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PC tower & monitor shopping around

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  • victor2
    victor2 Posts: 8,148 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 8 December 2024 at 12:52PM
    cisko65 said:
    Besides the monitor what are the advantages of the mini PC compared to my Lenovo laptop?
    - (Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU  N3700  @ 1.60GHz   1.60 GHz
    -Device RAM 4.00 GB
    Thanks again.

    The N100 is relatively humble in terms of performance, but still will be somewhat faster than the laptop. You can't really upgrade the N100, but it has pretty good specifications to start with.
    Reasonable reviews of GEEKOM for the most part on Trustpilot.

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  • Any particular reason why you need both a desktop and a laptop? If you get a decent spec refurb - maybe something like a Lenovo V14 - then that could replace both.
  • 400ixl
    400ixl Posts: 4,482 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    Decent laptop and plug the keyboard, mouse and monitor into it when on the desk and use it as a laptop when mobile.

    The Intel Pentium series processors really aren't that good and it doesn't cost much more to go to an i series in a laptop.
  • cisko65 said:
    Hi, I need to replace my deskop PC which I was told might have a hardware problem (mend it might not be worthy). I would like Windows and I used the PC mainly for internet, Words/OpenOffice and a few other programs. I would like a tower with monitor. 
    A friend said the following would be enough:
    - a 2-3 old model, like a 10th generation processor intel core i5
    - 8 gb
    I've seen that in the description of the products there many other characteristics. I'll be waiting for the Christmas sale (£650 max) but I need to be prepared.
    Thanks for your help.
    PS Any comments on the refurbished?

    https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=SDESDEL3060SFF11B £92


  • cisko65
    cisko65 Posts: 340 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    outtatune said:
    Any particular reason why you need both a desktop and a laptop? If you get a decent spec refurb - maybe something like a Lenovo V14 - then that could replace both.
    Thanks outtatune. I needed to use a laptop until a few years ago, but not anymore. Maybe I could try and use my current laptop, connect it to the desktop monitor (with VGA to HDME cable?), keyboard and mouse. My Lenovo is not fully reliable but it might be a temporary and economically good solution. 

  • Processor: A 10th-generation Intel Core i5 is a good choice. Even an i3 could work if your usage is light.
    RAM: 8GB is sufficient for basic tasks.
    Storage: Look for an SSD (256GB or more) for faster performance.
    Monitor: Ensure it's at least Full HD (1920x1080).
    Refurbished can be a great option if purchased from a reliable seller with a warranty. It can save you money and still meet your requirements.

    For £650 during Christmas sales, you should easily find a decent tower + monitor combo. Keep an eye on online retailers and compare specs carefully!
  • cisko65
    cisko65 Posts: 340 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    victor2 said:
    cisko65 said:
    Besides the monitor what are the advantages of the mini PC compared to my Lenovo laptop?
    - (Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU  N3700  @ 1.60GHz   1.60 GHz
    -Device RAM 4.00 GB
    Thanks again.

    The N100 is relatively humble in terms of performance, but still will be somewhat faster than the laptop. You can't really upgrade the N100, but it has pretty good specifications to start with.
    Reasonable reviews of GEEKOM for the most part on Trustpilot.
    Thanks Victor. I am a bit lost. Last night I thought of trying and using my current laptop, connect it to the desktop monitor, keyboard and mouse. If it works it would be good enough for now. And a lot of saving.
  • cisko65
    cisko65 Posts: 340 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    400ixl said:
    Decent laptop and plug the keyboard, mouse and monitor into it when on the desk and use it as a laptop when mobile.

    The Intel Pentium series processors really aren't that good and it doesn't cost much more to go to an i series in a laptop.
    Thanks 400ixl. In the middle of the night I shouted "Eureka!". Pls see my reply to outtatune.
  • cisko65
    cisko65 Posts: 340 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    J_B said:
    Can't you use your existing monitor?
    I'm learning step by step. I might connect my decently working laptop to the desktop screen. Thanks!
  • cisko65
    cisko65 Posts: 340 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Barnibonn said:
    Processor: A 10th-generation Intel Core i5 is a good choice. Even an i3 could work if your usage is light.
    RAM: 8GB is sufficient for basic tasks.
    Storage: Look for an SSD (256GB or more) for faster performance.
    Monitor: Ensure it's at least Full HD (1920x1080).
    Refurbished can be a great option if purchased from a reliable seller with a warranty. It can save you money and still meet your requirements.

    For £650 during Christmas sales, you should easily find a decent tower + monitor combo. Keep an eye on online retailers and compare specs carefully!
    Thanks Barnibonn. I'll keep your advice in mind if connecting my old desk monitor to my oldish laptop works.
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