Desktop for Kids Homework Suggestions

• 

  spackbace on 08/10/2015 - 20:58

  +1

  Future proof for another few years

  Then this:

  Budget $200-300

  Gonna struggle to be 'now'-proof, let alone future proof.

  I'm assuming you need the whole package? Screen/Keyboard/Mouse?

  • 

    scrimshaw on 08/10/2015 - 21:10

    +2

    Future proofing doesn't work the way most people think it does.
    http://lifehacker.com/5808039/what-futureproofing-your-pc-re…

    In OP's case though, I think he's trying to make his dollar stretch as far as possible and thinks that a PC can be made future proof by choosing certain parts. It's kind of complex and hard to answer, but the "ain't nobody got time for that" explanation can be had if you watch Linus's video.

    Putting that aside it is possible to build a desktop for as little as $300, using off the shelf components and also choosing the dirt-cheapest components. And you can also go to the Dell DFO outlet and have a basic Inspiron box shipped to you for about $400ish, complete with 1 year of RTB warranty. This actually is the cheaper choice since Windows is included and you don't need to fork out $40 ~ 100 for a new license. That and the delivery is free.

  • 

    CandyMan on 08/10/2015 - 21:16

    Thanks for your reply Spackbace and Scrimshaw
    I forgot to include a few details

    I have the screen keyboard and mouse
    OS is not necessary if it makes things cheaper as I could download from onthehub on my kids school email addresses besides office and photoshop. So just the case is necessary

    Regarding future proof I mean it has to support any new software upgrades for a few years (modern CPU, reasonable ram for example )

    I've updated the post above to reflect this

    • 

      scrimshaw on 08/10/2015 - 21:27

      DDR3 RAM is on the way out and will be replaced with the following over the next couple of months (maybe 6-8 months, but we'll see how long it takes for the new tech to become mainstream)

      DDR3L (low voltage DDR3)
      DDR4 (newest generation RAM)

      And what generally happens when something becomes obsolete is that due to lack of supply the prices go up. So DDR3 may over the long term become more expensive compared to now. So I'd look into perhaps securing some RAM kits and perhaps get yourself an additional 8GB stick. You missed the sale though…

      Motherboards are also transitioning to a new socket standard. Socket 1150 (Haswell) will be obsolete by next year and Skylake will be mainstream. Skylake motherboards are now pretty inexpensive, selling for $120 AUD and are almost at parity with older generation Haswell mobo's. Low-end processors have not appeared on the market yet.

      To put it in simple terms, your cheap LGA1150 kids' pc will not accept new RAM types and/or Skylake processors although you can still access the secondhand parts market and upgrade the PC with still fairly competent parts, 2 or 3 years down the track.

      There's not a very big performance divide between Haswell -> Skylake.

• 

  Google Chrome on 08/10/2015 - 23:12

  +1

  Buying a more expensive desktop and making that last for ~5 years is a better idea than buying a cheap one and stretching it.

• 

  altomic on 09/10/2015 - 18:16

  Save space - Buy a small windows box and attach it to the back of the monitor. Set it up with a wireless keyboard & mouse.

  • 

    CandyMan on 09/10/2015 - 19:10

    How are the small boxes performance wise. I don't like devices that are laggy and slow. My impression is that these boxes are ok for media servers but not for program's and multitasking

    Will they be ok for browsing, office , and basic photo editing

    • 

      scrimshaw on 09/10/2015 - 19:35

      http://www.shoppingexpress.com.au/palm-size-barebone-pc

      They are essentially laptops, just in a very small desktop form factor. The usual restrictions apply — you can't easily replace the processor in the system and there are no pci expansion slots.

      You can get NUCs or Gigabyte Brix's that are specced with slow-arse N2920 / N3700 type processors but the top of the range ones come equipped with a mobile i5.

      You could try a D34010WYKH, a mid range NUC with a i3. RRP $340 AUD. Take note it's a barebones unit and needs RAM and storage to work (not included in price)

      or can get this if you need more power
      http://www.shoppingexpress.com.au/buy/gigabyte-brix-i5-5200u…

      The other alternative to a NUC is to build your own Mini ITX system. Mini ITX is a desktop standard and as such uses desktop components. This allows for part modularity and upgrades down the road.

  • 

    CandyMan on 09/10/2015 - 22:29

    Thanks for the suggestion altomic. I think it might be the way to go.

• 

  CandyMan on 09/10/2015 - 22:27

  Thanks Scrimshaw for taking the time to reply to my post. I think what I'm looking for is the N3700 NUC though I'm still sceptical because of the slow processor. I'm not sure how it will handle multitasking but should be OK for the kids. I have the rest of the hardware and software needed (I have RAM and a hard drive, although I might also have to invest in a SSD to top it up). I wasn't aware that it was cheaper to buy a basic laptop than a basic desktop. The price difference is huge.

  • 

    scrimshaw on 09/10/2015 - 23:49

    The SSD will make it much more usable. Wouldn't worry about the processor performance if the primary use is facebook cough 'homework'.

