Inexpensive laptop/PC

[r00a005]

I see people from time to time asking about a cheap pc for a single task. This one fits that description quite well. I just wish it had a touch screen...
Fairly local company

Evolve III Maestro 11.6" Laptop Computer - Dark Grey; Intel Celeron N3450 1.1GHz Processor; 4GB LPDDR4-2133 RAM; 64GB - Micro Center

Get it now! The only group harder on electronics than the military are elementary school students. When it comes to durability, the Maestro E-Book edition brings portability and the peace of mind of knowing it can handle a few bumps along the way.

www.microcenter.com

 

[mike93lx]

Wow, those specs are painful.

 

[XXL__]

Wow, those specs are painful.

Far more than a typical Linux-based process control (CNC, motor controllers, etc.) box could ever need.

 

[brandonsmash]

That would be a great choice to have a couple out in the shop for the CNC plasma and mill.

Hmm. I might have to pull the trigger.

 

[mike93lx]

Far more than a typical Linux-based process control (CNC, motor controllers, etc.) box could ever need.

How is that relevant though? You should also mention that we got on the moon with a calculator's worth of computing power.

Are a lot of people willing to use that bottom of the barrel, 15 year old machine, going to install a Linux distro?

Windows would laugh at that rig

 

[XXL__]

How is that relevant though?
Are a lot of people willing to use that bottom of the barrel, 15 year old machine, going to install a Linux distro?

Because the OP posted this machine under the premise of it being "a cheap pc for a single task."

Why would I want or need a $1500 performance machine for a PLC controller in my shop? At $60 each, these are cheaper than a decent Raspberry Pi, with 10x the compute power. As for installing a Linux distro, this is 2022. They practically install themselves, can be pared down to literally 15MB or less, are generally completely free., and require scant compute resources. That's why.

It sounds like this isn't the deal for you.

 

[gamp945]

Hard to believe you can buy a machine like this for $60. Would make a great machine for running Toyota Techstream software with a mini-VCI cable or a cheap CNC router.

 

[MAYBEN]

I see people from time to time asking about a cheap pc for a single task. This one fits that description quite well. I just wish it had a touch screen...
Fairly local company

Evolve III Maestro 11.6" Laptop Computer - Dark Grey; Intel Celeron N3450 1.1GHz Processor; 4GB LPDDR4-2133 RAM; 64GB - Micro Center

Get it now! The only group harder on electronics than the military are elementary school students. When it comes to durability, the Maestro E-Book edition brings portability and the peace of mind of knowing it can handle a few bumps along the way.

www.microcenter.com

That could be good for Forscan, since I cannot use on my MBP

 

[JRC3]

Hmmm, that might be great to cast music streaming to a real stereo. I use my phone but would love something dedicated. Or even home automation and monitoring.

A touchscreen would be awesome.

 

[r00a005]

"Hmmm, that might be great to cast music streaming to a real stereo"

this is why I got it

 

[PlantItDeep]

I have considered buying something similar purely to store and display parts catalogs/manuals when working on machinery in the field. Does not take much performance to display a PDF or image

Have not done so yet though

 

[Radio Flyer]

"Hmmm, that might be great to cast music streaming to a real stereo"

this is why I got it

I keep bouncing between the idea of this or a tablet to leave at work. If I left it there and hooked to the WiFi, it would be so much easier to deal with. And in all reality, anyone could stream what they wanted when they are there as well.

 

[BroncoAZ]

That could be good for Forscan, since I cannot use on my MBP

Exactly what I was thinking.

I have considered buying something similar purely to store and display parts catalogs/manuals when working on machinery in the field. Does not take much performance to display a PDF or image

Have not done so yet though

I think you would be served better by a tablet like an IPad of cheap Amazon fire (prime day is 7/12-7-13). We just swapped from laptops to iPad‘s at work for foreman and up, they are constantly using them to review plans for construction projects.

