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Computer Advice, please
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BarryP
Dec 13, 17 11:13
Post #1 of 14 (1040 views)
Because I am sooooo stupid when it comes to computers. maybe not that stupid, but dumber than most of you.

I'm currently on a mac mini that I bought in 2012. The fan has been running pretty hard lately, telling me its probably time to upgrade. My current setup is at my home office desk hooked up to a 27" monitor with a switch the toggles back and forth between my mini and my work laptop.

I also have a really nice living room with a gas fireplace and I NEVER go in there. I was thinking of getting a laptop so that I can hang out by my fireplace and browse the internet.

Here's the rub........another mac mini is like $1000 less than something comparable in a mac laptop.



So I'm considering TWO computers. A mac mini (upgraded to get 1TB of storage), and then a cheap netbook for browsing.....literally Facebook, ST, and YouTube. No games, no movies, no porn, no office applications, etc. just something to argue with Republicans while sitting by my fire drinking vegan PBR and feeling entitled.


With that my question is, what would you recommend with regards to an affordable netbook that won't eat itself for no reason every few weeks (I've had one of those before).

OR....

Give me a completely different way to look at this and recommend something else.
-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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axlsix3
Dec 13, 17 11:25
Post #2 of 14 (1013 views)
Have you thought about using your smart phone instead of getting a laptop? Or a tablet from Amazon like the Fire - it's pretty cheap.
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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Guff
Dec 13, 17 11:28
Post #3 of 14 (1007 views)
The beauty of netbooks are that they are cheap. You can get a functional 'chromebook' for under $200. There are dozens of options but they really vary by processor, RAM, internal storage and screen spec. My advice - pick a price point and then find the best set of specs at that price point. Some people prefer a slightly bigger screen (14" vs 10"), some want a faster processor to play online games.

I personally went to a tablet a few years ago and haven't looked back. Now I only use a laptop at work or if I'm doing banking at home. Or if I'm typing something longer than a page.
Remember - It's important to be comfortable in your own skin... because it turns out society frowns on wearing other people's
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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windywave
Dec 13, 17 11:33
Post #4 of 14 (1002 views)
You can get a tablet for 200 bucks to lounge in the living room. I have a Kindle Fire that I like and my wife has an Ipad (which was more than 200 bucks).
Quote Reply
Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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Tom_hampton
Dec 13, 17 11:48
Post #5 of 14 (984 views)
I have the same thoughts as everyone else: iPad or Chromebook. I'm android so, I'd get a chromebook. But, you sound pretty apple entrenched...so, maybe the iPad makes more sense? Especially, if you have appleTV or other ecosystem specific infrastructure.

The other question I think I'd ask is what do you need the mac Mini for? I only have one real use-case at home for an actual computer; and I'm actively looking for a way to either eliminate it or merge it with some other solution. Mobility is way better than tethered to a spot---eg, so I don't have to choose between the fireplace (or patio in the fall/spring) and the computer use.

Maybe that mobility is worth the extra $100 / month for a year?

Or get a Windows SurfacePro4, vote republican, eat a steak, and start drinking some real fucking beer!
Quote Reply
Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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JasoninHalifax
Dec 13, 17 11:57
Post #6 of 14 (974 views)
if you're considering a netbook AND a Mac Mini, I'd suggest a convertible laptop instead. a few months ago I got a Lenovo for my wife, screen flips over so it works in tablet mode or conventional laptop mode. HD capacity was important for her, she has a TON of videos that she's taken on her phone.

i5 processor (i think, might even be an i7), 1TB hard drive. 8gig ram, 15" screen, I think it was about $800 or so. Total was about $1300 including MS office, extended warranty, and taxes.


BarryP wrote:
Because I am sooooo stupid when it comes to computers. maybe not that stupid, but dumber than most of you.

I'm currently on a mac mini that I bought in 2012. The fan has been running pretty hard lately, telling me its probably time to upgrade. My current setup is at my home office desk hooked up to a 27" monitor with a switch the toggles back and forth between my mini and my work laptop.

I also have a really nice living room with a gas fireplace and I NEVER go in there. I was thinking of getting a laptop so that I can hang out by my fireplace and browse the internet.

Here's the rub........another mac mini is like $1000 less than something comparable in a mac laptop.



So I'm considering TWO computers. A mac mini (upgraded to get 1TB of storage), and then a cheap netbook for browsing.....literally Facebook, ST, and YouTube. No games, no movies, no porn, no office applications, etc. just something to argue with Republicans while sitting by my fire drinking vegan PBR and feeling entitled.


With that my question is, what would you recommend with regards to an affordable netbook that won't eat itself for no reason every few weeks (I've had one of those before).

OR....

Give me a completely different way to look at this and recommend something else.
Swimming Workout of the Day:

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2020 National Masters Champion - M50-54 - 50m Butterfly
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Re: Computer Advice, please [axlsix3] [ In reply to ]
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BarryP
Dec 13, 17 12:08
Post #7 of 14 (956 views)
I have an Ipad. I don't like typing on it

ETA:......hmmmm....maybe docking/keyboard options for it.
-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485
Last edited by: BarryP: Dec 13, 17 12:09
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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drn92
Dec 13, 17 12:10
Post #8 of 14 (948 views)
Go with a tablet. Get a keyboard if you really need one. Way easier and more stable than the chrome books I’ve seen.

drn92
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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A-A-Ron
Dec 13, 17 15:11
Post #9 of 14 (854 views)
 
If you already have an iPad I would try the keyboard/case route first. If you still can't stand it, then an ASUS Chromebook would be where I could go next.
Quote Reply
Re: Computer Advice, please [A-A-Ron] [ In reply to ]
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BarryP
Dec 13, 17 15:29
Post #10 of 14 (846 views)
Yes, I'm looking into that now. Thanks!
-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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dvfmfidc
Dec 13, 17 15:52
Post #11 of 14 (823 views)
I have a Mac as well, was kinda doing the same thing, fan seemed to be struggling, would get hotter than normal. Took it apple store. Bad hardrive. Replaced for 150 bucks.
Back up all your important docs, pics, etc ( sure you already know that) before you replace it, if that’s the issue.
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Re: Computer Advice, please [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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Duffy
Dec 13, 17 16:01
Post #12 of 14 (814 views)
Mac mini and an iPad Pro.

I use my iPad 99% of the time.
Civilize the mind, but make savage the body.

- Chinese proverb
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Re: Computer Advice, please [Duffy] [ In reply to ]
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timberwolf
Dec 13, 17 18:15
Post #13 of 14 (764 views)
I have been considering a Mac mini myself. Last update was three + years ago. I would hate to buy the current model only to have an updated version come out a month or two later.

Does anybody know if an updated mini is in the works and a possible release date?

Brett
"Du or Du not-there is no Tri" - Yoda
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Re: Computer Advice, please [timberwolf] [ In reply to ]
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BarryP
Dec 13, 17 18:58
Post #14 of 14 (746 views)
Yes, I noticed that the current mini isn't much better than what I have.
-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485
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