All-in-one computer advise

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Mike61

110 posts

Master Geek

#306365 16-Jul-2023 16:39

As in the heading need some advise. Looking for a computer for the son to use. Will be used for business tasks, xero, email etc. Not gaming. Have found this one at Noel leemings "Lenovo 27" FHD IdeaCentre 3 Intel Core i5-1135G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD 1TB Windows 11 All-In-One Desktop" $1598 until Tuesday. More concerned with reliability and durability over being able to upgrade.

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/lenovo-27-fhd-ideacentre-3-intel-core-i5-1135g7-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-1tb-windows-11-all-in-one-desktop/N215820.html

So what do people think about these? Another options?

Cheers

Mike

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478 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3104823 16-Jul-2023 17:21

Any reason it needs to be an All in One?

Repairing or doing any sort of maintenance is a bit of a tough one.

Any reason not to get something ex-lease and have a monitor?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/EXWKSLEN911/Lenovo-Think-Center-M910s-A-Grade-Off-Lease-Intel

Example of ex lease

elpenguino

3419 posts

Uber Geek

#3104824 16-Jul-2023 17:24

Seems light on RAM - it's enough but not generous ( I'd like at least 16 GB in any new machine I buy).

The CPU is two generations old already and came out almost 3 years ago. I don't know if that age is reflected in this machine being a bargain.

The CGA is on your side if you're concerned about reliability. And why concerned about durability? Are you going to be moving it around?

In general the AIO is very convenient - I have an old one I keep in the garage for looking stuff up and it's a nice and tidy package.

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

Mike61

110 posts

Master Geek

#3104831 16-Jul-2023 18:21

Looking at a AIO because it is tidier. But that ex-lease machine looks interesting. So next question would be which monitor to buy. Thoughts on the MSI Pro MP241X 24" FHD Monitor @ $159?

lxsw20

3552 posts

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Subscriber

#3104832 16-Jul-2023 18:24

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/EXWKSLEN911/Lenovo-Think-Center-M910s-A-Grade-Off-Lease-Intel

Won't run Windows 11. W10 goes End of life in 2025 which will be here before you know it.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#3104833 16-Jul-2023 18:28

AIO is nice space wise etc, but soon as something fails, you lose the whole thing while a fix is done.

What about something like a NUC + decent screen if space is an issue ?

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Qazzy03

478 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3104846 16-Jul-2023 19:42

Mike61: Looking at a AIO because it is tidier. But that ex-lease machine looks interesting. So next question would be which monitor to buy. Thoughts on the MSI Pro MP241X 24" FHD Monitor @ $159?

If your son will be doing any text/data entry work I would probably go for a different type of LCD monitor,
Something like this
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MONSAM123240/Samsung-LS24C310E-24-FHD-IPS-Monitor-1920x1080---7

There are three types of monitors, the MSI one is a VA,
I have one and I like it but it isn't as clear for text as the ips monitors.

There are loads of tiny ex lease PC's. A lot of them are small and tidy form factor.
I would recommend looking at the PB Tech ones to see if there are any that fit the bill, like the one I linked.
I would recommend getting at least 16gb of ram.

On the windows 11 vs windows 10 thing, I haven't even throught about that yet tbh.
Windows 11 still isn't in a good enough state for me, so take that for what you will

But I personally don't see the point of paying more money an upgrade path for it yet.
But valid point to consider, maybe something to think about

It's just that for an AIO PC you are paying a premium for its form factor.
If you don't need one, lots of range of small favour PC's that can work out cheaper for you.

Tinkerisk

4226 posts

Uber Geek

#3104892 17-Jul-2023 04:11

xpd:

What about something like a NUC + decent screen if space is an issue ?

But then he has to hurry, Intel decided 5 days ago against further production of the NUCs.

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Wakrak

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#3104895 17-Jul-2023 06:29

From a tidiness perspective, big fan of Mini/Micro/Tiny PCs as a current owner of one + QHD 27" monitor from Dell starting from $350ish (I have a coupon code if you want one OP. Extra 5-7% off).

Bonus items: monitor arm + cable tray for under the desk.

linw

2849 posts

Uber Geek

#3104917 17-Jul-2023 08:41

lxsw20:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/EXWKSLEN911/Lenovo-Think-Center-M910s-A-Grade-Off-Lease-Intel

Won't run Windows 11. W10 goes End of life in 2025 which will be here before you know it.

Absolutely back up this advice. Why buy into obsolescince?

bendud

313 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#3104932 17-Jul-2023 08:55

This may be heresy on this forum, but you could consider a refurb Apple silicon M1 iMac.

Very fast, looks great, low power consumption, good screen, and provides reliability and durability ahead of any chance of upgrading. For the usage you describe it could well fit the bill. Holds value well too.

Only issues I see are (1) need for a dock or dongle as USB-C / TB4 ports only, and (2) likely to be upgraded to M2 chips +/- larger display soon (for more $, natch, and won't be available refurb for a few years). I got my parents one of these last year - had never been switched on and was a few hundred less.

From the Antarctic Riviera

deadlyllama

1260 posts

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#3104933 17-Jul-2023 08:56

Switched my mother in law from an aging all-in-one to a slimline ex-lease desktop PC and she couldn't be happier. Spent about $800, including fancy tilt/swivel Dell monitor.

As others have said AIOs are a pain to repair. They're basically laptops in an odd case.

cddt

1548 posts

Uber Geek

#3104938 17-Jul-2023 09:47

Mike61: Will be used for business tasks, xero, email etc. Not gaming. Have found this one at Noel leemings "Lenovo 27" FHD IdeaCentre 3 Intel Core i5-1135G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD 1TB Windows 11 All-In-One Desktop" $1598 until Tuesday

This is not a good deal, you're paying a premium for the AIO form factor, which as others have said is a pain to repair or upgrade.

Another heresy for the forum, for Xero and email is Windows even required?

Mike61

110 posts

Master Geek

#3105215 17-Jul-2023 20:15

Many thanks for all the replies. I will digest and come back with anymore questions or comments I have

Thanks again

Mike

bendud

313 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#3105322 18-Jul-2023 08:25

I notice that there are no iMacs in the Apple refurb store currently - but there are M1 Mac minis for 859, or the better deal of an M2 Mini for 929. Add a 27" monitor and you are laughing...

Good luck with your quest

From the Antarctic Riviera

gzt

17104 posts

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#3105588 18-Jul-2023 15:08

linw: Absolutely back up this advice. Why buy into obsolescince?

Mac tends to fall into this category from time time unless you're buying at the start of the hardware cycle.

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