I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new. I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os Suggestions? Ron
Ron, I want to try: https://www.pine64.org/pinebook-pro/ my 2017 laptop was ASUS runnig Ubuntu but it was a little more $$$ THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> writes:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
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-- John 508.735.3640
My general response to someone asking about a desktop computer: If you aren't gaming or doing something else that requires lots of memory or graphics support, any modern computer will do what you need. I've liked System 76 computers but there insistence on using Nvidia has decreased my interest. I haven't looked at desktops in a long while so I can't say I have anyone to recommend. On Tue, 2020-09-15 at 11:47 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
-- Dennis Payne dulsi@identicalsoftware.com https://social.freegamedev.net/channel/dulsi
I would look into one of the mainstream e-sellers.. Also depends on your location and if you can get to the microcenter in Cambridge.. As you can get a lot of info. Just watch out for the push one or two sales staff. But there you can see and touch the hardware.. Then they will price match alot of places including NewEgg.. The main parts I would make sure is compatibility with the Linux distro you're going to use. On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 8:56 AM Dennis Payne via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
My general response to someone asking about a desktop computer:
If you aren't gaming or doing something else that requires lots of memory or graphics support, any modern computer will do what you need.
I've liked System 76 computers but there insistence on using Nvidia has decreased my interest. I haven't looked at desktops in a long while so I can't say I have anyone to recommend.
On Tue, 2020-09-15 at 11:47 +0000, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
--
Dennis Payne dulsi@identicalsoftware.com https://social.freegamedev.net/channel/dulsi _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug@lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave@lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/EA3KPM...
Desktops haven't needed to evolve much in the 201x decade. Though I've had my head in the sand as usual, enjoying my 8-15 yr old desktops, 1 older w/ side panel removed, breathing max air at my knees. Sorry for a lack of RECOMMENDATION (maybe Dell Optiplex though), all depends on.... Silly Q's to ask yourself: do I like or dislike SMALL factor w/ half height cards, less air to cool? Do you like the quietest possible chassis or is a little white noise (maybe even blue lights) OK? Can you be happy with a minimal-ish video card, ie FANLESS? (even these can do a lot) And all them audio/video preference details ( HDMI, is that useful? ..........digital optical sound out? Little things... ) and big things like onboard RAID and fitting raid1 or whatever IN your case/chassis, or not. Finally for me, how about: Do you hate being "locked into" a brand/mfgr, even it it just means you shop@Dell when your Dell power supply dies? It's not that wide of a limitation, you can customize most everything else, so I'm ok w/that... What used to matter even in a brick-store-alive world is WHERE(ok, just another mfgr-preference now) YOU BOUGHT IT, which of course matters less to "us" geeky fix-it-yourself types. -doug On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
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On 9/15/20 7:47 AM, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
Hi Ron et al, I have a System76 meerkat with Intel graphics that works very well for me. I use it for general purposes (email, web surfing, occasional Libre Office, etc), but I also hammer on it at times doing lengthy compiles and creating 3 GB ISO files (in 2-3 minutes!!). I'm running a remastered version of Ubuntu 18.04.*. https://system76.com/desktops/meerkat Andy -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Vice President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group
I cross reference passmark cpu ratings with refurbs and discontinued items on ebay in my price range. Sometimes I opt for the squaretrade, other times not. Similar to the System76 meerkat is the Intel NUC, on which I run an ubuntu image from Canonical. Mike On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 10:19 AM Andy Stewart via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
On 9/15/20 7:47 AM, THE HAMMER via WLUG wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
Hi Ron et al,
I have a System76 meerkat with Intel graphics that works very well for me. I use it for general purposes (email, web surfing, occasional Libre Office, etc), but I also hammer on it at times doing lengthy compiles and creating 3 GB ISO files (in 2-3 minutes!!).
I'm running a remastered version of Ubuntu 18.04.*.
https://system76.com/desktops/meerkat
Andy
-- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Vice President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug@lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave@lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/M2YWJY...
