Today, I had a real treat—a VHS to DVD/Digital conversion job! Honestly, you don’t see many of these anymore, so it felt like stepping into a little time machine.
Thankfully, the customer had dusted off most of the dreaded mould that appears on these old tapes, and it did not ingress too badly on the tape itself, as that can mean a lot of clean-up time, of course.
After a few runs to get the tape moving smoothly again, I was able to capture another epic family adventure. The footage was converted to DVD and a universally compatible MP4 format, ready for playback on pretty much any device—or even uploaded to YouTube for the whole family to enjoy!
Another blast from the past preserved and ready to relive—mission accomplished. ✅
🎬 Got old VHS tapes gathering dust? We love helping people rediscover their memories with high-quality digital conversions—ready to share and enjoy for years to come. It’s not always an easy process, but the smiles and stories that come from it make every job worth it!
As Halloween creeps closer, it feels only right to share a few of our own secrets — but don’t worry, these won’t haunt you. Here are our top three secrets to building a reliable, low-maintenance PC that’ll stay alive and kicking for years.
1. Invest in a Quality Case
Sure, a cheap case will get you started, but poorly machined mounts, tight spaces, and chaotic wiring make assembly a headache—and future maintenance a nightmare. Spend 10–20% more on a quality enclosure, and putting the machine together becomes a breeze, leaving extra time to create a clean, beautiful wiring layout.
2. Choose Mature Components
Cutting-edge isn’t always best. Think of it like a sports car: fast and exciting, but high-maintenance. We prefer parts that have been on the market for a while—bugs are usually ironed out, leaving you with a stable workhorse that performs reliably for years.
3. Don’t Overlook the Power Supply
The PSU is one of the most overlooked components. Low-quality “high power” units often run at 75–90% load, stressing your components and failing after a few years. At Bluesdigital, we use top-tier power supplies running at just 10–15% load, ensuring a lifespan of 15–20 years while improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Built to Last
A great PC isn’t about having the newest parts—it’s about balance. By prioritizing reliability, stability, and ease of maintenance, you get a dependable tool that serves you for years with minimal fuss.
Here at Bluesdigital, we get genuine satisfaction from bringing a refurbished machine like the Dell OptiPlex back to life. There’s something special about seeing a once-corporate workhorse transformed into a creative tool, ready to be appreciated all over again.
We’ve been really enjoying getting to know this cool little PC — the Dell OptiPlex 7060 MFF. It’s one of those machines that just gets on with it. It is compact, quiet, and efficient. Yet, it is full of power when you need it. It is the kind of kit that fits seamlessly into any space. It makes you wonder why computers ever needed to be any bigger.
When we say “small but mighty,” we mean it. The Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro Form Factor (MFF) is quietly confident — efficient, powerful, and perfectly sized to fit anywhere. It’s literally small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, yet built to handle serious work.
A New Home for a Business-Class Powerhouse
Originally designed for business-class computing, this compact machine has been fully refurbished. It is now ready to take on creative projects and everyday multitasking with ease. Whether you’re editing in Photoshop, managing multiple apps, or running dual monitors, it handles it all. It does so without the noise or bulk of a full-sized desktop.
Power your way through your working day — without some beast growling away under your desk.
Specs at a Glance
Processor: Intel Core i5-8500T CPU (compact power and reliability) Memory: 16GB RAM (upgradeable to 64GB) Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD (upgradeable to 4TB+) Display: Supports dual monitors with ease Size: 182mm x 36mm x 178mm — fits in the palm of your hand Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Warranty: Full 12-month warranty
Price: £350.00
Ready for Its Next Chapter
We’re looking forward to seeing who gets to take this PC home. Get in touch if you’d like it to be you.
Buying a new computer isn’t the only way to get reliable, high-performance tech. Our refurbished laptops and PCs are carefully restored, fully tested, and come with a 12-month warranty, so you can be sure you’re getting both quality and peace of mind.
A Smarter Choice for Your Budget
Refurbished computers deliver the same dependability you’d expect from brand-new machines, but at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking for a work-ready laptop, a study companion, or a dependable home PC, we’ve got options to fit your needs without stretching your budget.
Good for You, Good for the Planet 🌱
Every computer we refurbish and rehome helps reduce electronic waste. By giving great machines a second life, we’re all doing our part for a more sustainable future. Choosing refurbished is more than just a purchase — it’s a positive step towards lowering the environmental impact of technology.
What You Can Expect
Fully tested and restored laptops and PCs
Genuine Windows installed
A 12-month warranty included with every machine
Friendly support whenever you need it
Explore Our Collection
Our refurbished computer listings are always changing, with different models becoming available regularly. If you’re looking for something specific, let us know your requirements and we’ll happily help you source one that suits you perfectly.
Way back in 2008, one of our long-time customers came to Bluesdigital looking for a business PC that lasts. His only requests? Something reliable enough to handle his work — and lights that made it look the part.
Fast forward 16 years later, and that same machine was still powering his business. We only saw it a handful of times in all those years, for a couple of services and a hard drive replacement. That’s how tough our systems are built.
