mrjohn

Many thanks for your contributions. Having read the replies and also done a little research of my own, I have come to the conclusion that the easiest and cheapest way forward is an android box. It looks like it will do all the things I want and will also be cheaper than a second-hand PC. So, just to reiterate, I do not watch streaming TV or live sport, nor am I interested in Netflix or similar. I would continue to download TV programmes of my choice on my main computer and watch them at my leisure. This looks like a good buy: https://www.lazada.co.th/products/tanix-tx6-android-smart-tv-box-2019-4gb-ddr3-32gb-android-90-i613350479-s1160052753.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.5.8b58691aOpIaWJ&search=1 Any opinions? I have a few questions for those of you that already use android boxes: I am assuming that I can plug in a hard drive via USB and watch the video content, is this correct? My monitor only has one connection, so I’m assuming I would need a VGA to HDMI adapter and am also assuming that the cheap ones available on Lazada (around 95 Bht) will do the job, correct? Also, the Tanix Tx6 doesn’t appear to have an audio output so I’m assuming Bluetooth speakers or headphones would do the job, is this correct? Once again, I would be extremely grateful for any advice.

Many thanks for your contributions. Having read the replies and also done a little research of my own, I have come to the conclusion that the easiest and cheapest way forward is an android box. It looks like it will do all the things I want and will also be cheaper than a second-hand PC. So, just to reiterate, I do not watch streaming TV or live sport, nor am I interested in Netflix or similar. I would continue to download TV programmes of my choice on my main computer and watch them at my leisure. This looks like a good buy: https://www.lazada.co.th/products/tanix-tx6-android-smart-tv-box-2019-4gb-ddr3-32gb-android-90-i613350479-s1160052753.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.5.8b58691aOpIaWJ&search=1 Any opinions? I have a few questions for those of you that already use android boxes: I am assuming that I can plug in a hard drive via USB and watch the video content, is this correct? My monitor only has one connection, so I’m assuming I would need a VGA to HDMI adapter and am also assuming that the cheap ones available on Lazada (around 95 Bht) will do the job, correct? Also, the Tanix Tx6 doesn’t appear to have an audio output so I’m assuming Bluetooth speakers or headphones would do the job, is this correct? Once again, I would be extremely grateful for any advice.

The old PC has a working 500Gb HDD which I would add to expand storage, hence the question. Is the existing graphics card likely to be adequate for watching video? Is there anything else I might need to do to make it serviceable?

There was a guy in our town who I would have trusted to do such a job but he's closed down due to lack of demand. My thoughts entirely. Is there much chance to upgrade these machines. Could you add another hard drive for example. Just found this one which looks like a bargain. https://www.lazada.co.th/products/dell-optiplex-755-wifi-pc-computer-i283672426-s461418310.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.80.25c43d03t2soq8&search=1

My old PC has finally died (motherboard) I only used it for watching TV programmes downloaded on my main PC. I’m looking for a cheap alternative. Replace motherboard? Difficult to find one compatible. 2nd hand computer? Or cheap as possible new build? Doesn’t even need an internet connection. Any Ideas would be gratefully received.