Need a computer recommendation

I am able to work remotely one week per month at our place down in NC. I have a laptop but am getting tired of lugging it back and forth on the plane - would like to have a computer in both places.

The key consideration is that the new one must be able to run Citrix so that I can access my desktop computer at work. Otherwise, I only use for web browsing etc. No heavy-duty graphics or gaming or anything like that.

Can I get away with a Chromebook or something else inexpensive?

Any recommendations?

jimmurphy said:

I am able to work remotely one week per month at our place down in NC. I have a laptop but am getting tired of lugging it back and forth on the plane - would like to have a computer in both places.

The key consideration is that the new one must be able to run Citrix so that I can access my desktop computer at work. Otherwise, I only use for web browsing etc. No heavy-duty graphics or gaming or anything like that.

Can I get away with a Chromebook or something else inexpensive?

Any recommendations?

Since you have always offered me advice and guidance here on things related to hearing issues, I would suggest you consider a highly and easily transportable device, the  Ipad as a suggestion, but perhaps the device might not be powerful enough for the program you mentioned.

I will say DO NOT buy an ipadAIR — I did a couple of years and its different plug has been, and still is a nightmare! And, as yet, an unresolved PIA for me.

jimmurphy said:

I am able to work remotely one week per month at our place down in NC. I have a laptop but am getting tired of lugging it back and forth on the plane - would like to have a computer in both places.

The key consideration is that the new one must be able to run Citrix so that I can access my desktop computer at work. Otherwise, I only use for web browsing etc. No heavy-duty graphics or gaming or anything like that.

Can I get away with a Chromebook or something else inexpensive?

Any recommendations?

I don't have any specific rec -- those aren't requirements I run into so don't have a good basis for advising -- but as some general advice, consider second hand markets. I've found buying used to be a good value, getting more powerful machines than I'd expect at price points similar or better than new.

Just tried https://www.backmarket.com recently for upgrading one of my kids' machines; should be arriving soon so we'll see how that goes.

Does the company you work for have an IT Help Desk?  If so, can you ask them for advice as to what system requirements are needed to run the required program?  That information should help you decide what computer to purchase.

I run Citrix on a pretty basic desktop PC.  Not branded as my child built it for me from parts purchased at Micro Center.  I would think that pretty much any PC running Windows 11 (MS is going to stop supporting 10 soon) will meet your needs.

A Chromebook will be fine, or any cheap mini PC

PVW said:

jimmurphy said:

I am able to work remotely one week per month at our place down in NC. I have a laptop but am getting tired of lugging it back and forth on the plane - would like to have a computer in both places.

The key consideration is that the new one must be able to run Citrix so that I can access my desktop computer at work. Otherwise, I only use for web browsing etc. No heavy-duty graphics or gaming or anything like that.

Can I get away with a Chromebook or something else inexpensive?

Any recommendations?

I don't have any specific rec -- those aren't requirements I run into so don't have a good basis for advising -- but as some general advice, consider second hand markets. I've found buying used to be a good value, getting more powerful machines than I'd expect at price points similar or better than new.

Just tried https://www.backmarket.com recently for upgrading one of my kids' machines; should be arriving soon so we'll see how that goes.

refurbished machines on amazon are also a good buy. I think amazon calls them "renewed", but "refurbished" works as a search term.

I'd stay away from chromebook, even thought it appears to support citrix - only for the reason of familiarity and compatibility. do you really want to learn a new OS?

you didn't mention a budget, but you can easily get an adequate laptop on amazon for a few hundred bucks. I buy refurbs all the time and I have no complaints about them. and you can usually buy an extended warranty if you want. though I never do.

check these out

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=refurbished%20laptops&low-price&high-price=295

mtierney said:

Since you have always offered me advice and guidance here on things related to hearing issues, I would suggest you consider a highly and easily transportable device, the  Ipad as a suggestion, but perhaps the device might not be powerful enough for the program you mentioned.

I will say DO NOT buy an ipadAIR — I did a couple of years and its different plug has been, and still is a nightmare! And, as yet, an unresolved PIA for me.

Thanks mtierney. I hope that you've resolved the pairing issues with the hearing aids.

PVW said:

I don't have any specific rec -- those aren't requirements I run into so don't have a good basis for advising -- but as some general advice, consider second hand markets. I've found buying used to be a good value, getting more powerful machines than I'd expect at price points similar or better than new.

Just tried https://www.backmarket.com recently for upgrading one of my kids' machines; should be arriving soon so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks. Looks like DB seconds your suggestion. 

My iPad and phone really get me through most tasks. It's just this Citrix interface that is the concern.

Steve said:

I run Citrix on a pretty basic desktop PC.  Not branded as my child built it for me from parts purchased at Micro Center.  I would think that pretty much any PC running Windows 11 (MS is going to stop supporting 10 soon) will meet your needs.

Thanks Steve. Yeah, I'm kinda just looking to go bare bones here. Not a desktop. 

I am impressed that your child built you a PC! Of course, I guess children can be older....

tpb said:

A Chromebook will be fine, or any cheap mini PC

What's a mini PC?

drummerboy said:

refurbished machines on amazon are also a good buy. I think amazon calls them "renewed", but "refurbished" works as a search term.

I'd stay away from chromebook, even thought it appears to support citrix - only for the reason of familiarity and compatibility. do you really want to learn a new OS?

you didn't mention a budget, but you can easily get an adequate laptop on amazon for a few hundred bucks. I buy refurbs all the time and I have no complaints about them. and you can usually buy an extended warranty if you want. though I never do.

check these out

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=refurbished%20laptops&low-price&high-price=295

Thanks for the specific recommendation, DB. That's what I was hoping for.

jimmurphy said:

What's a mini PC?

a mini PC is a very small desktop computer, similar in size to the Mac mini. They are very quiet and energy efficient and can be very affordable (less than $200 for what you need). 

jimmurphy said:

Thanks Steve. Yeah, I'm kinda just looking to go bare bones here. Not a desktop. 

I am impressed that your child built you a PC! Of course, I guess children can be older....

high school, though he built his first while still in middle school.  It wasn’t that expensive - probably under $500 (excluding the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which I already had).

tpb said:

a mini PC is a very small desktop computer, similar in size to the Mac mini. They are very quiet and energy efficient and can be very affordable (less than $200 for what you need). 

Ah, thanks. We actually have an old Mac mini. Really looking for a laptop/notebook so it can be easily stored away - no external monitor.

jimmurphy said:

mtierney said:

I will say DO NOT buy an ipadAIR — I did a couple of years and its different plug has been, and still is a nightmare! And, as yet, an unresolved PIA for me.

Thanks mtierney. I hope that you've resolved the pairing issues with the hearing aids.

From your mouth’s to God’s ear, but, No. 

I now have an appointment to see an ear doctor on Monday, and also an appointment at Costco’s hearing aid audiologist to see whether I have out-lived my hearing aids. Had to wait weeks to get an appointment, but 3/1 is insight!