need some feedback for lifetime Windows user--please help

I'm an Apple/Mac neophyte. Other than my iPhone and iPad which I love, I have always used Windows computers. It's time for me to replace them, hopefully in a stepwise fashion. I was using a 14" Lenovo thinkpad (bought I think in 2014) at my office to do my Quickbooks, a proprietory database for medical charting and billing, plus the regular stuff--email, web browsing, photos, music, etc. With the pandemic, I moved my operation home, but I'm now working solely via telehealth, and have found the laptop (that also has some concerning power issues) way too small and not powerful enough to handle all of it. I switched to a seldom used Samsung AIO (bought around 2012) and i LOVE the screen size so much I don't see going back, even if I were to return to the office, I would do my paperwork and billing and database from home on a bigger screen. But the Samsung is already showing difficulty, too much delay, taking a half an hour or more to boot up, not powerful enough to handle all of it--being on a HIPAA compliant platform to do face to face telehealth all day, plus run the patient database and scheduler, and quickbooks plus email etc. I have thought for some time about making a switch to Apple/Mac as I have heard most users love them (?). The security and longevity and quality attracts me. So I'm looking at the new 2020 Mac Mini and a Macbook pro 16. But from what I read now is not the time to get the Macbook pro 16, as they are due for an upgrade, and since I have some time before I return to the office (if ever as I'm nearing retirement), it seems the logical place to start is with the desktop computer. Both my computers have touch screen which is nice for signing documents, but I also have an iPad if I could hook that up in absence of a touch screen on the computer. I have been looking on the "What Notebook Should I Buy" forum, and only one person has responded--mostly pushing the expensive Surface 3 so much so that it is beginning to feel odd. I have a first generation Surface I got around the same time I got the Samsung AIO, and it is OK, but not something I would buy again. Hated the keyboard. And it is way too small. I would love some feedback from Apple/Mac users about these ideas, including the fact that I use MS Office fairly often and have a ton of content I hope would transfer and still be able to use. Am I nuts to consider Apple/Mac now? If so, which direction should I look instead? Warning: I'm a Boomer who does a lot of computing but has a bunch of learning curve holes--like for example I don't know how to screenshot. I know. Don't laugh.

 

What are the specs of the Samsung AIO?

Not everything like back then was shipping with at least small SSD's compared to now so I suspect some of those delays may just be the platter drive and possible a lack of ram.

As for Mac though I'll leave that to those in the know.

 

ok specs on the Samsung AIO:

Intel Core I5-3470T CPU @ 2.90 GHz
6 GB RAM
1 TB HDD
720 P HD camera
23.6 inch touch screen.

It came with a terrible keyboard and mouse, both of which I replaced and they work fine.

I kid you not. I just spent 2 hours getting back on because this thing runs so slow and my apps seem to require so much.

I bought this in 2012. I don't think Samsung made anything like it after. I think it was a Mac-alike. Maybe that's why I am thinking so heavily about a mac. Help.

Edited to add: My Thinkpad 14 is also quirky as can be. I know our internet suffers at times, but not all of this can be due to that. I'm in the midwest and we have had negative temps for a week with about 3 feet of snow on the ground. And I have use Spotify combined with Alexa speakers for my music house wide. I have never gotten into itunes much.

 

I use both ecosystems as I have Dell Latitudes/Precisions and a MBP16. I’d honestly go with what ecosystem you’re comfortable with and both have their quirks. Windows is more versatile in the overall software library and I do prefer the Windows management aspect in W10 better, but Apple has a pretty strong ecosystem where their devices integrate well with each other and battery life is also pretty well managed.

Both can be equally buggy, unlike the nonsense you hear now and then about Windows being slow, crashing etc. My MBP 16 in the early days had numberous crashes and restarts on Catalina till like the 3rd update, worked well since then but all the while not a single or of my Dell W10 laptops had blue screens or crashes.

I like my MBP 16, it’s gotta great screen, audio and build quality and performance is pretty good for a thin and light. Though skeptical of the touchbar at first I’ve found it to be quite useful. Some of the biggest downsides to the MBP16 are mostly serviceability, it’s not a device you can self repair and out of warranty repair costs can be extremely expensive vs my Dells where I can if needed replace or upgrade storage/RAM/WiFi card and other parts such as the battery with ease with parts readily available and Dell even provides service manuals on their support site. Other annoying thing is Apple literally reused the same old WiFi card for like 5-6 years straight and signal quality is worse than my old Latitudes that I upgraded with newer WiFi cards.

