I already have a monitor and keyboard and speakers and mouse, etc....

I just need a reliable tower I can plug those into and I won’t be doing anything more than using the standard office app suite and my wife making Shutterfly books, etc...

I can’t find anything other than laptops on google searches.

Are simple desktop PCs even a thing anymore?

I’m not looking to spend more than a few hundred dollars. No macs.

I have an Asus gaming laptop and a Microsoft surface I can just dock if there’s no cheap and reliable options for my needs. But I was hoping to have something permanent in the office at the house. Worst case scenario I’ll just buy the entry level surface and permanently dock it.

Thanks.

This post was edited on 10/21/20 at 6:23 pm

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Posted by Korkstand

Member since Nov 2003

28997 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 6:34 pm to Nguyener

quote:
Are simple desktop PCs even a thing anymore?

Yeah, there are thousands of options on amazon, newegg, etc.

quote:
I just need a reliable tower I can plug those into and I won’t be doing anything more than using the standard office app suite and my wife making Shutterfly books, etc...

You have no requirements, anything made in the last ~5 years will be plenty.

quote:
Worst case scenario I’ll just buy the entry level surface and permanently dock it.

I would not do that, would be a waste.

I would probably just pick a price point and filter on Amazon. I would probably also look strongly at refurbs because you'll get more bang for the buck.

Edit: And if space or noise are considerations, there are small form-factor options like the NUC line from Intel, among others. Usually a performance trade-off.

This post was edited on 10/21/20 at 6:36 pm

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Posted by Nguyener

Kame House

Member since Mar 2013

21057 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 6:44 pm to Korkstand

Reliability and longevity are important to me.

I understand you’re saying anything in the last 5 years but I don’t want a plastic POS that will overheat and break in less than a year. I also don’t want something that comes loaded with nonsense and bloat ware.

quote:
And if space or noise are considerations, there are small form-factor options like the NUC line from Intel, among others. Usually a performance trade-off.

This is super interesting I hadn’t heard of these. Might go with it.

Something like this Intel Nuc on amazon

This post was edited on 10/21/20 at 8:04 pm

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Posted by Got Heeem

Georgia

Member since Sep 2012

3631 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 7:56 pm to Nguyener

I use DeluxePcs for all computers that I purchase now. They are cheap and come without all the bloat and trash. Fast, clean, and cheap.

LINK

I've purchased 5 or so from them in the last year.

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Posted by SG_Geaux

Beautiful St George, LA

Member since Aug 2004

79555 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 7:59 pm to Got Heeem

quote:
I use DeluxePcs for all computers that I purchase now. They are cheap and come without all the bloat and trash. Fast, clean, and cheap.

If they are selling name brands, they come with bloatware.

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Posted by Korkstand

Member since Nov 2003

28997 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 8:17 pm to Nguyener

quote:
This is super interesting I hadn’t heard of these. Might go with it.

Something like this Intel Nuc on amazon

One neat thing is you can get a VESA bracket and mount it to the rear of your monitor, so you get most of the space-saving benefits of an all-in-one, but with the bonus of being able to upgrade the computer and monitor separately without throwing out the whole shebang.

Worst-case if it's not up to par performance-wise (but I believe it will be), they are very handy to have around as a little server (maybe Plex or some home automation stuff or whatever, if you're into that).

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Posted by awestruck

Member since Jan 2015

12326 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 8:41 pm to Nguyener

I've had good luck with a rebuilt from MICOMP as well as a couple other friends... LINK. Usually not the latest and greatest, but some real deals if just doing video's, chats, and office work.

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Posted by MDB

Baton Rouge

Member since Nov 2019

3479 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 9:01 pm to Nguyener

Tim’s Computers on South Sherwood in BR is great and has a house full of nerds to help you. They’ve been in BR since 1990. It’s worth the trip up the road. Can’t recommend them high enough.

Lots of used/rebuilt stuff as well if that’s your thing.

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Posted by Got Heeem

Georgia

Member since Sep 2012

3631 posts

Posted on 10/21/20 at 9:12 pm to SG_Geaux