Old computers learning new tricks - Zen and the art of computer upgrades

MTGseattle · Feb 26, 2025

Oh, my "nice" laptop which is a Dell XPS15 from 2017 is upgradeable to a point, I can fit more ram, I can add a larger ssd and I may be able to swap the graphics card although that may be prohibitively expensive

Pieter12 · Feb 26, 2025

MTGseattle said:
I have on old HP laptop loaded with WinXP here, another older laptop with Win8, a Third "nice" laptop running Win10 and an HP desktop running Win10. I get messages on both Win10 machines saying they are incapable of running Win11. I've thought about jumping over to Mac with that new Mac mini, but can anyone report on a switch to a 2024 mac that is using an old scanner.

I'd also welcome any other strategies. I don't really "need" a desktop, but I do desperately need a half-decent monitor (I think I'll get one of the Asus proArt models), and I would need a laptop that can run a separate monitor smoothly.

@Pieter12 are there some maxed out models in the refurb que? I can take a look. That is where Apple really bites us in the behind is with upgrade prices. My brother-in-law and I "built" a $14k Macpro out of sheer curiosity.

Used Apple iMac and iMac Pro Desktops from OWC

Configure your own refurbished iMac or iMac Pro with a variety upgrade options from OWC. All iMacs are tested and inspected by Apple Certified Technicians.

eshop.macsales.com

Not sure if the Apple refurbished Macs are maxed out: https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac

koraks · Feb 26, 2025

MTGseattle said:
I'd also welcome any other strategies.

One can still work around the TPS requirement for Win11 AFAIK. Takes a little bit of effort to find the right tools, but they're still there. Until very recently, MS even offered them as part of their own official toolkit.

MTGseattle · Feb 26, 2025

Pieter12 said:
Used Apple iMac and iMac Pro Desktops from OWC

Configure your own refurbished iMac or iMac Pro with a variety upgrade options from OWC. All iMacs are tested and inspected by Apple Certified Technicians.

eshop.macsales.com

Not sure if the Apple refurbished Macs are maxed out: https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac

Most expensive refurbished 24 inch iMac has only 32gb ram and a 2TB drive. I didn't check them all, there may be one with more ram and a smaller HD

Pieter12 · Feb 26, 2025

MTGseattle said:
Most expensive refurbished 24 inch iMac has only 32gb ram and a 2TB drive. I didn't check them all, there may be one with more ram and a smaller HD

You can get a 27" iMac Pro from OWC maxed out for $3K: https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/UAQA22S7XXX3XXB

Ivo Stunga · Feb 26, 2025

koraks said:
One can still work around the TPS requirement for Win11 AFAIK

I ended up following some instructions and setting up Windows Server that installs my cleaned ("Golden") versions of Windows via network with none of the services and software I don't want and with some that I or my clients need. Took a good amount of elbow grease, but now I can install Windows like a boss in no time. And TPM isn't an issue at all - does not participate in Setup at all. And I don't see any dirty checkboxes - all is disabled under the hood, no slimy permissions granted. After the restart I'm greeted by login screen and that's all.

Result - clean and pristine Windows 10 and 11 with no bloat. Well - until new and forced "feature" pack update drops, adding the newest and shiniest bloat like Copilot. But 90% of the annoyances are gone, making W11 a tad more palatable.

xkaes · Feb 26, 2025

I've solved "the main problem" by having multiple computers and operating systems so that I can get all the software that I like, and hardware that I need, to work.

But that doesn't mean that I avoid all problems. It just means that I have different problems with different setups.

Don_ih · Feb 26, 2025

The important thing to remember regarding ending support for older Microsoft and/or Apple operating systems is that it only matters if your are trying to (1) be online or (2) use updated software. The WinXP machine that successfully ran the scanner for 8 years will do so as long as the hardware holds out, provided you don't mess with the software.

So, buying a new computer can free up an old one to serve a dedicated purpose. A computer doesn't need constant security updates if it's never online.

Sirius Glass · Feb 26, 2025

I am using Windows 11 with LightRoom and PhotoShop, however I would rather use an update Mac and have access to the larger machine.

xkaes · Feb 26, 2025

Don_ih said:
So, buying a new computer can free up an old one to serve a dedicated purpose. A computer doesn't need constant security updates if it's never online.

Exactly, but there are software protections even if they are on-line. AVG continues to offer free virus protection for XP, for example.

But I always try to create backups -- not so much because of fears of viruses -- but because software & hardware conflicts can rear their ugly heads at any time.

I've got a great 4x5" scanner that SHOULD work with Windows XP or Windows 10. I've got the software for both operating systems on two different computers, but I can't get either to work -- even though the scanner is A-OK. Someday I'll figure it out.

Old computers learning new tricks - Zen and the art of computer upgrades

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency