Hey folks I'm sorry for asking a question that probably gets asked a bunch, but hopefully I'll give a bit of info making it worth the read?

I run a small business and have 1 employee. She wants a new desktop computer. Laptops are not up for consideration. Windows is the only OS I'll consider.

Frankly she needs it because the optical drive crunched up a CD and she's complaining that it's "slow", though interestingly she's still using a computer I bought at least 8 years ago. I think the reason that one lasted so long is because she literally uses a handful of programs and always closes them when finished: web browser (including for e-mail), Word, Excel, a transcription program with a foot pedal, adobe reader, and maybe one or to others.

I'm assuming anything I buy, even low-end stuff, will be higher performance than the old one. I don't feel like I need a high-end processor (unless pre-installed bloatware will gobble up precious processor power???) or lots of RAM. I don't need lots of storage. I literally feel like I need a box with Windows installed that won't fuck up. Oh, and I need a bunch of USB ports, like 6 of them.

So, what does someone think? I've looked up Dell and HP and I'm getting $399 for this HP: https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-slim-desktop-s01-pf1025se

I'm getting $419 for this Dell: https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/desktops-all-in-one-pcs/inspiron-small-desktop/spd/inspiron-3471-desktop/smi3471w10ph313r3

I don't know why, but those seem too high. Is there a better brand to look for? Are refurbs a good idea? If so will the cost savings justify any added risk with a refurb? Maybe the answer is to just pick one of those and get it over with?

One other question: A couple years ago I bought a license for the then-latest version of MS Office for her computer (1-time purchase, not 365). Will I be able to use that license for the new computer? Or will I need to get a new one?

Folks, thanks so much of anyone can give me a bit of input. I hate to ask but I just don't have the time to put all the research in. Hopefully this is such a basic info request that answers are easy!

Take care!

youngstupido