Time to upgrade to something more modern. No gaming. Just standard use. Something reliable and intuitive. Economical. Recommendations plz. Thanks all

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old rugged cross,

Not here to be a jerk but why not a laptop with a dock? Same functionality more flexible. This has been my solution

I’ve been happy with Dell products for a long time. Not overly bloated with proprietary software like some manufacturers. Definitely want some with a solid state drive.

The Apple world has a lot going for it, but it’s not enough to overcome the familiarity with Windows if that’s what you’re used to. Although depending on how old your current computer is, the newer Windows iterations may be just as unfamiliar as the Apple (Mac) world.

What do you have now and how comfortable with it are you?

Please remember that the monitor, keyboard and mouse create the user experience. If you don’t have a 4K display, you are missing out. Dell has an affordable display in 4K. Corsair makes great keyboards. Logitech MX Master mouse is very precise. These three items are about $900.

If you buy a nice computer and don’t upgrade the user interface it is like buying a target rifle and using a red dot sight for your 250 yard shot.

There is nothing better than the Apple product. A Mac mini is all you need.

If you are Windows then Dell.

Dell online. Specials are usually available.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:

There is nothing better than the Apple product. A Mac mini is all you need.

This. It may be he most economical route as well. OTOH, the mini doesn't give you a camera or microphone, which you can buy elsewhere, or upgradeable memory. With memory costs where they are right now, that may be a plus.

I can't speak to off-the-shelf Windows systems, but these seem to be very correlated with pricing. Pick a well-regarded manufacturer with a decent warranty.

Or, consider building one yourself from the mainboard up. Probably won't save much money, but you will learn a lot, and have just what you want.

I have had a few Dell units over the years, none have lasted as HPs.
Wife prefers the All In One type but seems like a waste as if one major part of it goes bad you end trashing the whole thing and starting over. Had 2 that the monitor screen went bad, both Dells.
Wife and I have tried Iphones, didn't care for them so we passed on buying any Apple computers as we don't want to have 2 different type of operating systems.

What to look for.

1) Hard Drive. 500 gb minimum and I suggest 1 TB if you want to store photos and videos.

2) if it's within your budget look for a computer with Thunderbolt 4 or USB-4 ports. These are much faster for moving files into and out of the computer. At a minimum you want USB-3.2 2x2 ports.

3) A 4K monitor should be considered an absolute MUST have. Personally I prefer 27-28 inch but if you want to go larger 34 inch will work.

4) Internal Memory. Look for a computer with at least 32 gb of RAM. Programs have become a lot more complex and when starved of memory they slow down a lot.

Inputs and outputs Do matter. Make sure that your new computer has a connection for the monitor that matches YOUR monitor. Because they are constantly fiddling with this connection. Currently at least 2 or 3 connectors are common. Look at the specification for the Graphics Output and insure it matches the Input on your monitor. BTW Google is your friend here if you want to retain your old monitor. Type in the Name Brand and model number from the tag on the monitor and add Specifications to the end and you'll find information on some pretty old monitors.

Add on capability. I prefer a computer with a case that has a drive bay for a DVD/CD read write drive. Because we all have programs that came on a DVD and may want to use those on a new computer. In addition I have a collection of movies like the Terminator or Dirty Harry on DVD and it's nice to watch them on a 4K monitor.

Things that are NOT needed. First is Graphics CPU's. If you aren't Gaming or editing videos the Graphics on the primary CPU will be just fine. The second is crazy wide curved monitors. Nice for Gaming but take up way too much desk space.

Apple does have it's advantages. Unfortunately software options are still limited in comparisons to Windows. In addition the Macs start at a higher price level than Windows computers. Unfortunately Drive Bays on purchased computers are nearly unobtainable. When I built my computer in 2024 I spent several hours on the Net just trying to find a case that had some drive bays.

I will also point out that if you spend enough for a computer with enough "power" you can use that computer for 10 years without a driving need to upgrade. In 2014 I home built a desktop that was a top tier computer. Built a new top tier computer in 2024 that cost about 2800 dollars with a new 4K monitor and expect I will get at least 8 to 10 years of use from it. BTW, I am deeply into photography and do futz around with some video so I have a need for the power I have.

I will also note that I agree with all the recommendations for Dell. They build good computers but the biggest positive for Dell is the lack of Bloatware pre-installed on the computer.

I also recommend that if you go with a Windows computer you will have to deal with Windows Bloatware such as Onedrive. If you want Microsoft monitoring every keystroke you make then keep Onedrive running. If you don't want them to know where you search for ammunition get rid of that crap. BTW Google will provide you with information on how to eliminate Onedrive.

Dell. Done the Laptop thing 3 times, and an All-in-one. Now a Dell PC. I purchased the extended warranty. This Dell has outlived the extended warranty by at least 2 years. Monitor is also a Dell, 27 inch with built-in speakers.i didn't want separate speakers.

RE: reliable. If you mix-n-match (which I do) then you will have to be your own diagnoser/fixer - unless and until you can prove which component is causing the issue, warranties don't enter into the picture, as you won't know where the problem lies.

If you yourself don't know how to diagnose/fix PCs, then you'll want to buy something off-the-shelf with good support and a good warranty from a name brand. Dell (if you're on the Windows side) and Apple (if you've already gone that path) are very good choices. If you are close to an Apple store and are already familiar with their stuff, Dell doesn't offer anything equivalent for local/hands on support.

RE: intuitive. That will depend on what you are used to. If you change OSes, nothing will seem intuitive for a considerable time until after you get over a learning curve.

Once you go Mac you never go back.

what is standard use? if you donthave a video/music/picture collectin I would get one of the zillion minis that they sell on amazon
something like this!!

https://www.amazon.com/BOSGAME...TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Time to upgrade to something more modern. No gaming. Just standard use. Something reliable and intuitive. Economical. Recommendations plz. Thanks all

iMac

I've been using HPs for several years, bought a new one two months ago. I have a 10 yo Dell monitor, maybe I should upgrade? What's the advantage of 4K, I only do photo editing and web stuff?

I am happy with my new Apple.

Don’t get a Mac! Seriously, if you’ve never used one, don’t start now.

My daughter and I just spent 45 minutes trying to move pictures from one folder to another. I took 15 minutes just to create a new folder in the folder she wanted it, then another 30 minutes to move the pictures from the folder she didn’t want them in to the new one before we gave up. We had some of the pictures in six different folders which we just deleted and she redownloaded the pictures to the new folder. This would have taken me a minute in Windows. Right click on the track pad means click with two fingers anywhere on the track pad, that’s intuitive.

I hope making the video with pictures goes better.

Why would you spend 1200 bucks on an imac to do basic computing? makes no sense to me

what is your budget?

quote:

Originally posted by SHOOTIN BLANKS:
Once you go Mac you never go back.

100% Agree with this reply!

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Not here to be a jerk but why not a laptop with a dock? Same functionality more flexible. This has been my solution

What if he doesn't need the flexibility? A desktop will perform better and have better serviceability.

quote:

Originally posted by Ronin101:
Why would you spend 1200 bucks on an imac to do basic computing? makes no sense to me

That's because you don't have 30 years of IT experience.