If wanting an MBP16 I’d wait till the ARM models come as the Intel ones will become obsolete faster in regards to support, the ARM ones will likely perform better, run cooler and have better wireless plus iOS app support.

 

I believe that is a 35w TDP CPU which make sense since its an all in one. The telling parts here are the mismatched RAM and the HDD. People's usages vary of course but even now with my systems up time of 4 days, and I dont micromanage my app usage currently sitting at 8.5GB. 16GB and a 128GB SSD would do that system wonders assuming it isnt an actual ailment in the system. That is of course if you desire to keep it.

 

I have heard it is good to wait on the MacBook pro 16; but what can you say about the new Mac Mini? I could do this piecemeal since I'm still doing all my work with patients from home and have some time to build up enough to get the new Macbook pro 16 when it comes out if I can get a large screen to go with the Mac Mini (I love this 23.6 inch screen) and work happily till I need or want a laptop that works with it. Given the specs I said above, and that I run a telehealth videoconference that is by the company shored up with extra privacy for medical use all day, plus a proprietary medical records database for billing, scheduling and patient charting, plus QuickBooks and email and needing to use the internet all at once, plus at times hook up my iPad to hopefully use as a signing device as well as to run remote Virtual Sandtray App (a psychotherapeutic interactive app developed partly for telehealth--I remotely hook up to the patient's iPad for the duration of the session, and can watch what they do as we discuss it over the videoconferencing session), I imagine I need something kinda powerful. But like I said somewhere, I'm really clueless about maintenance--I would never be able to fix anything myself anyway; it hate having to any maintenance at all and don't, and need the dummie's version of a very smart computer than will run the stuff I need it to do well, without a lot from me. I imagine that sounds petulant; what I do I do well, and what I don't do well is computers.

 

Thank you, Receiver. I don't think it's possible to upgrade it. No one makes them anymore. I got it in 2012 at Staples.

Edited to add: I would like to pass it to my husband or grandchild, but I don't know the first thing about how to make it right as you describe.

 

The AIO if its the one I have come across online, is perfectly upgradable. Its long before the sealed units took over the market.

 

If upgrading to a newer system however, I personally would lean more towards laptop, aside from the MBP16 possibly maybe even consider an MacBook Pro 13 / Dell XPS 13 / ThinkPad (with at least 16GB RAM and 512GB storage) as it would be more versatile and mobile and you can connect additional monitors if you need.

If you get a Mac Mini I’d say once again make sure to get preferably at least 16GB of RAM and maybe minimum of 512GB for storage as this can’t be upgraded later.

I personally don’t think you need something all that powerful for your workload so no need to max out the CPU and Graphics, especially if going for cost effectiveness for whatever you end up buying.

 

Thanks! Now, where would I go in my small city to do this ? I'm at high risk for Covid.

 

Thank you. I think I want my bigger desktop setup to be better first, and can wait to do the laptop. Do you have any idea when the new Macbook Pro 16 will be available? Thanks for the heads up on the RAM and Storage. I'm guessing you also mean it should be SSD for the storage, right?

 

Order the parts online and do it yourself

 

Rumor has it the ARM based MBP16 would likely be released in 3rd Quarter of the year. And as for storage yes SSD. MacBooks and Mac Minis come with SSDs by default. The iMac however depending on variation/sku I think still can come with a standard HDD.

As for upgrading your current all in one, give us the model number and if feasible and not cumbersome to open up, one of us can guide you. Parts can be ordered online so no need to go to a mall. A 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM should be around $200 or less.

 

Kill two birds with one stone, a notebook with a dock into which you can plug in the large screen you prefer, but be able to unplug the notebook and be mobile. Plus then you only maintain one computer.

I'd probably vote against a Mac. I havre one and like it as something different, but I would not say it's significantly better or worse than Windows or even Linux, just different. Apple tends to be more expensive. Given that Apple is switching gears to their own chips there may be some teething pains along the way. Some of the software you use now may have to be bought again for Mac.

 

very sweet thought. but I barely get the screen dusted. i'm not kidding

 

bless you. I will try to figure out the model. That would be wonderful if I could do that but it scares me to death!

