Advice on Chess Computers

I'm new to chess and have been playing some games against the computer on my pc and tablet. I dug out an old chess computer (systema challenge from about mid 90s I think) that I bought dirt cheap second-hand years ago and then never used. I figured that it's good to practice with a real board and pieces to make sure I can observe positions from a 3D perspective and not just a flat 2D screen. It still works which is great, Unlike chess.com which responds instantly when playing on lowest level, it was taking up to a minute to think of a move, even when it was in check with only a single move. I suppose that's not necessarily a bad thing, but it all adds up and I've only got so much time to play.

Is this because it is so old and lacking processor power? If I bought a modern entry level chess computer would it be more responsive, or should I just stick with it.

Also, the previous owner seemed to have lost the spare queens and some of the magnets from the pieces, so if anyone knows where I could get a 34 piece set of (preferably magnetic) pieces to fit an 8" board at a price that doesn't exceed the value of the computer, Id be very grateful.

thanks in advance

Dave

fidelity electronic pieces can be had on ebay as well as others that would work.  save you money and buy a square off chessboard then you can play humans on it on chess.com

Taking over a minute for a forced move doesn't sound right. My ancient chess computers will make those immediately.

It turns out it was user error.  Level 1 means that after opening moves it matches the player's thinking time. Level 2 is actually the easiest mode followed by 3, 4 and so on. I thought it was hammering me hard, but when you're a complete novice it's difficult to know whether an opponent is just a bit better or a million time better.

A square off would be lovely, but it's way out of my price range and I'm really not worthy of one. I've looked on ebay and saw fidelity pieces but they were all in the US and after shipping costs it's actually cheaper to buy another old chess computer. I'll try to find a cheap travel set of roughly the same dimensions although most of the cheapo ones don't list much detail about size.

Thanks

Yes I also have Systema Challenge and other chess computers. It has many levels  where it will respond instantly but of course  other levels with longer response time will result in better play.

I think buying another cheap computer to get extra pieces will be a good idea. Pieces from Mephisto,Saitek,Excalibur etc would have almost the same sizes.

Here are 32 magnetic pieces you can buy: https://www.topschach.de/schachfiguren-saitek-schachcomputer-magnetisch-p-4054.html?osCsid=929utke8n0gpkc9u930psm0ce5

About the same diameter and length just a few mm difference to Systemas pieces.

The old ones were beautiful, and really something in their day.

But set them at 8 ply, and be prepared to wait half an hour per move.

They crush me at 6 ply, besides.

Never even use mine anymore.