Personal Computer

[Gavmacp]

Father in law is wanting to replace laptop with a personal computer. He is going to use it mainly for train simulator and video stuff. He has bought a new monitor which he is very happy with but I think this has demonstrated how poor his laptop is. Any recommendations ?

[Buenchico]

Please help us to help you, Gav:

I've had no difficulty in finding the minimum specs to run Train Simulator 2016
http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri/requirements/train-simulator-2016/12853
but you might need to define 'video stuff' a bit better if we're to be able to understand what type of PC is required.

If it simply means watching streamed video (from Youtube, iPlayer, etc), then any modern PC should be able to handle it easily. If it means some basic editing in, say, Windows Movie Maker, then, again, the system requirements won't be particularly high. However if it refers to using professional level video editing software (such as Lightworks), a top-of-the-range computer will be called for.

[Jackdaw33]

I always thought that laptops and desktops were both PCs.

[Gavmacp]

Rather peeeed off. Feel like it is my wife's duty to be doing this!
He is 85 and has old cinnie film so will be editing that. Mainly likes playing train simulator games. Has recently bought a new monitor but did not tell me but thankfully bought a Samsung which he is very happy with. I think the new monitor highlights lack of high definition on current laptop. Doesn't communicate with me before taking action and just goes out and buys.

[Buenchico]

Looking at what my favourite supplier is currently offering (and noting that I'm happy to use Windows 7), this catches my eye:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/product-info/intel-core-i3-custom-build-pc-4-gb-ram-500-gb-hd-win-7-entry-level#item_reviews

You'd need to add on the optional Nvidia graphics card for £38.40, making a total price of £377.40 for a computer that would be up to the job required. (If it needs to be wireless, add the extra £13.53 on too).

Alternatively, if a refurbished Windows 10 computer would be acceptable (complete with a suitable video card already in it), then this for just £289 might be of interest:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/product-info/acer-aspire-tc-220-amd-a10-7800-quad-core-16gb-ram-3tb-hd-windows-10
(Don't be put off by the 'refurbished' bit. I'm using a refurbished computer from that company right now and it's excellent!).