Recommend New Computer

[HangFire]

When buying refurb, buy Core i* where * is 7 > 5 > 3 but even the i3 is OK.

Avoid paying for: Anything Pentium, Atom, 32 bit, DDR2, AMD dual core, just too old/slow/hot. (If you already own it, though, by all means continue to flog it! Preferably with Linux!)

 

[bsmithwins]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
What windows OS is she running now?

She might be learning a new OS if the machine comes with W10

Buy a refurb business machine; generally they don't come precluttered with try and buy


This is critical. Windows ain't Windows anymore.

Moving from XP to W10 might be harder than XP to Linux. At least Linux (and MacOS) keep the old standard of fixed menus at the top instead of the W8 and new interface.

BSW

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

What do you all think of Newegg? Safe to buy from? Anything to worry about?

 

[92saturnsl2]

Originally Posted By: GeorgeKaplan
What do you all think of Newegg? Safe to buy from? Anything to worry about?


One of the best online retailers that deals primarily in computer stuff, IMHO. I've been ordering them since the early '00's when they first became popular and have nothing but good things to say about them, from the price to the service.

In the last several years, they've been transitioning into more of a buy.com (rakuten.com now), amazon, and jet.com retailer that sells almost anything, most things through third party sellers / warehouses. But for computer stuff, they usually sell directly from them, through a legitimate Newegg warehouse, though tons of third party stuff on their site too. I liked them better when they sold straight from Newegg, so you don't have to verify where the stuff comes from on each purchase. But others may not share my opinion.

 

[csandste]

If she's moving to Windows 10, there's a lot more of a learning curve than a move to Linux Mint or similar would be from Windows 7 or earlier. Frankly with what you're describing, a Chrome Box connected to a large monitor would have almost no learning curve, unless she would have trouble using a Chrome browser.

 

[ndfergy]

George,

Your lady friend doesn't require a lot of processing power so even a basic Celeron would suffice. W10 is really not that big a leap with the return of its desktop home screen. Notwithstanding the learning curve, Linux is fine but there are a few drawbacks: poor 2D game selection (no Candy Crush), no full RGB with intel IGP, or well integrated free online backup like OneDrive.

Now a few of us could cobble together upgrade parts to her existing system for cheaper than what l recommended earlier but not by much when you factor in the purchase of a new OS. Bying used is always a risk so unless the cost is less than half of new it might not be worth it.

 

[BrocLuno]

The OP talked about an older lady with a limited need. If she does not need Win10, there is no reason to go there ... Make a list of all her software needs and ask her what she might like to add in the foreseeable future?

Once that list is in hand and you know her current O/S, work from there ...

Keep her out of the churn and the annual licensing system if at all possible ...

 

[HangFire]

Do not buy a Celeron! Not when refurb Core i5's are out there for $300, or less!

Newegg is a class act. Been buying from them for years. Great customer service, though rarely need it.