Computer for Grandparents. Are these Good Deals?

Ljasonofabargain on 17/08/2020 - 07:21
Last edited 17/08/2020 - 10:04 by 1 other user

Hi OzB,

Last week I got tasked with finding a new desktop computer for my grandfather.

He spends majority of his days reading the news online, playing backgammon online, skype, facebooking friends - not intensive stuff.

For the last few years, we have been giving him hand me down computers which have reached either nill use due to hardware issues with charging port, issues beyond worth of repair, or just very slow operation.

It's time we got him something new and proper for him to use which wont require fixing or replacement for as long as possible - keeping in mind he spends multiple hours a day on it.

It seems like there are three options when it comes to desktops these days:

  • Intel Nuc's / MSi Cube other small profile computers
  • Custom Build's
  • Branded PC's (albeit quite minimal)

The two options that I have been able to narrow down:

  • Lenovo V530s SFF - 9th Gen Intel i3 - 8GB Ram - 256 GB SSD - $874.30
  • Intel NUC - 10th Gen Intel i3 - 8GB Ram - 240GB SSD - $799.00

Are there any better options than this? I just feel these are somewhat pricey and a bit overkill. Has anyone had any experience with the above? Are there any warranty problems? Are there better value options you can recommend?

Would love feedback as I dont want my grandpa to spend ridiculous amounts of money if he doesn't need to.

NOTE: LAPTOPS ARE NOT AN OPTION. DESKTOP ONLY.

Lenovo -> https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/desktops-and-all-in-ones/lenovo…

NUC -> https://www.mwave.com.au/product/intel-nuc-mini-pc-i3-10th-gen-slim-8gb-240gb-ssd-w10-home-ac34285

Moderators, im new to posting, if I have posted something that doesn't fit the rules let me know …

Jason

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • ssquid on 17/08/2020 - 07:32
    +21

    Both of those sound like huge overkill. Spend $200 on a second-hand optiplex.

    • slow on 17/08/2020 - 08:04
      +4

      Agree, and a nice monitor

    • dartsahoy on 17/08/2020 - 08:06
      +4

      Definitely the best option given the nature of what the grandfather will use it for.

      Go for something like this, maybe it's cheaper on eBay but it's around that $200-$300 price point:

      https://www.amazon.com.au/Optiplex-Processor-Computer-Wirele…

    • JimmyF on 17/08/2020 - 08:49
      +4

      Agreed, a 2nd hand optiplex. Even look at a all-in-one for them to save space and keep things simple.

      • Presence on 17/08/2020 - 10:01
        +2

        Yes the AIOs are very good value, you get a decent screen, wifi, Bluetooth, card reader, etc that the towers generally lack. Most of them aren't too hard to open either.

    • jasonofabargain on 17/08/2020 - 19:17

      Thanks for the reply ssquid!

      Probably a bit of a curve ball, but how long do these refurbished Optiplex's generally last?

      • Series4Episode10 on 18/08/2020 - 11:05
        +2

        Have dealt in second hand ex gov/corp Dell stuff for a long time, toughest hardware available … never buy their consumer grad rubbish … what's wrong with his present gear? getting slow? that's fixable

      • davide14 on 18/08/2020 - 13:39

        I bought a used Optiplex 990 (i5 2400) in 2014 for my mum and dad and it is still working fine and is fast enough for them. The only thing I've done to it is swap the hdd for an ssd. From what I have experienced and seen in the workplace they last very well.

    • HeWhoKnows on 18/08/2020 - 22:33

      Can get HP or Dell workstations (SFF) with Core i5 3rd Gen for between $150 and $170
      Just make sure its got 8GB RAM on it.
      These are made to last a very long time and much better built than consumer/retail stock.
      And there are plenty going around at the moment.
      You have have to install Win 10 and the required software yourself but no big deal.

      Slow running computers over time are more often caused by a lack of regular clean up and maintenance. Not by the hardware itself.
      Except if the computer has either insufficient RAM, or hard disk is becoming full or has hard disk errors. RAM and sisk space is easy to check.
      Condition of any hard disk can be checked with "CrystalDiskInfo".

      Just install Advanced System Care (Free) and run it once a week and computer will always run at peak performance.

      If you are located in Sydney Jason I can put together a HP Core i5 3rd gen complete system with all required software loaded and with good monitor for you for around $200. Just PM me.

  • whooah1979 on 17/08/2020 - 09:42

    his days reading the news online, playing backgammon online, skype, facebooking friends - not intensive stuff.

    A refurbished iPad tick all those boxes. It has the added convenience of being portable and “plug” and play.

    • Presence on 17/08/2020 - 10:02
      +2

      It depends on the person, but the ergonomics of a desktop are often a lot better, especially for old eyes.

      • FIVEDOLLAR on 17/08/2020 - 10:24

        What's wrong with the display on the iPad?

