DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Desktop for Internet Browsing - Normal Config or Raspberry Pi 2?

5 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/desktop-for-internet-browsing-normal-config-or-raspberry-pi-2.193497/

Cool Buddy
Cool Buddy Original post #1
Sep 2, 2015 at 12:35 PM
Recently my laptop has been giving me a lot of problems. These days I am not doing much on it anyway. Hence I am thinking of buying a cheap desktop setup.

The requirement for this machine is very low:
  1. Should be able to run web broswers with 4-5 tabs
  2. Should be able to open Docx, Xlsx and PDF attachments
  3. Should be able to run a torrent client
  4. Should be able to connect to my existing 22" Full HD television through VGA or HDMI port
  5. Should be able to connect to an external portable USB hard drive

I was thinking of going for a Raspberry Pi 2 as the OS is not of concern to me, I can use Linux (as long as it has a GUI that can be operated with a mouse). Along with the external hard drive, keyboard mouse, case and flash drive, I think I will be able to get it for ~10k. Is it a good idea?

Or should I go for the first config mentioned here, which will cost around 15k without monitor?
*www.digit.in/forum/pc-components-c...onfigs-2015-q2.html?highlight=pc+buying+guide

An additional point I would like to mention is that the portability of Raspberry Pi and External Hard drive will be valuable for me.
harshilsharma63
Sep 6, 2015 at 12:47 PM
Raspberi Pi will be a good choice. It will smoothly server all your mentioned proposes.
bssunilreddy
Sep 8, 2015 at 8:00 PM
Recently my laptop has been giving me a lot of problems. These days I am not doing much on it anyway. Hence I am thinking of buying a cheap desktop setup.

The requirement for this machine is very low:
  1. Should be able to run web broswers with 4-5 tabs
  2. Should be able to open Docx, Xlsx and PDF attachments
  3. Should be able to run a torrent client
  4. Should be able to connect to my existing 22" Full HD television through VGA or HDMI port
  5. Should be able to connect to an external portable USB hard drive

I was thinking of going for a Raspberry Pi 2 as the OS is not of concern to me, I can use Linux (as long as it has a GUI that can be operated with a mouse). Along with the external hard drive, keyboard mouse, case and flash drive, I think I will be able to get it for ~10k. Is it a good idea?

Or should I go for the first config mentioned here, which will cost around 15k without monitor?
*www.digit.in/forum/pc-components-c...onfigs-2015-q2.html?highlight=pc+buying+guide


An additional point I would like to mention is that the portability of Raspberry Pi and External Hard drive will be valuable for me.

Go with the following Desktop Config for Internet Browsing: (without Monitor)

Intel Pentium G 3220 -4000,
Gigabyte H81M-S1 -3500,
Corsair Value Select 4GB 1600Mhz -2200,
Corsair CX430 -3000,
Zebronics SPY II -1000,
WD Caviar Blue 1TB -3500,
Logitech MK200 -800.
TOTAL -18,000.
SaiyanGoku
Sep 8, 2015 at 8:09 PM
Go with the following Desktop Config for Internet Browsing: (without Monitor)

Intel Pentium G 3220 -4000,
Gigabyte H81M-S1 -3500,
Corsair Value Select 4GB 1600Mhz -2200,
Corsair CX430 -3000,
Zebronics SPY II -1000,
WD Caviar Blue 1TB -3500,
Logitech MK200 -800.
TOTAL -18,000.

You do realize that a Pi2 setup would cost OP one-third of this without loosing any intended functionality?
Nerevarine
Sep 8, 2015 at 9:02 PM
Although the pi2 is a great device, i still wouldnt reccommend it over a fullfledged computer because heavy browsing is really really laggy.. Even common websites filled with html5 content is slow to load like 9gag..
if you barely use the computer, then go for the pi2, but for a daily driver get a pc, seriously.. you could try the mini pc with fully fledged windows..

Source - plenty of pi2 to test in hostel, so im not speaking out of my a$$