Buying a desktop PC for an older relative

Hermy

I'm trying to help an older relative of mine who is looking to replace their old desktop PC.

They mostly use it for social media and browsing.

The Acer XC 1710 or XC 1780 are in budget but if ye have any other suggestions or advice I'd be most grateful.

LambshankRedemption

What is the budget?

The Continental Op

I guess up to €400

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-XC-1710-Tower-Desktop/dp/B0D427QMFT

~€365

Hermy

Sorry I should have mentioned a budget - I'm thinking €500 tops.

skyblueflyer

Would a tablet maybe suit better? My elderly relatives uses a Lenovo tablet for social media and browsing.

Hermy

He did try a laptop before and didn't like it.

He's been using a desktop for years and I think he just prefers the familiarity of it.

LambshankRedemption

Can I suggest this: https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/p/desktops/ideacentre/aio-500-series/ideacentre-aio-i-gen-9-(24-inch-intel)/f0hncto1wwie1?orgRef=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F&cid=ie:sem:1tiyf2&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADHQmtN7Rj3g6CflT1jbTDwyCy0Ip&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoJC-BhCSARIsAPhdfSglTNB1C9T9Dl4KxksPRsxkjJxfKat_MeAvlawMq_3hU9j8lxatjKwaAlnoEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

It's an i9 processor over the i3 in your example which is about 12% faster. Comes with keyboard and mouse.

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123224583#Comment_123224583

Is it not a U300 processor - gen 9 ?

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123224595#Comment_123224595

Yes it is. So ignore my above comment on being 12 percent faster.

A2LUE42

Would something like this work for them, if they don't need a cd/dvd drive?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058389557/cheap-mini-pc-for-light-office-browsing-fits-on-the-back-of-your-monitor-160

The Continental Op

Its a tough choice. I think all those entry level PC's are way to expensive but then I tend to use old second hand stuff I've got for free and upgraded CPU, memory and RAM.

In the same ball park is https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/desktop-computers/inspiron-small-desktop/spd/inspiron-3030-small-desktop/cd205101 €479.00 (probably delivery extra). Not that I think that is a bargain.

The Acer XC 1710 I linked to on Amazon would be top of my list but I'm not too sure about the CPU as its a laptop CPU. The next thing up in Acer is https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-XC-1760-i5-12400-Windows/dp/B0CTKV2PWS which starts to tick a lot more boxes for me but is €570.40

Edit> Don't forget the gotcha's OP! What type of connector is on the relatives current monitor? If its VGA you'll need a system with VGA out or to buy an adaptor of some kind.

Melodeon

I was asking a similar question here a few months ago, which might be worth your while having a look at:

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058381985/another-sub-500-desktop-enquiry

Summary: we went with refurbished kit and my elderly relative is delighted with the result.

lau1247

If it is just for browsing/social media and doesn't have to be new, there are lots of decent used SFF (Small Form Factors) PC on Adverts.ie that can be bought around between 100 Euro to 250 Euro mark.

Something like HP Prodesk or HP Elitedesk or Dell Optiplex

cunavalos

Would definitely recommend the refurbished route. Sign up for notifications from this seller on adverts, you would pick up a superior pc than either of the acers for less than €200. You have to move fast, items tend to sell within the first two or three hours.

https://touch.adverts.ie/member/1346968

jj880

My mother (age 76) wanted a PC recently a few years ago. For browsing, facebook, amazon, ebay, watches the odd movie on it. Looked in local Facebook buy & sell. Got her a dell tower being sold from a local office. Bargain at 150 euro. Not a problem with it. She uses it daily. Anything bought now Id be looking to make sure it can upgrade to win 11.

Hermy

Thanks very much for all the replies.

Those refurbished PC's look really good but I went with the Acer @The Continental Op linked to.