So again, the Lemmy verse is still really confusing and finding the right communities for the right post. This sub seems like they would definitely know about this though

I have always been a laptop guy my whole life because the portability, flexibility and comfortability of them. Never got into PCs or towers because I feel like you gotta have like a workstation and desk all setup. Id rather be able to lay on the couch in front of my TV while using a laptop lol

But anyway, my current dell xps 13 9310 running Debian 12 is slowly reaching its end. The thing only came with TWO ports, both being USB c. Well after years of heavy usage, they’re slowly breaking down. Idk if it would be worth replacing the mother board or just starting over?

Are there any good alternatives or options you guys can think of. I’m simple, in don’t game at all, purely just watch/stream stuff, browse and research and lately have been taking learning more about computing tech more seriously, so I’ve been tinkering and experimenting too. I plan to build skills to work with computer/tech professionally.

I’ve read about thin clients or even mini PCs and idk which route is best bang for buck and most logical. Or if there are known older laptops with great bones but need some minor upgrades to bring it back to current technology. I’m open minded but again, focused on something portable, affordable, smooth, flexible, durable etc. I’m talking a budget solution, like no more than $350ish. There’s probably technology available for this that I’m not even aware of!

Hope you all can help or point me to the right Lemmy communities. Thanks

  • @Cleverdawny@lemm.eeEnglish
    12•11 months ago

    You can get retired office thin clients for super cheap, and they all come with SSD’s. I’m talking $90 for a relatively capable desktop PC with a Ryzen processor

    • @Stapling9851@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      2•11 months ago

      So thin clients if I’m thinking right, are pretty much mini PCs too right? Its a portable computer but you need to add a display, mouse, and keyboard right? May not be too opposed then. I’ve already been searching for a wireless keyboard with touchpad, then just get a small display that is easily movable I could even use my smart TV too probably.

        • @Stapling9851@lemm.eeOPEnglish
          1•11 months ago

          Gotcha, that might just work because as mentioned, I’ve already been looking at wireless keyboards with touchpad for my smart TV and such, so then the only solution left would be a monitor. Its gotta be simple enough where I can easily move it to wherever I wanna go

      • DeebsterEnglish
        2•11 months ago

        Yeah, the original thin clients were basically useless without the server they connected to, but nowadays even computers the size of a stick of gum are plenty powerful enough for consuming webpages and videos.

        You still need peripherals like mouse, keyboard and screen but you might get them as part of the package (sounds like you already have them though).