Tracker Pixel for Entry

​More cheap computing

Culture | January 18th, 2017

Some of you may know that I am into education. I taught for thirty years and I believe that education is the best thing that you can do for yourself. This includes those of us who grew up before computers. That is why this weeks column is about cheap computing. I did mention it in a previous column but now is your chance to get into computing on the cheap.

They call them AIO's: All-in-one PCs. They are really great when you need nothing more than a basic, snap-simple-setup PC to surf the Web and keep up with the swirl of chatter on Facebook. They include all the necessary parts, including a built-in monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse—you just connect one power cable, plug in the peripherals, and you’re online in minutes.

For the most part, these are computers for beginners. If you have been computing for several years and you want to expand your knowledge, perhaps get into programming or web sites, this is not the machine for you. Often, even though these machines sit on a desktop, their internal parts are actually the kind made for a laptop. So, especially if you're looking at low-end models, they’re typically not the fastest machines around.

The model I am thinking of is an HP All In One Desktop 20-c010 at $349. I saw a reasonable review of this machine on the Internet. There are others. Do your due diligence. That’s about as low a price as you’ll find for any decent desktop PC, whether a small stand-alone tower or an AIO. If you need a simple, occasional-use machine for a family member who will just use it for the basics, this is a satisfactory option—so long as your (and their) expectations stay in line with its price. It's about the cheapest AIO on the market at this writing that you can buy new.

One key thing to keep in mind when shopping AIOs: the succinctly named HP All-in-One Desktop 20-c010, is just one example of many of the AIO options that are available. This one falls under the category of "as inexpensive as is humanly possible," thanks to its $349 retail price.

One important caveat here, if you want to run a muscular program like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, be aware that the typical AIO only has 4GB of memory. This is the bare minimum for Windows 10.

"Oh no problem" you say, "I'll just open the case and add more memory." I don't think so... The machines are so small that there is no room for anything to be added. There are no screws or bolts to remove. The case is sealed. Please remember that six months after your purchase.

When it comes to Internet access, you can do so either with a wired connection or wirelessly. There’s a Gigabit Ethernet port on the back of the machine, and an internal wireless card that supports the older, if adequate, protocols: 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. This machine does not offer dual-band or 802.11ac support. without a 802.11c support it would not work well in a busy office. There is one option that you can order for this machine. You have your choice of either a 1TB hard drive or a 500GB drive. If you are a beginner, there isn't much difference.

The center of focus on this unit is the screen, a bright 19.5-inch panel. It runs at a 1,600x900 native resolution. That’s a strange resolution between 720p and 1080p, and one I haven’t seen, but it’s great for wide-screen movies. The off-dead-center viewing angles were not very good, with posterization and color shifts evident. This means that you have to sit directly in front of the screen. if you sit off to the side slightly, the screen will not look right.

All of the HP models include a one-year warranty.

Don't use this semi-review as your final choice. Get on the Internet, go to Best Buy or Walmart. Spend money on your first machine and learn it.

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comArea children ages 10 and over are invited to join the Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum to explore how rivers work at two Fargo Public Library locations this summer. Stream Table Workshops will…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

Friday, July 25, doors at 8:30 p.m.Aquarium above Dempsey’s, 226 N. Broadway, Fargo"This is what you need to know about Daikaiju,” said Kelly Weidman. “They're loud. They're all instrumental (duh). And they're the band to see…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymond fargogadfly@gmail.comThere might be room for Trump on Mount Rushmore after allDuring King Donald’s first term he told Kristi Noem, then a congresswoman and now his secretary of homeland security, his dream was to be…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comAri Aster’s political satire “Eddington” premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at Cannes in May, where Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” received the prize. A…

Press ReleaseTouchmark at Harwood Groves will host a special artist reception featuring renowned glass artist Jon Offutt on Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the community’s auditorium. The event celebrates Offutt’s temporary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…