[DesertRatTom]

I have had really good success buying refurbished machines. The key to them is the cooling fan working properly and a decent hard drive. Hard drives and power supplies are the weak points of all computers, lap or desk top. If you buy a desk top, the chances of getting a good one for $200 are very good. Just search for refurbished computers of any brand you like. I have dells, but their power supplies are their weak spot, but adequate if you don't overload them with accessories. For mission critical work, I always have a bootable clone made of the hard drive after installing the basic software. This becomes the main drive for that computer. For intermittent use, I've had these last more than 10 years with zero failures. If you're used to apple, it may take a little effort to learn to use Windows, but since you're using the laptop for all other uses, you won't be delving much into Window's inner working.

I would also check with BOB's documentation or help desk for what operating system to buy. You can still find Win 7 machnes, but forget Windows 8. Windows 11 is the newest, but in a refurbished machine, Win 10 is most common. I don't like the interface all that well, but it is trouble free. But the software may or may not run under it. And you will need to find out the software runs under 32 bit or 64 bit versions.

Apple doesn't give you that choice (my wife is an apple fan), but Windows is used in all kinds of corporations and organizations with tens of thousands of linked machines, so they have to be more flexible about software running. Apple just says no.

So check with the manufacturer about which OS to use, then look for the refurbished machine that matches the software requirements. You will probably be using this for many years.

One of our most impressive CNC users is Oliver Henry. He's put out a couple of books you can order on Amazon that may be helpful. The Newbie's Guide to CNC Routing: Getting started with CNC machining for woodworking and other crafts: Henry, Prof.: 9781726471022: Amazon.com: Books

You might also look to see if there are any classes you can take, videos available to help you speed up the learning process. Very happy you joined the group. We like to take good care of our members.

 

[DesertRatTom]

You can buy a laptop for about that price new. But more processing power may be available in a used/refurbished laptop for around that price. Google refurbished laptops. Nearly all the mainline manufacturers have refurbished laptops with great power for that price point. I've purchased a lot of them.

BTW, attached is a short article on how I'd make a CNC pay for itself. I taught marketing to professionals for almost 40 years, and these are my thoughts on the matter.