 

Thank, ZaZ. what would you suggest? dock plus laptop?

edited to add: and monitor. If I upgrade the Samsung, and upgrade me with a new laptop and dock, I would gift the Samsung to my hubby. He is struggling by with an ancient Sony Vaio.

 

The good thing about older hardware is there is plenty of teardown videos on youtube. Found a few myself already, it looks to be mostly just a plastic clamshell that is held on by plastic clips and screws. Check it out, like I said, its just if you desire to keep it.

 

Would you trust your parents to open up a PC, especially one that's not a traditional desktop tower, and upgrade it? Not everyone who comes on this forum is as plugged into the tech scene as we are.

 

nor am I implying as such. Just laying out the options. Many do not know if they have the means which then lacks the will to dig further. Been there many times myself. There is nothing wrong with having options even if there is no intention to follow through on them.

 

I was just pointing out that you don't necessarily need a desktop and a notebook. A dock isn't required either. Most notebooks have a way to plug in multiple screens, then you can use the keyboard and touch pad on the notebook or use external ones. The nice thing about a dock us you only have to plug or unplug just the notebook, not everything else.

As a place to start it'll be less expensive to replace the hard drive drive on your Samsung(maybe your ThinkPad too) with a SSD. This is by a good margin the mostly likely reason it's slow. A computer from 2012 is still decent PC as long as you're not pushing it, which it doesn't sound like you are. Even if you decide it's still too slow, you'd want to this before giving it away. A SSD shouldn't cost more than $100 and a reputable tech should be able to do it in under 15 minutes, so don't over pay. A new 16" MBP starts at $2,400.

 

Huh. You guys are funny. I'm probably older than your parents. And no, I don't trust me to do this. With guidance, and maybe my husband's tools, I might be able to pull this off. I do appreciate knowing the options and will see if I can figure this out with your help.

On the back of the computer:

All in one PC
Model: DP700A3D
Input: 19V-----4.74A (90w)

MODEL CODE: DP700A3D--AO1US
S/N: HX9D91XD102335V Jan. 2013

Regardless, I know I'm going to need another computer. My Thinkpad is fritzy but I don't rely on it like I do this AIO now. (when I was travelling to/from office I did rely on that Thinkpad). It would be nice to be able to make this Samsung work better for a while until I can figure out what I need next. Maybe get a better webcam too? I have a Logitech Brio Ultra HD webcam in my Amazon cart right now (can't figure out if I need new microphone too). My videoconference chats freeze and lag a LOT. I can try to upgrade the Samsung AIO to what you recommend. I only see one little door with a screw on the back of the computer that is labeled MEMORY. Assume that's where the new RAM goes. Have no idea where a SSD would go or where the HDD lives.

So far, I'm hearing NO MAC. IDK I feel like I missed out somehow. . I wanted something easier and more secure--at least to have something automated where Norton isn't making me think I'm about to let foreign hackers into my bank account, causing panic attacks and hair loss. Where do I go next? How does one buy RAM? Dear me.

 

Well Looks like RAM is rather simple there's a small door for it that's easily accessible with just a single screw to remove on the back side.

The HDD however is under the main cover. A bit more cumbersome but not too bad actually.

 

OH DEAR GOD. That is scary! I might pass out. I'm afraid I would kill it. (meaning bring death upon my computer, not knock it out of the park good job). Should I take it to Staples? That's where I bought it. Or order parts myself and find a freelance person to do the surgery?

 

For the RAM alone no its just that small door, just take out one screw and it's visible. You don't need to touch anything else.

HDD is harder to get to but, if you or your husband or anyone else is comfortable at some point they can do it, just following the video. And yes you can give it to a store if you aren't comfortable enough with it.

 

Is it worth it just to replace ram and leave the rest alone?

 

While it would certainly help the ssd replacement would give you more tangible benefits. Nearly night and day

That's also the portion that requires removing the clam shell.

 

I'd agree, it's the slower platter based drive that's the performance bottleneck, not the memory, though it wouldn't hurt to add some more.

