Simple computer to browse web for parents.

[SexMuffin]

Hello all,

I have about a $1000 budget for just the PC (no peripherals or monitor needed) and was wondering what I should get for my parents to browse facebook, do ibanking stuff etc. I am more inclined to get a prebuilt PC as opposed to custom as it would be easier to be able to send the PC to servicing instead of needing to troubleshoot myself before sending it down to the supplier for RMA.

I was looking around and saw that the mac mini (base 8gb / 256gb model) fits the bill perfectly (Having a small PC is important due to size constraints in the family study room) BUT i am not sure if my parents would be able to transition from windows > MacOS. I saw that Aftershock has a tiny PC model called the Vision Mini started at $735 but with some tiny upgrades to the ram it can go up to $800.

May I know what are your suggestions for this? Should i look to get a mini PC from other brands as well?

Thank you!

 

[86technie]

Can go Harvey Norman, Challenger take a look.
For normal use prebuild will be much fuss free since any issue just call them during the warranty period.
Aftershock etc. builders, any issue with the PC, they have to troubleshoot and RMA/service the
faulty part which take time maybe weeks before the PC is fix.

 

[Koenig168]

A tablet or chromebook should suffice and is more portable.

 

[Phen8210]

I think to buy dell, don't buy aftershock.

 

[ragnarok95]

You can try Dell optiplex series.

 

[tsteo77]

Hello all,

I have about a $1000 budget for just the PC (no peripherals or monitor needed) and was wondering what I should get for my parents to browse facebook, do ibanking stuff etc. I am more inclined to get a prebuilt PC as opposed to custom as it would be easier to be able to send the PC to servicing instead of needing to troubleshoot myself before sending it down to the supplier for RMA.

I was looking around and saw that the mac mini (base 8gb / 256gb model) fits the bill perfectly (Having a small PC is important due to size constraints in the family study room) BUT i am not sure if my parents would be able to transition from windows > MacOS. I saw that Aftershock has a tiny PC model called the Vision Mini started at $735 but with some tiny upgrades to the ram it can go up to $800.

May I know what are your suggestions for this? Should i look to get a mini PC from other brands as well?

Thank you!

It's too much fuss to get a computer for elderly to surf internet, facebook and ibanking. A simple computer
does not come with the necessary software/hardware for the mentioned tasks. A good IPhone is what you want
for your parents. It has everything you need for the tasks at your given budget with minimal fuss.

 

[twosix]

PC is easier than phones. the phone's screen is so small, tough for older folks to use. many affordable laptops in best, harvey norman, etc... less than $1000. happy shopping!

 

[davidktw]

Hello all,

I have about a $1000 budget for just the PC (no peripherals or monitor needed) and was wondering what I should get for my parents to browse facebook, do ibanking stuff etc. I am more inclined to get a prebuilt PC as opposed to custom as it would be easier to be able to send the PC to servicing instead of needing to troubleshoot myself before sending it down to the supplier for RMA.

I was looking around and saw that the mac mini (base 8gb / 256gb model) fits the bill perfectly (Having a small PC is important due to size constraints in the family study room) BUT i am not sure if my parents would be able to transition from windows > MacOS. I saw that Aftershock has a tiny PC model called the Vision Mini started at $735 but with some tiny upgrades to the ram it can go up to $800.

May I know what are your suggestions for this? Should i look to get a mini PC from other brands as well?

Thank you!

A tablet may be more suitable for the above use cases. An apple ipad starts at SGD499 will fulfill your needs. A PC or Mac will still require a cellphone for 2FA for most iBanking apps.

You can add in accessories like a stand and bluetooth keyboard and still fit your bill. If you are willing to spend more, than apple has a complete ecosystem for keyboard+trackpad+pencil+ipad to provide your parents with very straightforward computing needs.

 

[poooooo]

Tablet or chromebook more intuitive for elderly imo, lesser stuff to install and configure.

 

[SexMuffin]

Thanks for all the replies!!

I've tried lending my mum my iPad, however she doesnt like that the screen is smaller and there isnt a physical keyboard. I'll def look into Dell computers and maybe a cheaper laptop if she doesnt mind a smaller screen.

Talking about screens, are there any 24" monitor you would recommend? I saw that there the Xiao Mi C1 for 199$. Are there any others you would recommend?

 

[Jurchen King]

If PC access is going to be at fixed spot at home, suggest All-In-One. Just plug in keyboard and mouse. Save space also.

