There’s never been a better time to break into the world of computing, whether it’s putting hardware together, or learning how to write in a programming language. For most people, especially those in poorer countries, buying a desktop or laptop can be an investment that’s out of their budget, and oftentimes people will simply not have access to technology due to cost. Fortunately, there are a number of different ways of getting a modern computer system up and running without having to spend a lot of money.
Refurbishment
Refurbished technology, more commonly known as refurbs, are secondhand systems and devices that have been repaired and put back into use by a technician. This can include just about any piece of technology, ranging from desktops to mobile phones. Buying a refurb is easy enough, but it’s recommended to try and find a repair shop that sells certified refurbished devices. This means that the device has been repaired and tested under specific guidelines that ensure that it’s working properly and that it won’t break in the near future, while being capable of doing most tasks, from word processing to playing the online slots Singapore has to offer. Many refurbs are so well done that they come with their own warranty. They are also extremely easy to find, and if the repair technician knows what they’re doing, the device should last for a number of years at least.
Old Smartphones
For many people, buying the latest flagship phone is next to impossible due to the high price. One of the biggest drawbacks of old phones is the lack of modern software, and most manufacturers tend to abandon phones after a few years. One way to revive an older, second-hand phone is by installing modern software on it. Samsung’s Galaxy A range, for example, is supported by open source custom ROMS such as LineageOS, which provides the latest Android software that essentially transforms the phone entirely. Old phones and tablets dating back as far as 2012 can be rejuvenated with modern software.
The Raspberry Pi
A desktop is probably one of the most expensive investments a person can make if they want all the latest hardware and software, but there are a few, extremely cheap workarounds that can offer a fully working desktop for a fraction of the price. The Raspberry Pi is the very best example of this. A Raspberry Pi is known in the tech world as a SoC – or System On a Chip – meaning that it’s a fully functional computer that’s encompassed in a tiny form factor. The newest Pi comes with a quad core processor and 4 GB of RAM, and offers a wide variety of I/O options, including USB 3.0 and HDMI support in up to 4K resolution – all at an incredibly low price.
It’s possible to acquire a Raspberry Pi kit, which usually includes the Pi itself, a case to keep it safe from harm, along with a power cord, keyboard, mouse, and a mini-HDMI connection that fits into most modern screens or monitors.
