Any recommendations for desktop PC?

jjlothin

I need to source a new desktop PC for work and will possibly end up with Dell again, but I was wondering if anyone could recommend something for straightforward office use (emails, internet, word, excel, etc) that runs reasonably fast and works reliably? There's so much out there that it's impossible to get a handle on it all!

I'll need to confirm this with the boss, but I think the total budget would be around £800 - which would need to include monitor/mouse/keyboard, Microsoft Office including Outlook (possibly Office365 on annual licence, though I have yet to get my head properly around all that), and VAT.

Any recommendations will be most gratefully received!

victor2

Don't you have any IT support people, or are you it??
Microsoft licensing for businesses does take an awful lot of getting your head round, but can be the best approach financially for a business.
There's no shortage of support companies, who should be able to recommend solutions, can you find out who neighbouring companies use if you don't already have a good one?

jjlothin

We're what you might call 'strapped for cash' - and yes, I AM the IT support these days! At the moment it's only one PC we need (for me) - possibly also one for the boss ...

victor2

It can be a bit of a can of worms...
Do you have any existing equipment such as printers, multi-function devices, network storage etc?
If not, how will you print stuff and where will data be stored or backed up? What other software will you want to run? Many free AV systems, for example, are only free for personal use, not business.
If it's just one standalone computer, and you're cash strapped, what about a second-hand unit with some flavour of MS Office included? If the boss could need one as well, are they going to share data somehow? Could be good money down the drain if you don't consider future options.
You mentioned Dell in your OP - have you looked at the Dell Outlet? Bear in mind they come without screens, keyboards or mice, but do have a standard Dell warranty. OS is usually included, but nothing else.

jjlothin

Thanks, Victor! I'll bear all this in mind.

jjlothin

Hi David, and many thanks indeed for such a comprehensive and very helpful reply!

I'm not keen on laptops (partly because of neck/shoulder problems: I've always found working with desktops preferable ergonomically) but all the information you've supplied is going to make it much easier for me to consider possible Dell options ... And it's great to have a knowledgeable opinion on Microsoft/Office365.

As soon as the boss gives me the go-ahead I'll get going - so again, thank you very much for helping me navigate a course through the ocean of information out there! :beer:

John_Gray

Personally I would buy a second-hand Optiplex 790 or 990 for the system unit.
Examples from Microdream, perhaps choosing around the middle of the price range.
The sizes go (as you probably know!):
USFF Ultra-Small Form Factor (I avoid these)
SFF Small Form Factor (if you don't need to make too many internal upgrades)
DT Desktop
MT MiniTower (BIG!)

jjlothin

Many thanks, John - that's also very useful!