Reliable and Affordable Computer System

bich.light on 08/10/2015 - 21:22
Last edited 09/10/2015 - 08:01

Hey there,
I'd like to buy my Mother a new computer for her to use that is relatively cheap but reliable.
She would be using it for:
a - Legally downloading/streaming movies and tv shows to watch.
b - Using Microsoft word, excel and powerpoint.
c - Typical interwebbing.

I would prefer that there be two hard-drives, one ~128GB for the OS and a storage ~1TB for downloads/misc.
The OS would be ideally running on a solid-state.

The SSD is not a necessary component but an ideal. And the computer doesn't necessarily have to be a desktop/laptop, just needs a DVI port.
Thanks! :D

Computing

Comments

  • gmatht on 09/10/2015 - 01:01
    +1

    All-in-one PC usually refer to machines where the computer is build into the monitor. Maybe not quite what you were asking, but it is an option. They tend to be over priced, but you could get a good deal on eBay, I have seen ones with Intel® Core™ i5-2400S go for $270, and similar are available right now for $550. Although old, the i5-2400S These are almost as fast as regular Desktop i5's and should handle typical office tasks fine.

    These probably won't have a SSD, but you could probably replace the HDD with a SSD/HDD hybrid. A 1TB 2.5" hybrid costs $129 on ebay now. Not as fast as a pure SSD, but saves the hassle of deciding what should got on the C: drive and what should go on the D: drive.

    • bich.light on 09/10/2015 - 08:02

      I feel old. Changed the title as I meant entire/pre-built systems.

      Thanks and the idea of hybrid might be better for parents.

      • gmatht on 11/10/2015 - 13:47

        If they never need to move it a desktop may be more reliable and more fixable. If they spill coffee on the keyboard, hit a key too hard or whatever, you can just replace the keyboard.

        Desktops haven't become much faster since Sandybridge. Businesses often sell off old small form factor desktops. E.g. I got a Sandybridge i7 with 8GB of ram for $315 6 months back on ebay. It won't support a 4K monitor, and PSU is underspecced for getting an additional GPU, but should be verging on overkill for desktop tasks. Otherwise they are probably fairly well built. You could run a burn-in test before handing it over.

  • Marcsie on 09/10/2015 - 08:15

    Go to MSY, they will sort it out for you :)

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