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
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FWIW new laptops are surprisingly cheap. E.g. this (albeit not new) only cost $400 https://slickdeals.net/f/16843367-asus-zenbook-open-box-excellent-14-5-2-8k-oled-120hz-touch-i5-13500h-8gb-ram-399-free-shipping
I see your xps 13 9310 has a 11th gen Intel CPU. It would be a bit hard to find cheap second-hand mini PCs from reputable brands with 11th+ CPUs. But you can find many mini PCs from some Chinese brands (Minisforum etc).
Another option is frame.work main board + a case https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/23/23652939/framework-cooler-master-sff-pc-case but I think their parts are overpriced if you don’t value repairability etc.
Hmm I’m wondering if it would just be worth going ahead and replacing the motherboard instead of starting over… I have seen a few USB c reinforcement brackets… Can’t find much info about them though. I bought some of those port Klingon things, if you’re familiar, but of course my laptap is too slim for those to fit lol smh