All in one pc's. Any good.

joop123

Just been into currys and seen the all in one PCs. I have very little computer knowledge so spoke to the assistant, but it soon became apparent that he knew even less than me.
I liked the look of this one

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/hp-touchsmart-520-1010uk-23-all-in-one-pc-11264375-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR~Computing~11264375

The wife likes it as she thinks it would be tidier.

It would be used as a general family computer and for sports trading.

But is it any good and is this a good price.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Paddy

BackOnTrack

Personally I wouldn't touch an all in one PC. If the screen fails on a traditional PC, out of warranty, then you just need to replace the monitor, if the cpu goes then you just need to replace the CPU etc. but if something fails on an all in one PC you have to replace the whole thing pretty much.

As for the PC you linked to...dont touch it. its 600 quid for a crappily speced PC. I'd forget about all in one PCs as you will be charged more fr less effectivley. If space is an issue I would suggest looking at netbooks or laptops if you've got the space then just get a traditional tower system you will get much better value for your money.

If you are not wanting to play games on the PC 400 quid is more than enough cash to do what you want.

robmar0se

BackOnTrack wrote: »

Personally I wouldn't touch an all in one PC. If the screen fails on a traditional PC, out of warranty, then you just need to replace the monitor, if the cpu goes then you just need to replace the CPU etc. but if something fails on an all in one PC you have to replace the whole thing pretty much.

As for the PC you linked to...dont touch it. its 600 quid for a crappily speced PC. I'd forget about all in one PCs as you will be charged more fr less effectivley. If space is an issue I would suggest looking at netbooks or laptops if you've got the space then just get a traditional tower system you will get much better value for your money.

If you are not wanting to play games on the PC 400 quid is more than enough cash to do what you want.

I would agree.

A client had the forerunner to this I think it was the HP Touchsmart 500 or 510 - it cost her £1200 4 years ago. To cut a long story short it is throw away job because one component, the graphics chip was faulty - replacement boards aren't available - PCWorld where it was bought origiinally gave the lady the brush-off - probably as they new about the likely problem and the availability of spares. Secondly, there is info on the net detailing the exact same issue as we had - so indeed a known problem.

All-in-ones look great, and they save on space. but are unmaintainable. You would be better off with a laptop, a separate large screen if thats what you want, and if you don't want to use the inbuilt keyboard and pad, you can get a wireless keyboard and mouse, with change left over from what you would have spent on the HP Touchsmart.

fwor

It's not quite as bad value as it might first appear because it comes with a good sized screen, but it's a fairly average spec for the price.

As above, a similar spec tower should be a fair bit cheaper, and Small Form Factor PCs are a good compromise if you're short of space. Asus have done good SFF PCs for years, as have Dell and Shuttle (though the latter are pricey and sold as "home build").

joop123

Thanks for the replies, I will be leaving them well alone then (the wife will have to put up with the messy cables) will start looking at desktops then (laptop screen isn't big enough for me) where is a good place to look and anyone know of any particualy good deals at the moment.

Thanks

robmar0se

joop123 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, I will be leaving them well alone then (the wife will have to put up with the messy cables) will start looking at desktops then (laptop screen isn't big enough for me) where is a good place to look and anyone know of any particualy good deals at the moment.

Thanks

Hi, I think I didn't make the point clear - 99% of laptops have a VGA socket so that you can plug in any size monitor you want (and turn the laptop screen off)- I purely suggested it as the "footprint" would bot be much different to the all-in-one you were looking at. Certainly Desktops are always easier and cheaper to maintain/upgrade.

xbrenx

joop123 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, I will be leaving them well alone then (the wife will have to put up with the messy cables) will start looking at desktops then (laptop screen isn't big enough for me) where is a good place to look and anyone know of any particualy good deals at the moment.

Thanks

Speaking from experience, the cables are no less messy, you still have all the peripherals to plug in, so if that's the main reason, save your money.

PHARR

On this one guys, are you just on about the HP model of this PC or all AIO PC's?

Regards

Paddy

joop123

Thanks. Didn't realise you could plug a separate monitor into a laptop. Unfortunately the hard disk on my laptop has just failed this is why I am looking around at other options. Surely a desktop is going to be better for me, but there doesn't seem to be anywhere near as many desktops around as there used to be, do people not buy desktops anymore?

Paddy

closed

if it has completely failed, you could always put a new one in and reinstall windows

marvell-kid

If you want to save a bit of space. The acer Revo's are OK. Never used one, but have heard decent things with it. Other may agree and disagree. Wireless mouse and keyboard will keep things clutter free. Decent size monitor (22'') and a HDMI cable will keep you happy. If you can get a monitor with speakers built in so you don't need extras. Will mean yyou have 3 cables on your desk. Monitor Power, PC power and HDMI cable. If you need a printer, then get a wireless one and tuck it away until you need it