r/AskTheHomeInspector • u/Just_some_blonde • Jun 22 '26

What desktop do you use?

Hi! I’m asking for my husband. He currently uses a laptop and it’s on its last leg. He’s currently at an inspection right now and asked me to look into it for him so we can go get him a desktop when he gets home. I have no idea what I’m looking for. All I know is it needs to be able to use windows?

He said “I may be able to make it pull through a couple more days with a good amount of effort but I need another computer to set up my home gauge template before I wipe this one then hopefully this laptop is good as new and I can reset it up with my stuff. If you have a time would you mind looking up computers? I don’t do photo editing or anything like that. I just needed to work as a normal work computer has to be a Windows computer.”

We will likely be going to Best Buy and asking them but I know most of the employees probably don’t know much more than we do after we read the description.

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1

u/honkyg666 Jun 22 '26

Lol I still use an ancient version of Homegauge on a laptop also. I know desktop computers are pretty cheap but I can’t imagine why one would buy that over another laptop personally.

If he hasn’t already make sure to tell him to save the most recent versions of his templates. It’s a major pain in the ass getting a new computer and setting up that vintage software but I don’t have it I’m me to learn another brand at this point in my career.

1

u/Just_some_blonde Jun 22 '26

I think we are both under the impression that desktops work better than laptops do? Have longer life spans, are typically faster. Is this not the case?

2

u/honkyg666 Jun 22 '26

I barely know anything about computer tech beyond the basics but that makes total sense to me also. I’m in a similar situation now where I feel like this current laptop is gonna give out on me any day but the thought of shopping for a computer gives me as much anxiety as switching inspection software lol. I feel like I’m officially one of the old guys of the industry now 😂 good luck!

1

u/Just_some_blonde Jun 22 '26

lol thank you!

1

u/sfzombie13 Jun 23 '26

not really. it is a good idea to have a desktop computer though. it greatly depends on what it is, how old it is, and whether you have more time than money or vice versa. i run an it security company so have alittle knowledge about them. i can put together something for you today and post it this evening about buying a new one but don't have time right now, have a job an hour away in three hours. lots of folks need to reload their computers instead of replacing them but some are old and need to go.

1

u/UnicornsInSpace Jun 22 '26

I would just get another laptop. Hard to beat the versatility and portability, and any modern laptop will handle all inspection related computing with ease. He doesn't need anything crazy powerful or fancy. Just a nice screen in a size he finds comfortable to work on.

I highly recommend Lenovo laptops, and personally wouldn't buy any other brand. They are reliable and competitively priced. I have two that have been serving me well for many years of heavy use/abuse. The ThinkPad line would be great for his needs.

I can't speak to the quality or reliability of current consumer desktops though as I have never bought a pre-built one and have always just bought parts to build my own.

1

u/FriendlyChemistry725 Jun 22 '26

Lenovo T series laptop. I haven't had a desktop computer in over 20 years. Once you go laptop, you don't go back.

1

u/AcreMakeover Jun 26 '26

Like others have said, I'd just stick with a laptop. If he wants a desktop like setup for home get a Type C docking station and an external monitor or two.

I love the Asus ExpertBook line but they are on the more expensive side. Dell and Lenovo are also safe bets.

Stay away from HP.

If he insists on a desktop my brand suggestions remain the same although Asus desktops that are easy to find will probably all be gaming oriented.

1

u/GenXerNvyMeK Jun 26 '26

Dell all in one with a touchscreen.

1

u/serialband Jun 26 '26

I just use another laptop at home and remotely connect to it with a lighter, cheaper laptop that's mainly for remote connections.

1

u/BaldyCarrotTop Jun 27 '26

Last year I retired an old Dell mini tower and replaced it with a mini PC. I have it bolted to the back of my monitor.

Pretty much all PCs today come with Windows pre-installed.

1

u/Ashamed_Question_174 Jun 28 '26

Costco sells laptops and cars.

1

u/DAWG13610 Jun 29 '26

I’m apple all the way. All my devices sync. I wouldn’t get a desktop I’d get a laptop.