What kind of computer do I need?

S

stratosphere

New Member
Hey,

It's time to buy a new computer and I need some advice from the village elders on what kind of set up I need. I have already looked around quite a bit, but since my requirements are somewhat unique, I need some sage advice here. I essentially am upgrading to a lighter, smaller computer, without necessarily upgrading specs (I have a 7 year old PC and I am doing just fine with it). My needs are;

-As small and light of a computer as possible, but I would like a 17 to 19 inch monitor. It will essentially be a desktop replacement, but I plan to be moving around a lot (but will not take the PC out of the house), so I would prefer a light portable PC that I can just pick up and leave with.

-Will do basic computer tasks, perhaps some virtual memory intensive tasks such as audio/music work, but no gaming and nothing crazy beyond normal multimedia/movie watching. My current pc has 1.5G RAM / 1.8Ghz AMD Athlon and handles my tasks just fine. I don't need anything fancy or added on besides the basics. Getting a barebone machine wouldn't be a problem.

-DVD drive

-I would prefer a normal keyboard over a laptop keyboard but not a deal breaker.

-I want a machine that will last a long time

- budget max of around 700$


POSSIBILITIES

1) MINI PC/Booksize

I was considering a MINI pc such as the Shuttle XPC and a light LCD monitor, or perhaps a "nettop" (or booksize PCs or whatever they are called), such as the computers from Aopen that can fit in the palm of your hand. The only issue is that most of the "nettops" are without an optical drive, and may contain subpar hardware.

2)Laptop

Or perhaps I should get a laptop? However laptops have durability issues, do they not? I have no interest in lugging my laptop outside of my room, I just want a very small light computer that keeps out of the way and is easily movable.

3）All in one?

I have also looked at some "all in ones" but am not sure if they are right for me.

Thanks very much for reading through this, I could really appreciate some advice here or at least a point in a direction.
 
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either a 17 inch laptop or a ITX/Micro-ATX build. You will still be light years ahead of a 5 year old setup, but by no means the most powerful out there.
 
You might consider a small screen laptop used with an external monitor and keyboard. I use a setup like that for my work. The laptop sits off to the side with the lid closed. I have an external monitor, keyboard and mouse so that it seems as if I am working with a desktop. If I need to take the laptop with me somewhere, I just disconnect and take it. I actually have a docking station which makes it a little easier but it really isn't necessary.
 
I may get shot down for this but it sounds like you need a reliable all in one desktop computer that will do what you want and be fairly easy to pack up and move elsewhere.

Have you tried Dell they have customizable computers you can build to your own specifications/price range and have it all delivered to your door. Their parts are tough and will last you ages if you are not looking to upgrade this machine down the track i'd suggest giving them a look www.dell.com.
 
Hsv_Man said:
I may get shot down for this but it sounds like you need a reliable all in one desktop computer that will do what you want and be fairly easy to pack up and move elsewhere.

Have you tried Dell they have customizable computers you can build to your own specifications/price range and have it all delivered to your door. Their parts are tough and will last you ages if you are not looking to upgrade this machine down the track i'd suggest giving them a look www.dell.com.
Click to expand...

I agree, you might be better off with the all in ones, decent sized screen, standard mac protection, ease of use and decent pricing
 
Thanks for all the advice guys.

I went ahead and got the Aopen MINI system (7inch by 6 by 2) with a Core Due 2.1ghz, SATA 350mb 7200rpm, 4G DD3 ram, and a wireless card. It has a built in graphics card so I definitely won't be playing any games. It was 575$.

I will get a light LCD and I will essentially have what I need. I hope it works out. It's more expensive than a similar powered laptop, but I like the modular PC set up better and am willing to pay more for simply a smaller less obtrusive version (and still more powerful than my current PC).

Thanks again, I'll remark later how it turns out.
 
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