I've used a small DELL laptop (Windows 10) with touchscreen for a couple of shows. At home I use a HP (Windows 10) desk computer and I've run it with no problems on a Raspberry Pi (B+). Having said no problems, once while really putting a lot of stuff on the virtual screen - I came back from a break to find the program locked. But it has neve let me down at a performance. I.E. Setting up is probably tougher on the computer then playback.
I would love to see these refurbs you are talking about sub 100$ computers.
You are looking at for 200$ a FB/Craigslist Buy. That will be circa 2010ish model computers. Possible lemon.
You might spend 50$ take your Mac in for a cleaning and see if that helps run it better.
Often, it's not a matter of the computer but more a matter of having very little else run on it. If it's a dedicated machine, I wouldn't even load antivirus. Delete all the useless junk that come pre-installed. Run it clean and undistracted and a lot of that quirkiness will probably go away.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.