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 pretty simple, 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 don’t hord data or anything neither, so basically just want something that’s dependable, flexible, and has good performance.

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

  • Stapling9851OP
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    11 months ago

    Right, I was sorta under the impression macbooks were not meant to be taken apart hence no upgrades available, but I could be wayyy off there

    • CaptObvious@literature.cafe
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      11 months ago

      Modern MacBooks are not meant to be opened. When Jobs still had a hand in designing them, RAM, HD, and battery were easily replaced. Opening the whole thing only involves removing a half dozen screws. It takes a small screwdriver and spudger, but it can be done on your dining room table. Parts are (or were) readily available at reasonable cost.

      • Stapling9851OP
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        11 months ago

        Very good to know. Are there certain models I should be looking at? Are some deemed “better” than others?

        • CaptObvious@literature.cafe
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          11 months ago

          Honestly, I don’t know. The last Mac I bought was for my kid’s high school graduation about ten years ago. I only know that I’d steer clear of anything with “Air” in the name.

          • Stapling9851OP
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            11 months ago

            Yeaaaa that makes sense they are too compact and I figure it would be difficult working on one… Unless there’s a different reason

            • CaptObvious@literature.cafe
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              11 months ago

              No, too compact and hermetically sealed precisely to prevent the owner working on them is exactly the main reason I avoid any Apple “Air” product. I’ve lost my fanboy membership card since they started “iOS-ifying” their full computers, removing ports and optical drives, and breaking the right to repair.