your old one fails.

missile

Supatramp said:

missile said:

A cheaper / simpler option you may like to consider is a USB drive to store only work related items.

Until the USB drive fails!

Any drive can fail. Always back up important data :-:wink:

DIYhelp76

Hi getmore4less

Sorry I haven't been online recently, but thanks so much for your reply. I hadn't heard of this option at all. It might be interesting. I will take a look now and come back with any further questions.

Thanks again.