My last few computers have been used Dell or HP workstations, mostly off-lease from a couple ebay sellers I have experience with. One was from a WPI student off craigslist. They all do great with Linux and I've had no regrets. A couple ebay sellers I've had good luck with: https://www.ebay.com/str/dellofficialrefurbishedstore https://www.ebay.com/str/enviroit -- Rich On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
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I'll throw a +1 for this idea. The sorts of things you're looking to do aren't particularly intensive, so you don't need anything high powered. For some projects at home, I've been looking at getting older refurb desktops, like a Lenovo M83 or HP 8030, something with an i5-4570 or 4590, and 8G of RAM. If it comes with an SSD great but new small ones ~120G are only $25 or so, so it's cheap to slap your own in and do an install. These machines are fairly plentiful (old office desktops) and you can find them pretty inexpensively. For example I'm watching 2 on Facebook marketplace right now at $100 and $120. fwiw, I need some GPU power as well, so was going to get an NVidia 1650 LP to put in there, but for your list of things the built-in graphics should be fine. On Tue, Sep 15, 2020, 11:34 Richard Klein via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
My last few computers have been used Dell or HP workstations, mostly off-lease from a couple ebay sellers I have experience with. One was from a WPI student off craigslist. They all do great with Linux and I've had no regrets.
A couple ebay sellers I've had good luck with: https://www.ebay.com/str/dellofficialrefurbishedstore https://www.ebay.com/str/enviroit
-- Rich
On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
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Hi Ron, You might try looking around on my website here.I purchased my last desktop locally from Thinkmate (formerly PCs For Everyone) out of Norwood, now located in Waltham and Cambridge. If things are the same, you can design your own desktop - something you might be able to do with some of the other companies also. While you're at it you can search here for open source alternative software. Al ButlerCustom Desktop Solutions On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 7:48:14 AM EDT, THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote: I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new. I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer. If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os Suggestions? Ron _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug@lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave@lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/UE5BMI...
Ron, For a desktop machine, I would consider the following minimums: Ram: Minimum 16GB Modern web browsers are memory hogs. Once you throw in the window manager and a couple more applications, there's never been a situation where I've thought, "Damn, this machine has too much memory" My current machine has 16gb of ram, and frankly, I wish it had 32GB or 64GB. Disk: Minimum 512GB Disk Type: If you can afford the price, buy an NVME, if not an SSD. NVME is essentially a solid state disk plugged directly into the PCI bus skipping the SATA buss) so the I/O performance is kick ass. Yet again... nobody ever complains their program loads *too* fast. The price has come way down on these. Personally, other features that I'd want would be support for dual monitors. Tim. On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
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-- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers".
ZaReason is another supplier of computers preloaded with Linux operating systems. I haven't bought from them. From what I know they are a very small company with all the pluses and minuses that come with that. https://zareason.com/Desktops/ On Fri, Sep 18, 2020 at 8:44 AM Tim Keller via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
Ron,
For a desktop machine, I would consider the following minimums:
Ram: Minimum 16GB Modern web browsers are memory hogs. Once you throw in the window manager and a couple more applications, there's never been a situation where I've thought, "Damn, this machine has too much memory" My current machine has 16gb of ram, and frankly, I wish it had 32GB or 64GB. Disk: Minimum 512GB Disk Type: If you can afford the price, buy an NVME, if not an SSD. NVME is essentially a solid state disk plugged directly into the PCI bus skipping the SATA buss) so the I/O performance is kick ass. Yet again... nobody ever complains their program loads *too* fast. The price has come way down on these.
Personally, other features that I'd want would be support for dual monitors.
Tim.
On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:48 AM THE HAMMER via WLUG <wlug@lists.wlug.org> wrote:
I want to consider getting a new desktop computer. Can anyone advise me as to a specific model and place to purchase from? It's been a long time since I've bought new.
I would be using it mostly for emails, a few general apts (like music streams and libre office), and a bit of amateur coding. I am not a gamer.
If it is a windows machine, I'd like to load on a linux based os
Suggestions?
Ron
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-- I am leery of the allegiances of any politician who refers to their constituents as "consumers". _______________________________________________ WLUG mailing list -- wlug@lists.wlug.org To unsubscribe send an email to wlug-leave@lists.wlug.org Create Account: https://wlug.mailman3.com/accounts/signup/ Change Settings: https://wlug.mailman3.com/postorius/lists/wlug.lists.wlug.org/ Web Forum/Archive: https://wlug.mailman3.com/hyperkitty/list/wlug@lists.wlug.org/message/BNKJ2I...
participants (12)
-
Aljerin Butler,Jr. -
Andy Stewart -
Dennis Payne -
Doug Mildram -
James Gray -
John Eismeier -
Mike Peckar -
Richard Klein -
Stephen Breaux -
THE HAMMER -
Theo Van Dinter -
Tim Keller