I don't believe Staples does upgrades. A better bet would be the Geek Squad at Best Buy. Last I checked, which was a while ago, the charge was $90 for a diagnosis, but then they'd offset the $90 for whatever you spend. You can try googling computer repair along with your zip code to see if there's any shops in your area that do upgrades. Keep in mind if you replace the drive you'll need to re-install the OS, either Windows 7 or 8. If you call for quotes tell them you need a memory and SSD upgrade along with re-installing the OS. Once you've got a few estimates then you can see where you stand. A tech savvy relative or friend may want to lend a hand as none of the tasks is particularly difficult.

 

Thank you all. This computer came with Windows 8, but I have been running Windows 10. Is that part of my problem? Hubby says he will watch the video and see if he is up to the task. We are both at very high risk regarding Covid, so if we can avoid people we do. Where would I look to order these parts online? And how do you reinstall an operating system?

Edited to add: Will a new webcam (Logitech Brio Ultra HD is in Amazon cart) improve the lag and slow down of my telehealth sessions? Do I need a separate microphone?

 

OK, my hubby watched the video (hard to understand the accent!) but he says he feels confident doing it. He said to get a wrist strap too. And air to blow out dust. But when I go looking for these parts, I'm flooded. In that video the guy recommends WD Blue SSD and when I go look at it on Amazon and put in the model number, they say that they "aren't sure if it will work." RAM too. I'm flummoxed on what to get. Will someone give me a hand with this?

I have ordered that webcam too. I'm going all in on upgrading this Samsung since I'm pretty much in love with it. And I will be back to research laptops at a later date.

 

RAM:
Crucial DDR3 1600 Mhz 16 GB (2x8GB sticks) (~$80)
https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-...M5NYPC3H95K&psc=1&refRID=XZDVEH02GM5NYPC3H95K

SSD:
Both of the following are good, regardless of brand I'd probably go for 512GB minimum and 1TB might be better if you store a lot of stuff ie videos etc:
Samsung 870 EVO (~$65 for 512GB and ~$130 for 1TB)
https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Inch...s=1tb+evo&qid=1613765763&s=electronics&sr=1-1
SK Hynix S31 Gold: (~$57 for 500GB and ~$105 for 1TB)
https://www.amazon.com/SK-hynix-Gol...1tb+hynix&qid=1613765811&s=electronics&sr=1-2
WD Blue is fine too but the other two are better in my opinion.

So overall upgrade cost as I mentioned previously would be around $200 or below depending on what you choose, going as low as ~$140 or even less. You may or may not get lower prices depending on which other site you look at but I think those prices are pretty decent.

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Edited to add: Is this one the same thing? It's available and the one on Amazon isn't

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/877010-REG/Crucial_Technology_CT102464BF160B_16GB_2_x.html

 

Oh and how do I get what's on my current HDD onto the SDD ? The guy in the video was hard to understand. Do I need any other parts or tools? And I was unclear about what he said regarding the case or the housing or whatever that clear plastic thing is he had his HDD in for his backup disk.

 

You can either back up stuff now or buy a HDD enclosure like one below for $10 or less and backup later/leave data on drive as it is now to retrieve stuff later:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Tool...enclosure&qid=1613770390&s=electronics&sr=1-3

I'd probably backup now regardless.

As for the memory in your link yes it's the same.

 

And this "backing up" will make the hard drive my husband inserts the SAME as the hard drive that's in there now, including operating system and everything? Do I need anything else?

 

OK I've really become confused. On that video, the poster says he cloned his new SSD before he changed them. But it looked like he was just for the first time removing the HDD when he showed how to replace it with the new SDD.

I have the enclosure, the SDD in it, attached to my computer now, downloaded the Acronis software, but now the software is guiding me to that to clone the HDD to the new SDD disk, I should REMOVE HDD and clone it OUTSIDE the computer to the new SDD. I am just not getting this. How can you do that? The guide is saying that I need to do this because otherwise something reverts to booting from an interior disk. Good grief I am confused. PLEASE.....help!

 

Sorry I missed your previous post. You want to clone with the new disk in the USB enclosure and the old one still in the computer. After the old drive is cloned to the new disk then replace the old disk with the new one. Of course you can do it with both drives in separate enclosures and using another computer to do the cloning but that's just more work and unnecessary.

Here is a decent video:


However I would do a full fresh install of Windows on the new drive instead, and simply copy any needed files from the old disk after you put it in an enclosure. More work but probably a more stable on system which has probably gone through numerous previous OS updates and other things.

So it's up to you which way you wish to go.