all in one computer

abssorb

I'd also suggest a desktop.

Laptops are a compromise, hunched over a flat keyboard looking a screen that's too low. Fine for an adult who knows how to take breaks and stretch, but to avoid slouched shoulders a laptop for a child will be best with a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse. And if you're going to need that, you might as well get a desktop because your £ will get you more power and the machine will become obsolete less quickly.

We've used these guys for years: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk, and made extensive use of their 3 year warranty. Very helpful. Just call them and they'll spec a machine for you.

Just some thoughts on all in one.
In our kitchen, we've used All-in-one devices for many years as they take up a tiny amount of space and they all look like a piece of furniture with no ugly boxes or cables. (Our main workstations would look ridiculous in the kitchen).
Downside are that they are made with laptop components, so are as difficult / expensive to repair and upgrade as a laptop.

If you continue the All in one route - HP is very good, our current kitchen machine is a HP Pavilion All-in-One - (Model 23-q199na) which has been rock steady since 2016 and I've made use of the returns procedure too - all fast and faultless. But you're not going to get a lot for £500.

fred246

abssorb wrote: »

made extensive use of their 3 year warranty.

I make and look after quite a large fleet of desktop PCs for family and friends. I have not had any hardware failures for many years. Mechanical hard drives used to fail regularly but I've been using quality SSDs for years now. What parts have been failing in the first 3 years?

Francesanne

I've always found my HP PC to be very reliable (same with their printers). This is our 2nd model over the last 15 years. Bought both in Curry's too. I know they don't have great reputation between certain groups of people but never had any reason to complain.

flapjackboy

Definitely going to go with the consensus here and recommend against an AIO.


They're much more difficult to fix if anything goes wrong and you can get some decently small systems these days if space is at a premium.

susi

Thanks everyone, your imput is appreciated very much, a lot to take in for non techie brains but Im sifting through your links and comments with his Mum, thank you all very much