PC Tech Thread

Possibly not the suggestion you're after, but I'd prob get a mini amp and then try some cheap small speakers you like the look of / size of. There will be load of 2nd hand choices and they can be easily changed if you want something different.

these will prob go over your budget, but you may as well add them to you watch list in case:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audioengine-A5-High-Gloss-White-Premium-Active-Powered-Speakers-Pair/283600674849?hash=item4207eae021:g:cdMAAOSwpDRda5Z2

thinking about getting a projector. I've got a small room that is used for visitors/relatives and mostly turbo training. I want to set up a projector (as pictured) and have it project onto the far wall.

(big L shape is the couch which converts to a bed)

I've got cat6 running into the room so can network a projector. I'd like to be able to cast from my pc to the projector/access netflix etc and have some wireless speakers that can be moved/removed at any time.

Basically I want to be able to use the projector for movies etc but without having a permanent tv in the space where my bike usually sits on the turbo.

Is a bluetooth soundbar my best bet for audio?

Exactly where I'm at, however u occasionally make use of the tablet. Plus hardware wise it's fine so I'm hesitant to sell.

I'm considering an iPad now that mouse support seems available.
Finally means I can use it for remote desktop to home and work machines.

https://www.macworld.com/article/3405887/how-to-use-a-mouse-with-your-ipad-or-iphone.html

Run speaker cable round the skirting board?

So I'm trying to work with .tx files for more effecient memory usage in my 3D programmes, image files which I think are based on tiff. If I change the extension to tiff, then it opens in Windows Photo Viewer, but if it's .tx I don't get the option to assign that as a default. Apparently Photo viewer is not an actual .exe programme, but rather some .dll in Windows. PHotoshop doesn't like them, I do have thumbnails via some registry editing.

Is there a way I can set the default programme as Photo Viewer in the registry?

On Linux at work but have stuck a couple of tx files in my dropbox and will see if I can figure owt out this evening.

Cheers, I guess I don't need to view them outside of explorer or 3DSMax, so probably not too much hassle in reality. I'll keep low Res JPGs alongside just incase.

I can set Photo Gallery as the default app, which opens them fine. Even displays all the mip levels independently.

The legacy one? I might have to try an get that, it was way better.

Does anyone use stacked monitors? I have three monitors, two side by side and one on top of the right hand monitor. The top one is just used for outlook and Teams, so not used in a high capacity. My question is for people who have a similar setup, do you angle the top one down significantly to stop neck ache?

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Looking for a pc laptop recommendation.
I’m Mac based so know nothing about PCs but my daughter (who currently has a chromebook) has just started on Python at school.
I had a look at installing it on the chromebook but it’s beyond me so looking at a reasonably priced laptop.
It’ll be used for coding but then probably a general household machine.
Budget £500 or less preferably.cheers

May want to remove your work email (and other things) from that picture there...

How about a raspberry Pi instead of a pc, comes with python installed.

http://www.circuitbasics.com/how-to-write-and-run-a-python-program-on-the-raspberry-pi/

She can learn Python on sites like HackerRank. There's a whole "Learn Python" section on HackerRank. The Python section isn't the best part of the site, but its a good way to learn a new language. The fact that your code is tested and scored for how many tests it passes is great.

A Raspberry Pi and keep the Chromebook was also going to be my suggestion.

However, it sounds like you might be after a general desktop replacement laptop for the household? In which case last time I looked Acer generally represented the best value for cheap laptops with large screens. You could also keep an eye out on scan.co.uk for refurbs: https://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware/laptops-home-office/refurbished-laptops

edit: ignore that. there don't seem to be any obvious deals on Acer 17" laptops.

And another solution that doesn't answer your original question ...

I'd be tempted by a refurbed laptop like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenovo-Thinkpad-X240-Core-i5-4300U-8GB-Ram-180GB-SSD-Windows-10-Webcam-Laptop-/323780985385

Otherwise, I'd have a look on the Dell outlet store at something like this
https://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdfh1&l=en&s=dfh&sign=PXhcOSHtr1T4IOw%2fPR7UdQ6Y2jQU227yqLrDVD5ZzwX%2fI3%2b7%2farPqWAZ7EfrD0FHRqodDUBygag9kjwkdWK%2bi5BihaIuLsmuLpz%2bU%2f2y4t4Tvr%2bY7dadWFvVDqNt2TL3jt0oRDeOsebAGLPgoQ9mwsAk7H1p0OtW7m%2fpC%2ftjnpBX8odkAfGVBdjS68ryeSvN94iak7rGaiJjYBUwmxr%2fP9f2Imyt2geoF%2fHsUPEOi1PUuILVvtX3oqUyy8w9R9v4HKEwferZTZE%3d
They run money off deals on there pretty often on top of the outlet price.

And another solution that doesn't answer your original question ...

I'd be tempted by a refurbed laptop like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenovo-Thinkp­ad-X240-Core-i5-4300U-8GB-Ram-180GB-SSD-­Windows-10-Webcam-Laptop-/323780985385

Touchpad on the X240 is notoriously shit though. Although you can bodge a different one in. Obvs 'real' Thinkpad users use the ThinkNipple exclusively anyway.

Sorry, forgot to reply to this. I realise I am a bit lost, I thought active/powered speakers (like the ones you linked to) don't need an amp, or possibly come with a dedicated one in a third box?

I am trying to save space so really want smallest reasonable option.

Could be, looking back the ones I have are X220, not X240.

Saying that, modern touchpads are better than old ones generally I find. I've not used any laptop with a keyboard as good as the X220 though so swings and roundabouts.

active/powered speakers don't need an amp

You're right. What I meant was use "normal" hifi passive speakers with an amp like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00SATAEEA/ref=psdc_3030841_t1_B00OR5OBFY

My thought process was that to get bass and mids you inevitably need a large speaker. Computer set ups usually do this by having a separate sub with the tweeters near your ears.

Those amps are pretty small and can be screwed into stuff if needed. So I was thinking that a small or medium sized bookshelf speaker with an amp that can be flexibly and discretely located - under/on the side of a desk, shelf, etc. might net you less space, or more usable space on a budget.

However, there probably is an OTP option much more suited.

X230 (and I think t430 etc) are the last classic touchpad and keyboard, still very popular for that reason. I think touchpads improved again with X250 or X260.

I only have X41, X61s, X240, X260 at the moment though.

Yes would be doubling up as a general household machine.
So a refurbished i5 would be enough?

The other option is to give her my air and buy myself a new MacBook Pro. Everyone’s a winner! (Well, me mainly).

Cheers for the ideas

As far as the CPU goes, any old i5 should be fine if you don't expect to play games. Screen quality and resolution on older business-type laptops can be very poor though.

Anyone interested in my Vega 56 for £175? Reference model, Samsung memory. Aint using it for a month or two so may as well shift it.

Well there has been a request for Minecraft capable.
Apart from Curry’s/PC world, is there anywhere to compare different models?