New Computer for Windows 10

[davem]

CX, one can also use a usb hub like this one. From the image I'm sure you can discern it's function.
One thing to check on is what inputs your monitor takes. Many new laptops are HDMI output.

[cx]

Yeah, I got at least one of those laying about, Dave. My experience was that they caused things to slow down considerably when in use. Could be just perception, but I think it was actually making a difference.

Still had to use one when out in the mountains doing owl research on accounta having stuff connected for our mapping and GPS programs and such.

This HDMI output means I'm now gonna need to get new monitor and keyboard, too? Hate it when they do that sorta thing.

[PC7060]

CX,

No need for changing monitors or keyboards; the two series I recommended include SVGA output connector for driving one standard monitor along with three standard format USB ports. For multiple monitor configuration there are plenty of docking options (see previous post) available that connect to the laptop via USB C support SVGA, DVI and DisplayPort in addition to HDMI.

[PC7060]

Regarding USB port extenders slowing down performance, that wouldn’t be an issue with a newer laptop with USB 3 ports. The port extender Dave posted is a good one; I find the ability to shut off specific ports with a press of a button very handy.

[cx]

I didn't recognize those as buttons for that purpose, PC. I'm thinking that would be a useful feature.

[PC7060]

Especially in a power limited off the grid situation!

[davem]

USB3 is super fast,so you can plug all your gizmos into the hub then you only have to plug one thing into the laptop. I like it at work because I have to take my laptop to meetings several or more times a day. Easy in, easy out.

[jgleason]

I just bought one of these for my Dell XPS laptop. I'm mostly on WiFi but there are times I'd like to be wired. The Dell I have doesn't have a standard network port but it does have USB-C, Thunderbolt. What I like about the Totu is it gives me back a bunch of options in one small device.

USB C Hub, Type C Hub, TOTU 11-in-1 Adapter with Ethernet, 4K USB C to HDMI, VGA, 2 USB3.0 2 USB2.0, Micro SD/TF Card Reader, Mic/Audio, USB-C PD 3.0, Compatible for Mac Pro and Other Type C Laptops
by TOTU
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M8HLGBF/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_dbHXCb6KT899S

[cx]

Well, I got an official notice that Herr Gates is no longer supporting my Windows 7 and recommends that I should have already bought a new computer with his uber wonderful Windows 10 on it, so I'm now officially procrastinating on said purchase and re-education.

This looks like the machine PC recommended earlier. Price seems acceptable (on accounta I got no idea what it should cost), so I clicked on the button to "Customize and Buy" to find out what were my options. That's when I got the screen I linked above, which made me wanna continue procrastinating.

How they expect us mere mortals to understand all that nonesense?!!

The first thing I knew I wanted was additional RAM. But even at that they managed to confuse me by offering an upgrade to 1x8GB or 2x4GB. I added a second 4GB card to my current machine and I get by OK with 8GB, but why would they offer two fours, or one eight and either one for the same price? Is there any difference in the performance either way?

And would having 16MB really make a difference to the user who doesn't play games and such?

Says it has a SATA Class 20 Solid State Drive. I do know I want the SSD and was glad to see it in there, but I dunno what Class 20 is. Best I can tell online, I'm not the kinda user who really needs a Class 40. Or 50. Can anyone comment on that?

If any of youins geeks wanna look through some of those options and find the ones make you say, "Oooooo, I'd get that," please feel free. I'm not worried about spending more dinero to get what I want, but looking at that list I'm very much aware that I might no know what I want.

[ss3964spd]

While I don't count myself to be on the bleeding edge of geekdom, cx, I have bought a number of PC's in my lifetime and have used even more, and live in the professional hell known as IT.

If you not one to upgrade your PC every few years - and that you're still running Win7 indicates you're clearly not one, buy the best you can afford. IMO, you don't need to max out on the processor speed, but you do want to bump RAM up to 16G if possible. If there is an option to bump Video memory, do that, too.

The SSD they are specifying will be fine for your needs, unless you are storing, or intend to, tons of data/photos.

If you are not going to use the laptop connected to a separate large monitor get a laptop with a touch screen. While you're clicking that touch screen option button consider, too, opting for a better screen if there's one available, our eyes are not getting any younger. On the touch screen, it sure makes enlarging photos posted on the forum really easy, so there's your justification for it if you needed it.

My personal fav is Microsofts' line of Surface Pro pc's, but I'm sure you can find what you want/need from any of the big names.

[cx]

Thanks for the input, Dan.

Nope, not an update every few years kinda guy. More of an upgrade when forced to do so guy.

I can upgrade from 4GB to 16GB memory for $165 so I'll do that.

I rarely use the machine without being connected to a peripheral large screen and keyboard, but still want the option of portability. Don't see any option for touch screen or video memory in their list, but doesn't seem much of a loss in my case.

[PC7060]

Hi CX,

Sorry I missed this earlier.

RAM: go with 1x8GB ram. This will preserve the other slot for future growth. Our office uses 8GB ram standard with heavy users getting upgraded to 16GB. A heavy user is usually folks that have several large spreadsheets up at once or engineers doing 3D modeling.

Edit: If you want to go with 16GB, that’s not a bad plan. While you probably won’t need the 16GB ram now, it will be useful as your new fast machine becomes loaded down with Windows 10 updates over time.

As Dan said, SATA Class 20 is good option. Class 20 is rated consumer grade speeds but is still much faster than the old spinning drive.

Edit: I checked the other options and was impressed with the NVIDIA chipset and graphic cards.

Good luck!!!

[cx]

Thanks, PC. The single 8GB RAM with potential upgrade makes sense and saves a hunnert bucks. And I know I'm capable of installing another 8GB board if Dan's correct that I'll be wishin' for 16 Gigs by and by.

How 'bout the price? Nine hunnert bucks with the RAM upgrade sound reasonable? Doesn't scare me at all, but I'll take a bargain if I should be lookin' for one.

[PC7060]

That’s a good price with the 1x8GB upgrade and the solid state drive.

I’d say go for it!

Originally Posted by CX

How 'bout the price? Nine hunnert bucks with the RAM upgrade sound reasonable?

I’m being forced to upgrade my 4 year old system too. New systems are nice but it’s a pain to migrate over.

[cx]

Originally Posted by PC

New systems are nice but it’s a pain to migrate over.

And you have no eye-dee how bad it's likely to be for thems as know diddly squat about how to do it!

But I think I've lined up a local guy to "help" me. Help as in I give him dinero and he makes my old stuff be on my new machine, of course, but I'm hoping to gather a little education in the process. Maybe hafta give him a lot more dinero for that part, but I don't yet know that.