    If your kid decides to do some creative stuff and start using photoshop or Adobe premiere for their schoolwork then you might need to worry about having a better processor.

    Anyway, I think the NUC5PPYH is far too expensive for what it is. It retails for $275 dollars, while the D34010WYKH sells for $330.

    that's a difference of $55, but when you look at the performance of the 2 processors, you can see there's a pretty big gap

    http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/compare/3558607?ba…

    The i3 is about 70 to 80 percent faster in single thread performance than the N3700 processor. The extra $55 dollar spend is very much worth it if you are considering the NUC.

    Remember Intel NUC's aren't actually that good value when you are considering the performance you're getting — a full blown ATX-type desktop is actually far better bang for your buck when it comes to speed. Consider your priorities and think about which is more important — form factor (or energy efficiency) versus performance.

    • 

      CandyMan on 10/10/2015 - 19:27

      I just had a look at MSY desktop prices. I could get a basic desktop for $310 (a bit more with customisation), But the Mini ITX system gives best value for money. (about $400 AUD at current conversion).

      The mini ITX system looks quite attractive actually

      Either that or I will secure my laptop with a Kensington lock and link it to a monitor, mouse and keyboard as suggested by realfamilyman below. total cost $5 + petrol. (real Ozbargain thinking :)

• 

  spackbace on 10/10/2015 - 10:58

  I'd also consider asking friends/family if they're looking to upgrade, or have upgraded. It's pretty hard selling 2nd-hand PC parts especially if you think it's 2yrs old or so, and may just give it to you or give it at a small cost.
  Then the couple of hundred dollars could just be put towards minor upgrades on their system.

  • 

    CandyMan on 10/10/2015 - 15:28

    Good idea, I wouldn't wNt to spend a few hiders bucks oly to find the desktop is hardly usable, if it's free or costs peanut money different story

    Thanks for the idea

    • 

      CandyMan on 10/10/2015 - 17:00

      +1

      excuse my typing, was using my phone under the sun

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  [Deactivated] on 10/10/2015 - 16:53

  I didn't read all the previous comments, so forgive if I'm repeating anything… But there is a computer build thread on Whirlpool with different options. Some are really cheap. However to make it even cheaper, get only the desktop box new. I know you said you have them, but it could be a CRT for all I know - so I'll suggest getting on Freecyle for other stuff like monitor (for a start). You could also ask for keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc. whatever too - but you can get most of this dirt cheap elsewhere, new. On aliexpress for example. Get a mouse for a few $, delivered.

  What I'm saying is, new desktop - other stuff for the cost of fuel to pick it up. That either makes it really cheap, or, you add the money you saved into making the box better - more RAM, whatever.

  There's also council recycling centres. But they can have silly prices. I saw $40 for a secondhand LCD monitor the other day covered in scratches - pfft - just use Freecycle, I say. A few $ in fuel to pick up something someone else doesn't want anyway.

  • 

    CandyMan on 10/10/2015 - 17:01

    Thanks for the ideas - very useful :)

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  [Deactivated] on 10/10/2015 - 17:18

  From what you said before, it also crossed my mind… You can buy cables with a lock to secure laptops to a desk. Forget what they're called. (I think it's a brand that's now become what the item is known as - like everyone calls vacuum flasks a "Thermos".)

  • 

    CandyMan on 10/10/2015 - 17:21

    Kensington locks? yeah that's a good idea too. skipped my mind. Ill have to look into that, kids can do all kinds of creative stuff anyhow :)

  • 

    CandyMan on 10/10/2015 - 19:19

    Found one for $5 might be a money saver. Decisions, decisions.

    • 

      altomic on 11/10/2015 - 10:10

      +1

      with the laptop -remove the battery so it can't be portable. Sorry kids, battery is dead. Hide battery. Cable tie power supply to table leg or under table ( keep it out if the way)

      • 

        CandyMan on 12/10/2015 - 15:47

        That would save me buying the lock for $5!

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 12/10/2015 - 23:42

        @CandyMan: As long as there's no power brown-outs. Lightning flashes - oops, homework gone!

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  CandyMan on 01/11/2015 - 14:14

  +1

  Thanks everyone for contributing to this post. I thought Id share my solution.
  I bought a used ex gov't desktop from grays online -cost me $77 - Just the case - ticked all the boxes - no software, no screen etc..

  The hard drive was faulty so I used a 2.5" 500GB HDD that was lying around. I used my own screen, keyboard, mouse and a PS3 webcam (I bought the driver for the webcam for ~$4 - works great)

  I installed win7, then upgraded to win 10 - didn't accept my licence so I contacted MS who kindly gave me a win 10 licence free of charge!

  I then installed MS office Pro Plus 2016 and Photoshop -licences from DEC - free

  Total cost $81

  I ended up with a basic desktop that works better than I expected, will do fine for the kids homework.

  For the future I will be taking scrimshaw's advice and gathering hardware for a mini ATX system as cheap components are on sale on OZBargain.