expired Posted by zbr13 • Sep 12, 2022
Sep 12, 2022 3:51 PM
Item 1 of 1
expired Posted by zbr13 • Sep 12, 2022
Sep 12, 2022 3:51 PM
Asus laptop BR1100CKA-YS02 microcenter instore only - $99.99
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Now simply because a CPU can run Windows doesn't mean that CPU should be used to run Windows. I don't mean to suggest this computer is broken, but I would suggest that anyone shopping for a general-purpose daily driver PC could be making better investments despite the tempting price points manufacturers have achieved with CPUs like the one in this device.
Many of these ultra-low power CPUs were originally intended for embedded applications and not as general purpose computers. However, since these CPUs are also fully compatible x86 CPUs - and cheap ones at that! - manufacturers could pump out PCs at new amazing price points. Too bad that for the buyer the experience was never going to be particularly good when using a CPU better suited to digital signage than rendering video in Windows using Adobe Premiere (or Minecraft, or video conferencing with grandma, etc.).
Additionally, Windows doesn't really perform well anymore at 4GB. More than half of the RAM space can be consumed at idle after booting up(!) - and in a 4GB PC this is incomplete as Windows is forced to limit how much of the operating system is loaded into RAM to conserve space. Paired with a weak CPU this limited RAM space just creates a negative feedback loop wherein your first application loaded after booting up starts demanding loads of page file/virtual memory/SSD-storage-as-RAM and the CPU to service those requests was already being overtasked with the basics of running Windows. Windows PCs limited to 4GB, especially those not equipped with 4-core i-series CPUs, are generally better suited to power users who can make the appropriate optimizations (possibly including removing Windows for a Linux operating system).
Good luck!
Jon
Good luck!
Jon
This is not going to be a daily driver for anyone though, even running Linux.
Now simply because a CPU can run Windows doesn't mean that CPU should be used to run Windows. I don't mean to suggest this computer is broken, but I would suggest that anyone shopping for a general-purpose daily driver PC could be making better investments despite the tempting price points manufacturers have achieved with CPUs like the one in this device.
Many of these ultra-low power CPUs were originally intended for embedded applications and not as general purpose computers. However, since these CPUs are also fully compatible x86 CPUs - and cheap ones at that! - manufacturers could pump out PCs at new amazing price points. Too bad that for the buyer the experience was never going to be particularly good when using a CPU better suited to digital signage than rendering video in Windows using Adobe Premiere (or Minecraft, or video conferencing with grandma, etc.).
Additionally, Windows doesn't really perform well anymore at 4GB. More than half of the RAM space can be consumed at idle after booting up(!) - and in a 4GB PC this is incomplete as Windows is forced to limit how much of the operating system is loaded into RAM to conserve space. Paired with a weak CPU this limited RAM space just creates a negative feedback loop wherein your first application loaded after booting up starts demanding loads of page file/virtual memory/SSD-storage-as-RAM and the CPU to service those requests was already being overtasked with the basics of running Windows. Windows PCs limited to 4GB, especially those not equipped with 4-core i-series CPUs, are generally better suited to power users who can make the appropriate optimizations (possibly including removing Windows for a Linux operating system).
Good luck!
Jon
That said I have 2 similar spec(actually slower cpu) Kano Tablet PCs I use in the garage. I can get a surprising amount done with them.
I think a kid who just needs to get online or someone on a tight budget can make this work of they have to.
Remeber nearly 3billion people in the world still have never been online once in their lives. Even here in the US some folks have really stretched budgets or no budget.
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There are a lot of professional reviews and owner feedback available on the Asus BR1100C. I scanned a half dozen reviews and have not seen one that is negative yet, in terms of fitness for purpose. They describe the tough build, cameras, inputs and outputs, and the ability to stream video.
If you are in the market for a cheap laptop for kids...or grannies with simple needs, I suggest you Google the reviews and parent's feedback rather than accept the views of random experts who reply to any SD thread. including me.
If you don't wish to mess with adding more storage, they also have a 128GB version for $20 more. But since we plan to use this only as a "cloud" machine, not necessary.
One way to look at it - it is a non-Google world way to do a like-Chromebook.
The salesman at the store claimed some people were buying it simply for the (cheap) Windows 10 Pro license.