Inexpensive stand alone computer wanted for more private tasks.

[Hoff]

I have a MPB, but it seems like all my apps and websites are collecting all my data, etc.

I want a standalone machine that I use ONLY for more sensitive things like online banking and filing taxes online.
I won't load any apps, or visit any other websites on it.

I'd love it to be a Mac, but the cheapest new Mac is around $1000.
I'd rather pay around $400-$500.

So my next guess is an inexpensive native Linux based machine? (Either laptop or mini computer similar to Mac Mini).

Is there a Linux computer I can buy new for $400-$500?
Or another option similar to that?

I do not want a Windows machine
I do not want a Chrome OS machine
I do not want to try to load Linux onto a machine (I want it pre-installed and working out of the box if I go that route).

Any suggestions?

 

[LeeW]

Linux Laptops - Powered by Open Source

Welcome to the world of Linux. Available with coreboot Open Source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary OS, Linux Mint, Manjaro, MX Linux, or Zorin OS pre-installed. View our range of Linux laptops, including the StarLite, StarBook and more. Visit Star Labs for information, support and to...

starlabs.systems

System76 - Linux Laptops, Desktops, and Servers

System76 computers empower the world's curious and capable makers of tomorrow

system76.com

Can vouch for both of these, you're not looking at stellar quality but will work for your needs. Also look at the Pinebook for a ghetto option.

 

[LeeW]

An easier option would be to install Linux through a VM on your MBP and only do those particular tasks inside that, which saves having another device.

 

[MBAir2010]

Dell make a Linux XPS which has ubuntu already installed and will work out of the box
Pinebook is another option but they are cheap quality wise and Chinese made.
you could build your own computer as well

to support your Linux interest, many agree that is a better option in mid 2021 due to less infiltration and real humans developing the programs and software who seem more intuitive and eager to please than the other 2 blobs.

 

[Hoff]

Linux Laptops - Powered by Open Source

Welcome to the world of Linux. Available with coreboot Open Source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary OS, Linux Mint, Manjaro, MX Linux, or Zorin OS pre-installed. View our range of Linux laptops, including the StarLite, StarBook and more. Visit Star Labs for information, support and to...

starlabs.systems

System76 - Linux Laptops, Desktops, and Servers

System76 computers empower the world's curious and capable makers of tomorrow

system76.com

Can vouch for both of these, you're not looking at stellar quality but will work for your needs. Also look at the Pinebook for a ghetto option.

Thanks. At $474 the Star Lite would be great. But it's not currently available.
The cheapest System 76 looks to be $1299, at which price I'd just buy a MacBook Air
Pinebook looks a little too low-end.

 

[Hoff]

An easier option would be to install Linux through a VM on your MBP and only do those particular tasks inside that, which saves having another device.

Thanks, yeah that sort of makes sense.
I have no experience with creating a VM and was hoping to just buy something ready to go.

 

[Hoff]

Dell make a Linux XPS which has ubuntu already installed and will work out of the box
Pinebook is another option but they are cheap quality wise and Chinese made.
you could build your own computer as well

to support your Linux interest, many agree that is a better option in mid 2021 due to less infiltration and real humans developing the programs and software who seem more intuitive and eager to please than the other 2 blobs.

Thanks for explaining about Pinebook.

I don't want to build my own, or install anything.
Rather just buy it and use it straight away.

I know I could get a Windows 10 laptop for $400, but was hoping there was a Linux or Mac version for $400-$500 (new).

 

[Steve Adams]

I LOVE system 76s thelio cases. So awesome.

 

[BrianBaughn]

You're concerned about security…have you read up on Linux security? You'd probably have to research the specific distro you're considering.

Have you ever had a Linux computer?

 

[MisterSavage]

Why not a browser that you only use for those purposes? You can't use TurboTax, H&R Block, etc on Linux without emulation so I assume you're doing your taxes on a website.

 

[c0ppo]

Thanks for explaining about Pinebook.

I don't want to build my own, or install anything.
Rather just buy it and use it straight away.

I know I could get a Windows 10 laptop for $400, but was hoping there was a Linux or Mac version for $400-$500 (new).

Recently I've bought a small PC from minisforum. I'm really please with that little device. Here's the link for you:

Minisforum X400 Mini PC

Minisforum X400 Mini PC is one of our latest pre-order product. With AMD Ryzen™ 3 Pro 4350G, 4C/4T up to 4.0GHz, EliteMini X400 is much more powerful among mini PCs, helping you do work and play game more frequent with a wonderful experience.

store.minisforum.com

I've chosen X400. You can easily pick the least expensive X400 for your purpose, it will get the job done. I use mine as a nexcloud server, ordered 2 more that I will use as servers for different purposes as well.