But with new software needing Windows 11 compatibility, it was finally time for an upgrade. Instead of going anywhere else, he picked up one of our Premium Refurbished PCs. These aren’t your standard refurbs — they come with a 5-year warranty, rock-solid performance, and the best local support around.
He loved the new machine so much (yep, prettier lights included) that he also ordered our Hand-Built PC’s Ych Brych, so we have had a great time getting everything just right. We’ll be setting it up for him on-site tonight, moving over all his data so his workday doesn’t skip a beat.
This is why we love what we do. When we say our systems last — we mean it. And when it’s time to move forward, we’re right there to help.
Built to endure. Inspired by myth. Crafted for you.
Not every computer is for everyone — and we understand that.
Some people need something affordable and ready right now. Others need a quick repair to keep their current machine going. That makes sense — and it’s why we continue to fix and support a wide range of systems. In fact, we enjoy helping you find the solution that suits you best.
But when it comes to the computers we build, we take a different path. Every system that leaves our workshop is designed with one question in mind: will it still serve you years from now?
That’s why we choose components that stretch beyond warranties. That’s why we design against the flaws we’ve seen in countless repairs. That’s why our machines — Twrch Trwyth and Ych Brych — carry not just mythic names, but the promise of endurance.
We don’t measure success by how many units we sell, but by how long each machine remains a trusted companion.
If you’re looking for something built to endure, not just to exist — you’re in the right place.
You may have noticed some changes to our website — including our new pick-up and drop-off service! No more taking time out of work, family, or leisure to get your PC or laptop running smoothly. Just pick a time, and we’ll handle the rest — safe, fast, and hassle-free.
I’ve had three calls & a couple of messages about this very topic today. It’s only just after 1pm at time of writing!
Thinking about giving your old laptop or desktop a new lease on life with Windows 11? It’s possible—but with a few important caveats.
System Requirements Matter
Windows 11 has stricter “OFFICIAL” hardware requirements than previous versions. At minimum, it requires:
A 1GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores (64-bit) (We Recommend: Intel i5+ or AMD Ryzen 5+)
4GB of RAM (We Recommend: 8gb min, preferred 12-16gb+)
64GB of storage (We Recommend: SSD not older mechanical drives, 128gb absolute min, preferred 240gb+)
UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
TPM version 2.0
A DirectX 12-compatible graphics card
For many older pc’s — especially those made before 2017—the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements can be deal breakers. If your device doesn’t meet these, Windows 11 will not install the official way.
Workarounds Exist
Microsoft allows a workaround for unsupported hardware. Though it’s not recommended for basic users, you can create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus. Alternatively, you can modify the installation media to skip TPM and CPU checks. But be aware: running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware MAY prevent updates and lead to stability or security issues. However, this has never been seen in previous versions of Windows. It is easily mitigated by using a DECENT anti-virus program to look after your interests.
Should You Upgrade?
If your old laptop meets the specs—or you’re tech-savvy and want to experiment—it can be a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, you might consider sticking with Windows 10 (OFFICIALLY supported until October 2025). In reality, it is perfectly safe for the average user for at least another 3-4 years, with good security in place.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can put Windows 11 on an old computer. However, whether you should depends on your device’s specs, your comfort with tech, and what you expect from the upgrade. Please don’t let the scaremonger tactics & misinformation force you into a possibly unnecessary purchase. Creating more tech e-waste/landfill for a perfectly viable & sustainable machine is avoidable. If you want to get your machine checked out for upgradeability, give us a shout. Alternatively, bring your computer in for a FREE diagnosis & honest opinion.
For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Driving Test Centre ) | Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823
Had a couple of calls about folks not being able to make a shortcut as easily in Windows 11 as it was in 10 or 7. Now that a lot of “Apps” are being delivered via Microsoft Store, the old “Right Click” and send shortcut to desktop does not work for these and other built-in Windows apps. Some you can still use the right click option of “Open File Location”. With this, you can make a shortcut from there. However, that option is also being phased out. This leaves us shortcut junkies without a desktop full of icons!
There’s a couple of easy ways to access the main Applications folder in 11, where everything is hiding. Open “File Explorer”, “Computer” or any folder on your pc and type shell:AppsFolder in the address bar & hit enter.
Or… Hold down the Windows key+R then type shell:AppsFolder into the Run window and click Ok. Then you will be able to make a shortcut for any program on your PC.
How to Create a Shell:AppsFolder Shortcut :
You can also create a Shell:AppsFolder shortcut to easily open the Applications folder to view all apps on your Windows 10/11 computer. Right-click on the Desktop and select New -> Shortcut. In the Create Shortcut window, type Explorer Shell:AppsFolder and click Next. Type a name for the shortcut like Apps or Applications and click Finish. This will create a shortcut for the Windows Applications folder. Then you can double-click on the new shortcut to open the Applications folder to view all apps in your system.
For more computer services, pop in to see us at Frolic House ( between Newtown Medical Practice and Newtown Driving Test Centre )| Call 01686 610 106 | Message 0783 222 7823
