---
title: "The Thing I Want but Don't Need"
categories:
- blog
abstract: 
date: 2023-03-03T06:01:24+01:00
year: 
draft: false
tags:
- desktop-computer
- gaming-console
- FreeBSD
---
I'd love to get myself a real desktop computer. I have zero need for one, as my laptop is far from its limits on the worst days. But I grew up having a desktop computer, and there was some magic every time I booted it up. That magic is lost on a laptop. I don't have the space (my computer station is tucked in my bedroom, and I share the space with my wife, who also works from home) nor any need for a high-performance machine. 

{{<img-center "dec-vt-100.jpg" "A semi-related DEC VT100" "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DEC_VT100_terminal.jpg">}}

Well, proper support on FreeBSD would be great.

But the thing that I've rediscovered recently is the notion of upgradable systems. When I buy a laptop, there is very little possibility for an upgrade - I can change the SSD, add some RAM, and not much else. Of course, this assumes no Apple, as even their highest-tier laptops can be upgraded only by purchasing a new one.

The next step are the mini-pcs. They are so cute! Tiny, just powerful enough for today, and has a higher degree of expandability. We have recently bought a Dell OptiPlex 3060 in a micro case, and it's the best purchase we've made in the last few months. We can even upgrade the CPU on this little fella! My wife uses it for work, so it's the only Windows machine in the house.

{{<img-center "dell-optiplex-3060.jpg" "Cute machine">}}

But a proper tower gives you the most upgrades and the best power-to-price rate. If only I were a gamer.