Refurbished 10” Fire HD tablet is $70 for prime members right now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F5LRHB4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Trm303]

Can any tech guys chime in a tell me if this would be a capable/reliable enough machine to run inkscape and basic cad software? I would think the quad core should be plenty? I have a pretty good laptop at home but I need something small I can throw in my work bag to mess around with concepts/jobs for the CNC on slow days

 

[theoldwizard1]

My son has a Dell with similar specs. Nothing can be upgraded. There is so little free space on the C: drive you can not even install the current Win10 updates !

Pretty useless !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Can any tech guys chime in a tell me if this would be a capable/reliable enough machine to run inkscape and basic cad software? I would think the quad core should be plenty? I have a pretty good laptop at home but I need something small I can throw in my work bag to mess around with concepts/jobs for the CNC on slow days

If you are looking to buy new, look for a 13"-15" screen. Pay the upgrade for full HD (1920x1080) and IPS. Minimum 8GB RAM and 126 GB of M.2 SSD. Quad core and find something with an AMD processor with builtin graphics.

There is usually some good deals as you get closer to the start of school. Also, AMD has recently brought out a new line of processors meaning the current one will be discounted in order to get rid of them.

EDIT: Good starting point. HP Pavilion Laptop 15z-eh100 $389 $389

 

[Trm303]

If you are looking to buy new, look for a 13"-15" screen. Pay the upgrade for full HD (1920x1080) and IPS. Minimum 8GB RAM and 126 GB of M.2 SSD. Quad core and find something with an AMD processor with builtin graphics.

There is usually some good deals as you get closer to the start of school. Also, AMD has recently brought out a new line of processors meaning the current one will be discounted in order to get rid of them.

EDIT: Good starting point. HP Pavilion Laptop 15z-eh100 $389. https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-pavilion-laptop-15z-eh100-2h5a8av-1?pStoreID=epp

Thank you for the advice!

 

[luvtheheat]

Wow, those specs are painful.

It would only take an hour or so to boot.....

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Because the OP posted this machine under the premise of it being "a cheap pc for a single task."

Why would I want or need a $1500 performance machine for a PLC controller in my shop? At $60 each, these are cheaper than a decent Raspberry Pi, with 10x the compute power. As for installing a Linux distro, this is 2022. They practically install themselves, can be pared down to literally 15MB or less, are generally completely free., and require scant compute resources. That's why.

It sounds like this isn't the deal for you.

It really depends on a persons use. That computer is similar, but a little less powerful then what I am typing this on, now. (old Lenovo 11e EDU series, that I turned into a Linux Netbook).
Last month, Slickdeals had some more powerful, refurbs via ebay for around $200 that would run shooting range software that they are working on getting working on a Raspberry PI, that isn't there yet.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought an HP laptop at Staples. I need it for on-the-road tuning of the TEC3r ECU in my 1940 Ford. I did not need the computer right away, so I put in on the included charger and left is plugged in for about a year. When I took the HP off the charger, it died, instantly. I asked Staples for some assistance with this situation. I was told the warranty was over. I reminded then that I had the extended warranty because I had made the purchase with my credit card. The answer was still no.
My wife's HP also suffered a battery failure. Is this a common fail??
I have a 10 year old LENOVO laptop. It still works as it should.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought an HP laptop at Staples. I need it for on-the-road tuning of the TEC3r ECU in my 1940 Ford. I did not need the computer right away, so I put in on the included charger and left is plugged in for about a year. When I took the HP off the charger, it died, instantly. I asked Staples for some assistance with this situation. I was told the warranty was over. I reminded then that I had the extended warranty because I had made the purchase with my credit card. The answer was still no.
My wife's HP also suffered a battery failure. Is this a common fail??

I have no real proof but I am of the opinion that NO BATTERY should ever be left to charge 24/7 for multiple days or weeks. Plug the charger into a cheap mechanical lamp timer and do not charge for more than 4 hours per day.