They are often on sale for 100-150$ less. They just ended another sale. So wait for some time, or google some coupons for their website. But you will have to install Linux distro yourself. But don't worry, it's quite easy to do so, and everything will work out of the box. It took me 15min to install my favorite distro, and everything worked without any tinkering.

But I would also advise you to save the money and simply use VM. Virtuabox is free and easy to use, Parallels is awesome, but costs some money. It's easier to go this route first. If you like it, it saves you time from maintaining another device, and it saves you money.

If it doesn't work like you would like it to work, well, then you can purchase another device.

 

[xraydoc]

I'd love it to be a Mac, but the cheapest new Mac is around $1000.

Cheapest new Mac is $699; less if you have a .edu discount.
Mac mini - Apple

 

[benshive]

There are several linux distributions that are heavily security focused. Set up a VM with one on your current machine and you can use the one machine for everything and not have to spend money on a new machine. I know you said you don't really feel like setting things up but it's super easy to get working
A few security focused linux distros I'm aware of:

Qubes OS: A reasonably secure operating system

Qubes is a security-oriented, free and open-source operating system for personal computers that allows you to securely compartmentalize your digital life.

www.qubes-os.org

Trisquel GNU/Linux - Run free!

Trisquel GNU/Linux is a fully free operating system for home users, small enterprises and educational centers.

trisquel.info

Subgraph OS

Subgraph OS | Adversary Resistant Computing

subgraph.com

 

[skaertus]

Thanks, yeah that sort of makes sense.
I have no experience with creating a VM and was hoping to just buy something ready to go.

Well, it is really easy to set up a VM machine. You can learn it in less time than you can search for an inexpensive Linux laptop. And it will be far cheaper than any Linux laptop.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

The Raspberry Pi 400 is a Pi in a keyboard. I've heard good things about it for light usage, and it's only $100.

 

[Hoff]

You're concerned about security…have you read up on Linux security? You'd probably have to research the specific distro you're considering.

Have you ever had a Linux computer?

No, I never had a Linux computer.
I tried installing it on a Windows machine once and it did not work very well. I have no patience for that kind of thing so
I don't want to research the different distros, or try to figure out how to install it myself.

I just thought of Linux as inexpensive and secure. Like I should be able to buy a cheap Linux computer ready to go. I may have been mistaken.

Why not a browser that you only use for those purposes? You can't use TurboTax, H&R Block, etc on Linux without emulation so I assume you're doing your taxes on a website.

Yes, on a website. I feel like all my data is being tracked across all browsers. I don't really trust using a separate browser on the same machine.

 

[Hoff]

Cheapest new Mac is $699; less if you have a .edu discount.
Mac mini - Apple

I don't want an M1 machine
Would like an older Intel Mac Mini for $500 if it was new in box. But no idea where to find such a thing.

 

[Boyd01]

Might want to keep an eye on the Apple refurb store. I got my 2018 Mini there last summer, and at that time the base Mini's were going for $599. Don't follow it anymore but just looked and there are a bunch of refurb Intel Minis, but only the higher spec models. If you can catch a base config, it might be close to your price and they have the same warranty as new.

But another, much cheaper option might be to just run a MacOS virtual machine on your MBP. That would be treated like a separate computer, but I suppose it wouldn't be as secure as a separate physical machine.

Refurbished Mac - Mac mini

Save up to 15% on a refurbished Mac mini. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[BrianBaughn]

No, I never had a Linux computer.
I tried installing it on a Windows machine once and it did not work very well. I have no patience for that kind of thing so
I don't want to research the different distros, or try to figure out how to install it myself.

My experience is similar. I didn't get far with several distros I tried years back. Far too often, after installing updates (and you gotta do updates for security), things would get screwed up.

 

[LeeW]

I don't want to research the different distros, or try to figure out how to install it myself.

This is going to be your real issue. Linux and research are not nice to have, they are essential. If you want to use it on a hope/prayer you never have issues then fine. But when issues crop up and they will you are going to be mega frustrated with it.

 

[Hoff]

This is going to be your real issue. Linux and research are not nice to have, they are essential. If you want to use it on a hope/prayer you never have issues then fine. But when issues crop up and they will you are going to be mega frustrated with it.

That is really good to know. I'm starting to think spend the money on a MacBook Air (Or Mac Mini) instead of all the time on this Linux idea.

Thanks

 

[MBAir2010]

You could get a used macbook locally for a fair price, and sometimes a great price
depending on the condition.
now installing unbuntu, mint and other distros on a macbook is tough, and very time consuming.
whereas a pc like dell is more lenient and open for drivers and other support like track pad gestures and just hooking up wifi is easier.

 

[Steve Adams]

Just buy any small form factor computer with your specs of choice and throw your favorite distro on it and be done. No messing around.

 

[Hoff]

What if I just set up another user on my MBP?

Would thats solve this problem?

I'm not clear on how much data crosses over between users.

 

[mi7chy]

That's what a Linux VM is for.