Buying a new PC for Home office

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52 posts

Master Geek
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#2926138 13-Jun-2022 16:23

I have my eye on this one but is there any way to get further specs?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSPB54714/PB-Executive-Series-54714-Desktop-PC-Intel-10th-Ge

toejam316

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#2926141 13-Jun-2022 16:44

I think one of the most important questions no one has actually asked yet is - what are you actually USING the computer for?

I'd suspect you'd probably be better suited with a laptop + a dock, or a mini PC.

Definitely though, let us know what you're actually doing with your system so we can give you some better guidance, but for most users I think a laptop + dock is generally a goer.

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RAE1

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Master Geek
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#2926143 13-Jun-2022 16:49

I do all the admin for a charity from home. I am in Whangarei and charity is in Auckland. Meetings are online. I never need to travel. 😊

yitz

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#2926156 13-Jun-2022 17:49

RAE1:

I have my eye on this one but is there any way to get further specs?

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSPB54714/PB-Executive-Series-54714-Desktop-PC-Intel-10th-Ge

Your best bet would be to contact them directly as they do not seem to specify exactly all of the parts used but from first glance it looks like a system that would offer a good upgrade to your existing and provide mainstream performance for today (certainly for Windows 10 and YouTube...)

In terms of minor adjustments you might need to make:

you most likely need to include an adapter or cable (HDMI to DVI-D) to output display in digital format to your existing Acer X223W monitor, or buy a new monitor
if both your mouse and keyboard are PS/2 the mouse will probably need to be converted to USB (either purchase new mouse or buy a converter for the old mouse)
collate installation disks for any application software and review system requirements or consider version upgrades/alternatives alongside move from 32-bit to 64-bit operating system

Other requirements such as motherboard and chipset which can affect expandability of memory modules and storage devices, audio ports, number of USB ports front/rear for printers and cameras, warranty service level options (availability of parts, return to base or on-site including travel).

Again this assumes your primary concern is to restore performance of your existing system for the reasons you mentioned (sluggish operating system and running web apps) over opportunities to transform the way you do your work.

toejam316

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#2926163 13-Jun-2022 18:10

I think given everything you've mentioned, you'd be well suited by any modern system.

If you want to go all in and get a business grade system, you'd really want to make sure you're getting one with on-site support, otherwise I think you're just throwing your money away. Most of the features of Windows 10/11 Pro are probably not features you'd be engaging with, and Windows 10 Home would suit.

With all that in mind, this system seems like a good bet, because it has the on site support.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSLEN80110/Lenovo-ThinkCentre-M80s-SFF-Business-PC-Intel-i5-1

Otherwise, that PB Tech system you linked previously is certainly suitable.

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RAE1

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Master Geek
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#2926171 13-Jun-2022 18:50

Good thinking about the display port. I don't think I can upgrade the monitor at present so will have to ask for an adapter. I have to get one for my TV as well since it has no HDMI port. Sony KV-HR32. 😁

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I would love to know about opportunities to transform the way you do your work?

I will look into on-site support though I have never had it before?

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yitz

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#2926178 13-Jun-2022 19:11

RAE1: I would love to know about opportunities to transform the way you do your work?

Hah, I did wonder if that began to sound more like an advertisement from a certain company who makes the operating system you use, a program called Teams and Surface tablets... but I simply meant it as consideration of a different form factor of device such as hybrid laptop/tablet in combination with phone or some other broader upgrade plan as was suggested previously by another poster. If you don't know what's possible it could be worth traveling to a PB Tech showroom to get some inspiration??

RAE1

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Master Geek
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#2926180 13-Jun-2022 19:20

Microsoft Teams? I am looking forward to learning all about that. Good idea to go to PB Tech for some inspiration. Thanks. 👍

yitz

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#2926182 13-Jun-2022 19:22

RAE1:

Good thinking about the display port. I don't think I can upgrade the monitor at present so will have to ask for an adapter. I have to get one for my TV as well since it has no HDMI port. Sony KV-HR32. 😁

Do you already connect your existing system to that TV? Or is that something you were hoping to do with a newer system? A TV upgrade may be in order if you do! It can also be something much easier achieved when paired with a mobile device too.

RAE1

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Master Geek
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#2926184 13-Jun-2022 19:32

It was something I am hoping to do when I upgrade my Freeview box. It occasionally makes clicking noises and is worse with bad weather. But that is another topic. 😀

old3eyes

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#2926300 14-Jun-2022 08:52

toejam316:

I think given everything you've mentioned, you'd be well suited by any modern system.

If you want to go all in and get a business grade system, you'd really want to make sure you're getting one with on-site support, otherwise I think you're just throwing your money away. Most of the features of Windows 10/11 Pro are probably not features you'd be engaging with, and Windows 10 Home would suit.

With all that in mind, this system seems like a good bet, because it has the on site support.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSLEN80110/Lenovo-ThinkCentre-M80s-SFF-Business-PC-Intel-i5-1

Otherwise, that PB Tech system you linked previously is certainly suitable.

Very hard to find a PC these days with a built in DVD drive.

Regards,

Old3eyes

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blackjack17

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#2926302 14-Jun-2022 09:04

If you are just using the computer for web browsing and office then almost anything will work.

The pbtech off lease stuff can be good value

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/computers/exleased/desktop-pcs

will come in well under $1000

This will do everything you need plus more (there might be better options I just picked one with DVD and MS pro)

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old3eyes

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#2926304 14-Jun-2022 09:13

blackjack17:

If you are just using the computer for web browsing and office then almost anything will work.

The pbtech off lease stuff can be good value

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/computers/exleased/desktop-pcs

will come in well under $1000

This will do everything you need plus more (there might be better options I just picked one with DVD and MS pro)

The problem with most of the x lease PCs are that the CPUs don't meet the Windows 11 ridiculous CPU requirements so will lose support after 2025. Could always install Linux in a second partition if it' doesn't require MS Office.

Regards,

Old3eyes

blackjack17

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#2926311 14-Jun-2022 09:26

old3eyes:

blackjack17:

If you are just using the computer for web browsing and office then almost anything will work.

The pbtech off lease stuff can be good value

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/computers/exleased/desktop-pcs

will come in well under $1000

This will do everything you need plus more (there might be better options I just picked one with DVD and MS pro)

The problem with most of the x lease PCs are that the CPUs don't meet the Windows 11 ridiculous CPU requirements so will lose support after 2025. Could always install Linux in a second partition if it' doesn't require MS Office.

The OP is running a 10-16 year oldish computer, don't think they care about the latest and greatest. Windows 10 will continue to get security updates well past 2025 and I can't see MS dropping support for office any time soon.

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#2926425 14-Jun-2022 12:55

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSPB43517/PB-Everyday-Home-PC-43517-Intel-10th-Gen-Core-i5-1

$1263

You dont NEED a "Windows Professional " PC, Win Home will be cheaper

PB Tech can custom build to your spec's , so plenty of options .

Their Off Lease PC's seem overpriced , for 5-7 year old Win7 era systems .

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