What is my need in a standby computer?
Intel NUC
So many options. Is it a good idea? Just something I want to do?
The first idea was a very small format desktop computer. A computer I could place out of the way and have a very small footprint. Much influenced by the MAC-mini which is now very obsolete, even in its newest version. Only considered because of its operating system.
I considered running another Linux box because it would be the least expensive. The WIN10 is the alternative but WIN10 is such a PITA at times. But that is where most if not all my good software applications run. The new standby should be capable of running those applications.
A computer to just run my 3D printers does not need to be much of a powerhouse. Is that my goal for the machine?
My quad box is currently running fine but is making a few strange noises on start. Probably just the fan but the machine is starting to show its age. It still gets the job accomplished.
An option could be a good laptop. The problem is the ones with good specs are very expensive. That’s because they have very specialized hardware and now very special screens. I am using a Surface tablet right now. It’s probably all I need as a portable computer.
I don’t want to have buyer’s remorse from buying something I don’t need. The old Linux Sandbox is doing the job the new box would be doing. Do I want to convert the Linux box into a server?
The Intel NUC is probably just a lust for something different and new to play with. Is that justification? The NUC is very close to a Surface without the surface. Not the top end surface but solidly in the middle. Just doesn’t have all the touch screen abilities.
This low-end Surface tablet I already have is enough for what I may want to do with this type of PC.
Decision made. I have ordered the NUC. For whatever use I find it suitable. I know it won’t be the hottest machine on the planet but should hold its own with the demands I make with my work. The specs are still good. I am thinking like the guts of a high-end Surface without keyboard or screen.
I going to find out. The Intel NUC is ordered and also a multiport USB extension. NUC is an acronym for Next Unit of Computing. It’s going to be my next unit. It has an Intel i7-7567U 7th generation CPU, 3.5 GHz processor, 32 GB of RAM, Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650, 512 GB SSD, plus a 2TB HDD, WiFi, Bluetooth, 4K monitor support, Windows 10 pro. It’s a little NUClear bomb! Only a dual processor with 4 threads, but I think it should do a great job. It’s as maxed out as it can get.
It really needs Windows 10 to get the most out of the graphics. It’s a case where the hardware is designed to best work with the Windows 10 OS. All my good programs will run on the NUC.
I am calling it a NUKE rather than a NUCK. I don’t know which is officially correct, but I like NUKE better. Of course, if it turns out to be a dud, the other name could be used.
It should be in hand and operational by next week. I will have lots more to say after then.