All in one PC or small/compact desktop suggestions please

luvvlyjubbly

Title edited as now more inclined to opt for a small pc....

My old desktop is about to kick the bucket. I'm also moving home , the new one will have to go in my dining room....so really need something compact looking and sleek....my partner would rather I had nothing.
I have a budget of upto £900 as I've been saving but would love to find something decent under £600 if possible.

Will used a lot I sell on Ebay, also take lots of photos. Other uses are just generally surfing the net. Would like to watch Iplayer or download some films etc. I won't be using it for gaming. I use spotify so maybe one with a good sound, or maybe suggest compact speakers.
I would also like to add a compact printer but that is something i can look into after if needs be.

The main things I want, is it to be VERY FAST and QUIET....so I probs don't need an all singing and dancing machine....would be nice to be touchscreen too.
Would also have to be more or less set up as I'm not that tecchie minded, although my soon to be new neighbour says he deals with computers so I guess I could pay him to set it up if it means i get a better deal.

I look forward to your suggestions.....thanks

JasX

Well the initial advice I'd give is think long and hard about getting an 'all in one' machine, these are generally regarded as horrible things -basically a laptop bolted to the back of a display screen so you get all the disadvantages of a laptop

-heat issues (especially with the big screen involved)
-very difficult/impossible to upgrade or add bits to later
-very difficult/expensive to repair or change out components yourself
-expensive to buy up front

With none of the advantages of a laptop (ie it's not portable)


From the sounds of things your usage will be quite light on the processing power side so maybe you could get away with something 'small' on form factor -either a small sized 'regular' PC, a intentionally designed very small form factor one (check it has space for the things you want to add to it) or even a net book type thing and spend money on getting yourself a nice big screen /separate keyboard (or re-use the ones you have)

If you minimise the amount of cash you're spending on the 'PC' it'll leave more available for peripherals you sound like you might get decent use out of ie:

-storage for music/movies (possibly network attached)
-Decent sound card/speakers
-Maybe some means of tying your PC into your house's regular TV / surround sound system (eg Apple TV or similar) so you don't need to watch Iplayer etc sat at the PC and could spend money improving your main TV / main TV sound system
-the printer you mention (advice:stick to a cheap functional one as they all clog up/break after a few years eventually)
-consider if you want the PC to have a DVD/bluray player

RumRat

In your position I would choose a Desktop replacement laptop over an all in one. I used one for quite a while before I had my home office. Hook up some speakers or a sound bar and use with a mouse instead of the track pad and it was the perfect set up.
I agree with JasX though that (If you can accommodate it\) a small form factor PC would be the best way to go unless you needed to move it around regularly, but, as it's in the dining room I'm guessing you'll need to shift it when Mrs luvvlyjubbly tells you to.
As for the printer. You just need a wireless one, then you can put it anywhere in the house out of the way.;):)

luvvlyjubbly

Lol....I'm Mrs Luvvlyjubbly....he's the fussy one

I won't take much convincing into not buying an all in one......so....do you know of any small desktops that would fit the bill....then i can just buy wireless accessories as I think he hates all the wires...

JasX

Worth considering a desktop replacement laptop but I expect that'll be a jump into the 'expensive' for the given processor etc you'd be getting, and drag in the list of laptop disadvantages above (particularly heat issues!!) whereas a regular small PC should keep the cost down.

Look at both tho

JasX

luvvlyjubbly wrote: »

Lol....I'm Mrs Luvvlyjubbly....he's the fussy one

I won't take much convincing into not buying an all in one......so....do you know of any small desktops that would fit the bill....then i can just buy wireless accessories as I think he hates all the wires...

Cross post!

My hardware knowledge is a little out of date I'm afraid so I'd be starting on googling reviews from scratch etc etc

Maybe consider editing the thread title to 'all in on PC or small form factor PC or xxx suggestions please' and see if attracts more comments in that area

50Twuncle

http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/novatechpockithdnpi07.html is a high spec ultra small format PC - But you will, of course still need a display
The Specs of this model are pretty high but have no idea as to the reliability (heat has to go somewhere)

50Twuncle

http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/novatechpockitnpi04.html#reviews
even higher spec - SSD based !!

pepdavies

Have you considered a Chromebox? http://promos.asus.com/us/chrome-os/chromebox/

luvvlyjubbly

Thanks, I can't see any reviews so not sure I would risk. I'm having a look at the Dell Optiplex 3020 minitower, currently has 30% off making it £348....anyone think it's any good?

50Twuncle

luvvlyjubbly wrote: »

Thanks, I can't see any reviews so not sure I would risk. I'm having a look at the Dell Optiplex 3020 minitower, currently has 30% off making it £348....anyone think it's any good?

We use Dells at work - their support is quite good - however, I thought that you wanted a small form factor - this one is huge in comparison with the Novatech options !!