I'd like an inexpensive computer for my neighbor

Nukeman7 said:
The desktop version of a Chromebook laptop is a Chromebox.

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Nukeman, the Apple Mac Mini comes in about the same price at $500, I think MacOS is more versatile and easier than Chrome, more service options with Mac, Mac is stable and should be an easy transition from Windows.

A base model Mac Mini is more than enough for her--and the base model comes with 256GB storage, not the 128 in the Chromebox above.

https://www.apple.com/us-edu/shop/buy-mac

Also, I would think Shel B is going to have fewer support issues with Mac versus Chrome (just my opinion), mac Hardware and Software generally extremely stable and reliable.
 
Some of the old z-series (HP) and dells equivalent are actually reliable and usable on modern web in this day and age so long as

1. SSD
2. Enough Ram
3. GPU

Many of these older Xeon systems are cheap and much more capable than modern “netbook class” machines.

The only issue is finding or making one Window 11 capable when that time comes
 
DemoFly said:
Honestly, anything with a modern laptop/desktop class CPU and SSD will far exceed her use case. I personally wouldn't buy that all in one because it has a netbook class CPU from 2019.

I wish Microsoft would make a release of windows that is devoid of all the elder abuse, but they are pretty adamant about including it. It really sucks because old folk essentially require a computer to survive if not under the care of someone else.
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What do you mean by that comment? We take elder abuse very seriously and I'm curious as to how Windows and Microsoft might be abusing or taking advantage of our seniors. I suspect you're engaging in some sort of hyperbole, but clarification would be helpful in any case.

I'm pushing 80yo and, while I find Windows and Microsoft annoying in some ways, I've not experienced anything I'd consider abusive. Might I be so feeble in my dotage that I've missed it?
 
Shel_B said:
My neighbor is a 90yo woman with almost no knowledge about computers. Her current machine is an ancient HP that barely runs. I'd like to find a desktop/tower machine that can fit under her desk that offers good wireless accessibility and which will be used almost 100% for online shopping, watching sports and streaming services like Netflix, and, of course, email. I just need the box as I have a really nice, big, Dell screen that I'll give her. She'll need speakers of some sort, probably something like Bluetooth. Sound needn't be high-end, but her hearing is bad, so the sound must be clear and able to have some volume.

She's been happy with the HP brand, and it's comfortable for her. I have a Dell account and can get interest-free financing. That's helpful, but not a requirement.

I've seen some all-in-one machines that look interesting, similar to this in style and features. What are your thoughts on these?

HP All-in-One

Is there something out there that'll last her the rest of her life (remember, she's 90) for about $500.00 or so, maybe less? More than likely I'll be loaning her the $$ if not making her a gift of the machine.
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Raspberry Pi running a version of Linux that looks just like windows. Easy to use, better security than Windows or a Fruitbook and less expensive.
 
I have used both Microsoft and Chromebook. The latter is a whole bunch easier to operate. Cromebook clones of Microsoft office apps (excel, word, etc.) are far less powerful but for everyday use they work just fine, if not better than fine.
 
You can try searching for 'Lenovo micro PC refurbished' and can most likely get your hands on a decent one under $200 with say 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD. Amazon sells them, other places do too.
 
dubber09 said:
You can try searching for 'Lenovo micro PC refurbished' and can most likely get your hands on a decent one under $200 with say 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD. Amazon sells them, other places do too.
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Found this on the Canadian Best Buy site. A steal imo.
About $140 USD.

1726086529475.webp
 
In the last 30 years I have put together a lot of systems for nearly this exact use case. I found a few places around my area that accept off-lease corporate machines - usually Lenovo these days - and re-sell 'em dirt cheap. They are built like a @#$% tank, are rather heavy, stupid and ugly; and feature neither a large SSD/HDD nor any appreciate fancy-pants, whiz-bang graphics capability. But their chipsets are bulletproof and their drivers common and mature. And when I build out something like this for someone who will be turning to me if/when things go sideways my primary concern is robustness and reliability. Budget allowing, I'll but a new, low-capacity SSD so its remaining life span is a bit less of a mystery to me.

And if their use cases are literally as simple as OP suggests, I will load up Debian or Ubuntu Linux with a reverse proxy so I can SSH or RDP into the system as needed and I usually never hear from them (about the computer, at least!) again. I'll SSH in every couple of years to dist-upgrade and I'll have a rsync script as a cron job backing their stuff up to a server in my home via the reverse proxy. A little front-loaded work can set up someone for years and years of secure, private, safe, trouble-free browsing.
 
Shel_B said:
What do you mean by that comment? We take elder abuse very seriously and I'm curious as to how Windows and Microsoft might be abusing or taking advantage of our seniors. I suspect you're engaging in some sort of hyperbole, but clarification would be helpful in any case.

I'm pushing 80yo and, while I find Windows and Microsoft annoying in some ways, I've not experienced anything I'd consider abusive. Might I be so feeble in my dotage that I've missed it?
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It’s hard for people with windows and computing experience to relate to how ridiculous something as simple as tricking someone with sight impairment, or declined cognitive function’s default browser or default program associations. When they have been forced to rely on a computer for palliative care or telemedicine. Popups with yes buttons that look like nos. Changing the default save directory to OneDrive so they can’t use their desktop shortcuts that they were trained to use.

It’s real annoying. If your neighbor can use windows it’s all good. My statement was a general one.
 
Shel_B said:
What do you mean by that comment? We take elder abuse very seriously and I'm curious as to how Windows and Microsoft might be abusing or taking advantage of our seniors. I suspect you're engaging in some sort of hyperbole, but clarification would be helpful in any case.

I'm pushing 80yo and, while I find Windows and Microsoft annoying in some ways, I've not experienced anything I'd consider abusive. Might I be so feeble in my dotage that I've missed it?
Click to expand...

Forcing online scheduling, payment, subscriptions and processing for unavoidable parts of life
should be Illegal as it demands current equipment, security and exposes vulnerable individuals to bad actors.

Yes that is abuse.

Not being able to get the results of a surgery or medical test without internet blocking human contact is the way of the future but is again damaging and a cop out.
 
You can buy an Intel N100 powered Mini PC off Amazon brand new for under $200 with Windows included. I think 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot on those. Will run any modern office apps, browsing, streaming, just fine. They have low power usage, and with NVMe SSDs they're super responsive and quick.
 
Dell all in one on dell outlet or dell refurbished.

Got my dad one running windows 11 for about 200 bucks. He was happy it came with keyboard and mouse and built in camera.
 
Downside of Chromebook is laptop and complex to turn on with screen open/then close lid and then using a monitor as she likely can’t see it .

She does not iPads ? Much easier to use and won’t get into some scam as easily.
 
Let us know how you/she like the Beelink. I think it'll be great. I'm thinking of getting one to replace my 10-year-old Intel NUC as a media PC.

She can stick it under the desk if she really wants to, but it's so small, there really is no need to do that.
 
Shel_B said:
I'd like to thank everyone for their suggestions. I ordered a Beelink for my neighbor this morning and it'll bee here in a few days. I'm looking forward to seeing this puppy, and my neighbor's excited as well.
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If you type-in Beelink at Google.com, there's four different Beelinks shown. Which one did he buy?
 
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