All-in-one desktop?

AliceBanned

Hi

My laptop is really kaputt and no longer good enough for use for work. I've had it reconditioned twice and the guy in the shop advised to replace it next time. As it is nearly on fire when I use it I think it's now time to do so. . I work from home one day a week). Rather than get another laptop, as I hope to work freelance and/or from home more in the future, I am thinking of investing in a fairly good desktop PC. My budget is 0 so I will have to buy on credit, but can get 0% finance from Littlewoods. I am feeling guilty about this as I am a DFW but am beginning to think that the lack of decent pc will affect my career/job applications and I am currently retraining in my spare time so need at least a functioning PC, as the laptop sometimes messes up.

I live in a one bed flat so will make a small "office" space in the corner of my living room (which is quite large). So I would like it to a) be powerful and fast and b) not look offensive.

I could go for another laptop for the sake of tidiness, but I think I prefer working on a desktop and they seem also to be better value for money? I would like advice on this please, if anyone can help? Looking in Littlewoods I saw this and liked the look of it as it wouldn't look too offensive in my living room, but it is pricey compared to an old fashioned desktop:
http://www.littlewoods.com/lenovo-c360-intelreg-coretrade-i3-processor-6gb-ram-1tb-hard-drive-wi-fi-195-inch-all-in-one-desktop-pc-white/1389675808.prd

However if this is not particularly good value, rather than buy from Littlewoods on credit I think it would be better for me to save £300-400 which I could do in the next 2-3 months, and buy in cash rather than adding to my debts. Or I could get something supercheap to keep me going (eg a very cheap laptop) whilst I save up for a Mac.

The work I intend to do in the future is media/publishing related so a PC to not get in the way of this by being slow/outdated is needed, but maybe a Mac is unneccessary and a waste of money?

I also like the above because it is white - sounds trivial but it won't look too harsh in my living room. . Thanks for any advice.

GunJack

not good value, you could spend less than half that on a desktop

NiftyDigits

Start saving. Come back when you have perhaps £350.

What's the brand name and model number of the laptop?

AliceBanned

GunJack wrote: »

not good value, you could spend less than half that on a desktop

OK thanks.

AliceBanned

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Start saving. Come back when you have perhaps £350.

What's the brand name and model number of the laptop?

OK. I am really looking forward to having a decent PC again - will have to start using the library ones at this rate (ie when not at work..:D).

It's a HP and I bought it refurbished - 7 years ago. The keyboard has nearly fallen to bits as I've dropped it so many times. I will post later on model number as I don't have the laptop to hand at the mo. It really has so many problems that I can't face trying to rescue it..if that's what you're suggesting..:eek:

NiftyDigits

AliceBanned wrote: »

OK. I am really looking forward to having a decent PC again - will have to start using the library ones at this rate (ie when not at work..:D).

It's a HP and I bought it refurbished - 7 years ago. The keyboard has nearly fallen to bits as I've dropped it so many times. I will post later on model number as I don't have the laptop to hand at the mo. It really has so many problems that I can't face trying to rescue it..if that's what you're suggesting..:eek:

Just to keep it going until you have the money saved.

AliceBanned

Ok, I will obey! I have to follow advice on here to get myself out of the mess (see signature). So just need some sense talking into me.

I will have access to some savings in October and should have the full amount by the end of October, or latest end November.

I just looked on the Dell website - a cheap and cheerful laptop for £199 or would I be wasting my money? ie when I have the savings..

Thanks as always.:)

PasturesNew

Catalogue companies are always the most expensive way to buy stuff....

Many people buy good stuff from ebuyer, at very reasonable prices, which also offers some finance options. http://www.ebuyer.com/finance
They even have a 6 months 0% deal.

Find the best kit to meet your needs, then investigate options to buy .... don't start by picking an overpriced catalogue company and being fooled by their 0% offers as their prices are usually stupid-high to start with.

NiftyDigits

AliceBanned wrote: »

Ok, I will obey! I have to follow advice on here to get myself out of the mess (see signature). So just need some sense talking into me.

I will have access to some savings in October and should have the full amount by the end of October, or latest end November.

I just looked on the Dell website - a cheap and cheerful laptop for £199 or would I be wasting my money? ie when I have the savings..

Thanks as always.:)

The work I intend to do in the future is media/publishing related

So that's a no to that DELL.

Anyway, there are even cheaper laptops available, such as this Medion Akoya E6234 for £170.99, replete with Microsoft Office 2010.
It's a bit more useful than the DELL.

As an example of the ridiculous prices charged by the 'catalogues'....

This Medion AIO is bigger than the Lenovo, having a Full HD screen,(Medion is owned by Lenovo anyway) but is just £313.49

£700 for a 19.5" non-Touch screen is ludicrous.

Wouldn't recommend an AIO anyway.

Cisco001

Personally would get standard desktop due to the ease of maintenance.

InsideInsurance

Standard desktops are the cheapest, then laptops and all in ones come next.

All in ones have a lot of heat problems because of their "sleek" design and in fact many of them do use laptop components as these are designed for use in small enclosures. They also tend to suffer from the similar problems for repairs and upgrades because of their custom cases etc.

If you want powerful then desktop is the way to go. If you want the best of both worlds then maybe a laptop + a monitor/keyboard/ mouse so you have a big screen experience at home but can still take it on the road. All in one is for if style is more important than performance.

PS. I love my all in one iMac despite the above