 

[poooooo]

can always use stuff like samsung dex to connect a physical kb or monitor to their android, but she seem set on PC, don't have to force it.

Can also look into intel NUC, they are tiny pc, it's good enough for surfing, reading, and online banking stuff. There are a lot of models so I'm not sure which one would suit her needs.

 

[SexMuffin]

If PC access is going to be at fixed spot at home, suggest All-In-One. Just plug in keyboard and mouse. Save space also.

That is currently what she is using now but it has caused a lot of issues for some reason and it only has been 2 years. Hard disk has issues so i had to change to a SSD and the thermals is always very high for some reason so the fans is always ramping up. Might have to look and see for better models.

can always use stuff like samsung dex to connect a physical kb or monitor to their android, but she seem set on PC, don't have to force it.

Can also look into intel NUC, they are tiny pc, it's good enough for surfing, reading, and online banking stuff. There are a lot of models so I'm not sure which one would suit her needs.

Yea, i think windows would be best. I'm actually really inclined to get the Mac Mini cause its so small yet pretty fast and silent but im afraid she would not eb able to get used to Mac OS. I'll def look into some intel Nuc. Would you recommend me to just search them on Shopee? Or are there other places to purchase them?

 

[poooooo]

That is currently what she is using now but it has caused a lot of issues for some reason and it only has been 2 years. Hard disk has issues so i had to change to a SSD and the thermals is always very high for some reason so the fans is always ramping up. Might have to look and see for better models.


Yea, i think windows would be best. I'm actually really inclined to get the Mac Mini cause its so small yet pretty fast and silent but im afraid she would not eb able to get used to Mac OS. I'll def look into some intel Nuc. Would you recommend me to just search them on Shopee? Or are there other places to purchase them?

both shopee and lazada are fine, just make sure to get from a reputable seller, some of the SLS sellers do list their product on either platform.

 

[Phen8210]

Thanks for all the replies!!

I've tried lending my mum my iPad, however she doesnt like that the screen is smaller and there isnt a physical keyboard. I'll def look into Dell computers and maybe a cheaper laptop if she doesnt mind a smaller screen.

Talking about screens, are there any 24" monitor you would recommend? I saw that there the Xiao Mi C1 for 199$. Are there any others you would recommend?

24 inch the benQ EX2510 is a solid choice

 

[SexMuffin]

24 inch the benQ EX2510 is a solid choice

Seems too overkill for my mum to watch facebook videos

 

[alamakazim]

Seems too overkill for my mum to watch facebook videos

Ain't 1k overkill too?

Why not a tablet? Does the job too

 

[Hafi]

get an android media box... can connect to any TV with HDMI input, can surf with Chrome browser, watch Youtube and install Google Play apps. Function pretty much like any android phones except the screen is bigger and control the box with any airmouse point and click.

cost? $150 for a MiniX NEO

 

[SexMuffin]

Ain't 1k overkill too?

Why not a tablet? Does the job too

Getting a gaming monitor for my mum and spending (up to) 1k on a desktop is 2 very different things. Thanks for the suggestion but sadly as mentioned above, a tablet wouldnt fit her need. Screen is small, need for physical keyboard and no need for the portability.

get an android media box... can connect to any TV with HDMI input, can surf with Chrome browser, watch Youtube and install Google Play apps. Function pretty much like any android phones except the screen is bigger and control the box with any airmouse point and click.

cost? $150 for a MiniX NEO

Ohh! This is really interesting, will look into it.

 

[Hafi]

Getting a gaming monitor for my mum and spending (up to) 1k on a desktop is 2 very different things. Thanks for the suggestion but sadly as mentioned above, a tablet wouldnt fit her need. Screen is small, need for physical keyboard and no need for the portability.



Ohh! This is really interesting, will look into it.

this is much more easier for old folks, just point and click (airmouse is cheap too) if they are able to use their Android phones, no problem adapting to Android box basically everything is the same.

For just $150 bucks, no need to invest in another monitor or spend on a PC unit powerful enough to run Windows. You can't teach seniors Windows but you can teach them Android (I've done it)

Take note the type of Android box you buy though, some China made ones will come with their own Interface and can can quite confusing. You should be getting those with vanilla Android Google interface (comes with Google Playstore) which can see all apps at a glance. I recommend the MiniX NEO (my mum uses one) and you can drop by their SLS shopfront for a demo to try out before ordering on Lazada/Shopee.