This does mean you have to manually switch the timer to ON when the battery is more than about 25% discharged.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have no real proof but I am of the opinion that NO BATTERY should ever be left to charge 24/7 for multiple days or weeks. Plug the charger into a cheap mechanical lamp timer and do not charge for more than 4 hours per day.

This does mean you have to manually switch the timer to ON when the battery is more than about 25% discharged.

I think you may be correct. I did not see anything in the owner's manual about charging. I am going to give the HP away. It will be a good not portable computer, for someone.

 

[Trm303]

I think you may be correct. I did not see anything in the owner's manual about charging. I am going to give the HP away. It will be a good not portable computer, for someone.

Those batteries should be replaceable if you pull the case apart

 

[bas157]

Those batteries should be replaceable if you pull the case apart

Yes, they should be replacable. Look online for a replacement battery for that model then fire up youtube and you might find a video showing how to replace it. Maybe even on the HP website they may have step-by-step directions to do it. I know Dell's website does, at least for the models we use at the school I'm at.

 

[isb cornbinder]

II

Yes, they should be replacable. Look online for a replacement battery for that model then fire up youtube and you might find a video showing how to replace it. Maybe even on the HP website they may have step-by-step directions to do it. I know Dell's website does, at least for the models we use at the school I'm at.

I will have a look at your suggestions. Thanks for the information. I don't need this laptop so it will be gifted.

 

[dogdog]

got one today, not too bad, win10 pro education edition. wifi only 2.4ghz. but comes with 4g LTE modem, mini HDMI..
casing is standard plastic as all other laptop is. not sure what some of the complain is about that.

Might go get another one tomorrow.

Minor correction, seems like the driver days 4g / 5G cellular… so not sure

 

[PlantItDeep]

got one today, not too bad, win10 pro education edition. wifi only 2.4ghz. but comes with 4g LTE modem, mini HDMI..
casing is standard plastic as all other laptop is. not sure what some of the complain is about that.

Might go get another one tomorrow.

How bright is the screen? Is it bright enough to use in otuside conditions?

 

[dogdog]

How bright is the screen? Is it bright enough to use in otuside conditions?

screen is pretty decent for indoor uses, under daylight or night. Not sure if it is capable of bring it to a beach type screen. you'll find most laptop struggles in bright direct sunlight... Not sure your question "bright enough to use in outside conditions" means. I got it for a day less than 24 hours so far. have not tested ever conditions. It is very similar to the older Asus EEE or older Acer Aspire netbook with less storage.

storage is pretty low 64GB I think it is in the spec. but it is plenty if you are just surfing the web or run a movie/media player with it.

 

[PlantItDeep]

screen is pretty decent for indoor uses, under daylight or night. Not sure if it is capable of bring it to a beach type screen. you'll find most laptop struggles in bright direct sunlight... Not sure your question "bright enough to use in outside conditions" means. I got it for a day less than 24 hours so far. have not tested ever conditions. It is very similar to the older Asus EEE or older Acer Aspire netbook with less storage.

storage is pretty low 64GB I think it is in the spec. but it is plenty if you are just surfing the web or run a movie/media player with it.

Thank you

I was hoping there might be a chance it had a super high NIT screen (since targeting students/kids) but was an unlikely dream!

 

[dogdog]

Thank you

I was hoping there might be a chance it had a super high NIT screen (since targeting students/kids) but was an unlikely dream!

It’s normally a sub $200 netbook, no way it will be with a premium screen, saying that the screen is not bad either. For indoor or normal outdoor use. Just not your beach tech toy. Probably good for Linux or odb2 automotive software like vcds or Honda hds or Toyota tech stream etc. I think some expectations are just too far right ……. Off the cliff of flatten earth.

The price reduction might be because of the lte modem and the WiFi are getting outdated with 5G cellular and WiFi 6 are on the horizon.