PC tower & monitor shopping around

cisko65

cisko65 said:

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.

Sorry... if it DOESN'T work

400ixl

What doesn't work? No reason a laptop can't be connected to an external monitor. Most have HDMI outputs these days, would have to be pretty old to just have VGA, bur even then you can get VGA to HDMI cables.

What laptop model is it and what monitor?

Desktops tend to be more expensive than laptops these days as they tend to be for business or gamers.

cisko65

400ixl said:

What doesn't work? No reason a laptop can't be connected to an external monitor. Most have HDMI outputs these days, would have to be pretty old to just have VGA, bur even then you can get VGA to HDMI cables.

What laptop model is it and what monitor?

Desktops tend to be more expensive than laptops these days as they tend to be for business or gamers.

You are right, let's be positive. I just ordered a VGA/HDMI cable (actually two cables as I cannot see if the HDMI is male or female).

Lenovo YOGA 300 & e2050s" AOC monitor

The laptop will need an MOT.

SimplyBetter

cisko65 said:

400ixl said:

What doesn't work? No reason a laptop can't be connected to an external monitor. Most have HDMI outputs these days, would have to be pretty old to just have VGA, bur even then you can get VGA to HDMI cables.

What laptop model is it and what monitor?

Desktops tend to be more expensive than laptops these days as they tend to be for business or gamers.

You are right, let's be positive. I just ordered a VGA/HDMI cable (actually two cables as I cannot see if the HDMI is male or female).

Lenovo YOGA 300 & e2050s" AOC monitor

The laptop will need an MOT.

Laptop needs an SSD. Poor CPU and painfully slow storage drive. Consider the device to which I linked.

Intel Pentium N3700 Multithread Rating 1255
Intel Core i5-8500 Multithread Rating 9545

SimplyBetter

You can find one for less via eBay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167160384146

Intel Core i3-8100 Multithread Rating 6099

cisko65

SimplyBetter said:

cisko65 said:

400ixl said:

What doesn't work? No reason a laptop can't be connected to an external monitor. Most have HDMI outputs these days, would have to be pretty old to just have VGA, bur even then you can get VGA to HDMI cables.

What laptop model is it and what monitor?

Desktops tend to be more expensive than laptops these days as they tend to be for business or gamers.

You are right, let's be positive. I just ordered a VGA/HDMI cable (actually two cables as I cannot see if the HDMI is male or female).

Lenovo YOGA 300 & e2050s" AOC monitor

The laptop will need an MOT.

Laptop needs an SSD. Poor CPU and painfully slow storage drive. Consider the device to which I linked.

Intel Pentium N3700 Multithread Rating 1255
Intel Core i5-8500 Multithread Rating 9545

I guess the aim of a forum is to exchange ideas and advice. I'm now a bit confused and will need to "ask a friend". Thanks again SimplyBetter.

Heedtheadvice

If your laptop works reliably,  is fast enough and you are happy with it....by all means use it as a budget option for the time being (rather than spending hundreds  ) especially with external monitor keyboard and mouse.

Demands on computers are getting greater as things get more complex and online security should be considered if not using an updated operating system. Win 10 really is the minimum for now if you are doing any online  banking or dealing with personal matters. You should also consider a backup in case it does fail.

If you decide to upgrade, no need to go for something expensive. A nearly new certified refurbished computer by Dell from their Outlet, for example, saves some pennies and are as good as new with the manufacturer's warranty. Their are other refurbish sellers but in my opinion more of a gamble especially if one is not technically competent.

400ixl

HDMI on the laptop will be female, as will the Sub-D VGA port on the monitor from what I can see with a quick search. So male HDMI to male VGA.

If you will find that at times it will be useful to have both a desktop and a laptop, then I woul just buy a laptop and connect it up to the peripherals when needed.

As you have a decent budget (you won't need to spend anywhere near it), don't go buying old junk like Gen 8-10 Intel or Pentium class processors. More and more over the next few years is going to have AI embedded which will require something half decent, so better to buy something that will last.

As mentioned, the Dell Outlet store is not a bad place to start https://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?brandId=3&c=uk&cs=ukdfb1&l=en&s=dfb

cisko65

Heedtheadvice said:

If your laptop works reliably,  is fast enough and you are happy with it....by all means use it as a budget option for the time being (rather than spending hundreds  ) especially with external monitor keyboard and mouse.

Demands on computers are getting greater as things get more complex and online security should be considered if not using an updated operating system. Win 10 really is the minimum for now if you are doing any online  banking or dealing with personal matters. You should also consider a backup in case it does fail.

If you decide to upgrade, no need to go for something expensive. A nearly new certified refurbished computer by Dell from their Outlet, for example, saves some pennies and are as good as new with the manufacturer's warranty. Their are other refurbish sellers but in my opinion more of a gamble especially if one is not technically competent.

Thanks! Very helpful advice.
I'll need to see if my laptop works well and fast enough. You mention backing up. I am still ignoring the question: how do I get my folders back? I saved only a few on Google Drive. But maybe I need to open a new thread about this issue.

Heedtheadvice

If you mean the folders and files on your old desktop? Where did the hardware duff info come from? More info needed here.

It depends upon is the PC still working ( or what is faulty?) or is the hard drive OK?

If no to the first you need to see if the drive is still OK. If so you can then go down a recovery route .......so more of that later. Plenty on here to tell you how to do it.

For the folders on Google drive that will be a different response!