        • Presence on 17/08/2020 - 19:06

          It's the angle. Holding the tablet and bending your head for long periods is often very uncomfortable for old people. Obviously there are ways around it using a stand.

      • whooah1979 on 17/08/2020 - 10:29

        Use this.
        https://imgur.com/a/1Q292y3

    • jasonofabargain on 17/08/2020 - 19:19

      Thanks for the reply whooah 1979!

      Unfortunately, hes against that idea as he wants a large monitor - however I appreciate the suggestion.

      • squidz on 17/08/2020 - 21:02

        I got one of these
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/466022
        The box arrive a little beaten up but the computer inside has no scratches.
        Came with wireless mouse n keyboard., good built in speaker from b & o speaker
        It can also be used as a standalone monitor taking hdmi input from other device.
        U can also use it as a pc n taking input at the same time.. a button on the monitor to switch between the 2.. pretty neat.
        Mine came with 10 pro but when I search for winkey it gave me twice.. I guess hp decided to load pro version during refurbishment

        Not knowing your grands, at min, I would go for a 24” or 27”.
        Either octane or ssd for boot up is good
        i7 gen 9 would be nice… but for casual usage. I think i5 should be sufficient.
        Min 8Gb ram… any less I personally find windows 10 suffers.
        They have built in wifi.
        Look around hp’a website for something around your price point that have roughly the above specs or better :p

        Every now n then, hp chuck some bargains in their website

  • KevinL on 17/08/2020 - 10:48

    I bought one of these for my retired parents for $200, it's excellent - was in stock a few days ago, so I'd keep an eye on the Amazon listing: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/521256

  • squidz on 17/08/2020 - 11:06
    +2

    personally, i would have gone with an all-in-one..
    it's so convenient for people who needs to plug n play..
    a refurb one should last for 5-10 years if it's only for skype, reading, youtube..

    • jasonofabargain on 17/08/2020 - 19:21

      Thanks for the reply squidz!

      Any recommended refurbished all in ones with a good rep?

  • Noire on 17/08/2020 - 11:33
    +1

    I would suggest samsung dex if he also needed a new smartphone. Since that option worked out for my grandparents.

  • TRAVELO on 17/08/2020 - 12:49

    Honestly, Get them a refurb mac. It's no stuffing around, it just works and they won't need to worry about things. Just load up a free av and install the free version of teamviewer if they need help remotely.

  • casho on 17/08/2020 - 14:34
    +2

    I got my elderly parents an ipad and they love it, so simple for them to use, and can use it on the couch, in the kitchen etc.

  • theray on 17/08/2020 - 17:37
    +1

    I bought these before: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/192642693264

    Good value

  • bulletmark on 18/08/2020 - 07:50

    Get a second-hand PC/notebook and install Chrome OS on it via https://www.neverware.com/. That is what I did for my wife's father and it has been great.

  • ScottTheFalcon on 18/08/2020 - 08:35

    Not an answer but related - I'd suggest installing Ubuntu or similar in this case as well. You'll save yourself a lot of support issues and he will be pretty free of viruses, scammers and the like. Every "older" person I've done this for has loved it.

    • kiitos on 18/08/2020 - 11:44

      No issues transitioning them from another OS to Linux?

      It was a long process getting my mum used to excel after years of using Lotus, and that was with the crossover help that excel gave.

      • ScottTheFalcon on 19/08/2020 - 12:56
        +1

        Well going from one "complicated" app to another brand can be an effort to be sure.

        But clicking on "Chrome" in Ubuntu is pretty much exactly the same as double clicking on "Chrome" in Windows really. And most people, especially in the demographic we're talking about here, do exactly that - then find "Shutdown" when they're done.

        But for people I've done this to - they can't believe how easy it is. Less questions - less "dings" - app updates just happen without concern. One OS update every two years, or every five if you like. Support calls were literally decimated (actually probably better than 1 in 10).

  • Ramrunner on 18/08/2020 - 13:32

    Like others I say for the use a used Optiplex is a great choice.

    If you want the new (with 3 year warranty), the NUC is very much a fantastic choice. Sell pretty much nothing but nowadays. They go forever those things.

    Whatever you get please get SSD , I can't bear using any computer with a HDD any more.

  • kiitos on 18/08/2020 - 14:10

    How many drives can be fit in a non-tower optiplex? Do they have a non-standard internal layout?

  • patchydog on 18/08/2020 - 14:19
    +1

    the worst computer i ever bought was a lenovo desktop i7 from harvey norman replaced several times & still bad ,bought in house build i7 from centrecom & it was fantastic so bought my wife a i3 in house build for about $600 from centrecom & had about four years good run out of it so far, will never buy brand names again.i also buy my monitors & other extras there as well.

  • shaybisc on 19/08/2020 - 12:14

    "Intel NUC - 10th Gen Intel i3 - 8GB Ram - 240GB SSD - $799.00"

    The ASUS PN50s with Ryzen CPUs crush NUCS.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4XdG2QxXB4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuI7jA5Jd3I

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join