I'm digesting as much of this as I can with great interest, it's exactly the sort of advice I was hoping for. I feel I ought to be mildly embarrassed that I'm having to google much of the terminology, but I'm not really... I'm not having much joy with the delightful term "crapworks",mind you: can someone give me a simplified definition?
buksida wrote: ↑Tue Apr 14, 2020 7:58 am
Personally I hate those 'all-in-ones' as they are bitches to fix or upgrade should something go wrong.
I
knew you'd say that, buksi!
There is no mention of graphics processor on those specs (apart from the Acer) so it will be a low powered, low memory on-board one which will be no good for video editing or gaming or any graphics intensive processes.
That's interesting,and something I hadn't considered. Having said that, I don't do any video editing and although I have a Playstation 3, I rarely use it. (That might change over the next few months!)
pharvey wrote: ↑Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:15 pm
You need to be clear on what you need in the first instance - none of the screens are touch screen, so obviously you'll need a mouse and keyboard (2 out of 3 have them) - together both could cost £100 plus. All have 8GB RAM and upgradable - no issues. HDD not a worry and if like me where you download a deal of movies/shows etc., an external drive is easy and convenient. All new models will operate on Windows 10 which I have no real issues with, but look at what you need with regards to Windows Office software - can add significant cost.
Touch screen isn't really an issue for me as I'd need 4ft long arms
![laugh :laugh:](./images/smilies/icon_biglaugh.gif)
I have problems with my right eye and feel more comfortable with a larger screen further away than usual.
I can't imagine paying £100+ for a keyboard and mouse
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
, and now I'm wondering whether I'm using substandard equipment - am I missing something? (Mine cost a total of around £25-30)
I have Office on the laptop, paying c. £6 per month, so I could add it to another device without a problem. Having said that, see below...
laser wrote: ↑Tue Apr 14, 2020 3:42 pm
Given the task to buy an all-in-one for general use, I'd prefer 23.8" screen size at 1080p resolution. It's better than 27" for work since has about 30% higher pixel density, pictures are sharper & texts are more readable. For movies the larger TV would be fine via HDMI.
That's interesting, and something else I hadn't taken into consideration. Thinking about it, I do most of my word processing on the 22" monitor without a problem, using the larger (TV) screen to display reference sites (I'm a translator, so I've usually got several on-line dictionaries and other resources on the go).
The TV needs to be replaced anyway, as it has developed a couple of large unsightly smudges on the screen (behind the glass). I'm considering replacing it with a 2nd monitor and having a separate larger TV for conventional use. The 22" monitor also needs to be replaced as it is old, heavily scratched, quite cumbersome and propped up by books (a gift to tide me over 3 years ago!)
Therefore, I'd consider other models, such as
https://www.portusdigital.com/portus-ai ... 1735-p.asp for 700 or (better deal) the same with 16 GB memory and 1 year crapworks for 725.
The processors of these two boxes are newer and about 50% faster than the i5-8250U used in the 27" ACER and Asus models. The Portus model (OEM, probably just as good as brand names) also has the 1 TB HDD apart of the boot drive SSD. It is less decorative than the HP but has a swivel screen with landscape/portrait modes. Great if you also use the PC for word processing/writing, else just would be an unused feature.
The processor info is very helpful. Speed and efficiency are what I'm after in particular. I don't really need 16 GB, but for an extra £25 I'm inclined to go for the slightly more expensive Portus, particularly if I can work out what "1 year crapworks" actually gives me!
![laugh :laugh:](./images/smilies/icon_biglaugh.gif)
Also, I note it comes with Microsoft Office, which will save me the monthly fee I'm currently paying. And I quite like the swivel screen option - a bit gimmicky, but given what I do it might come in handy.
That's what I'm inclined to go for at the moment, although I'm going to take a look at some build-your-own options when my brain starts functioning again.
Again, my thanks to all of you for your input, it's very useful and much appreciated.
![Cheers :cheers:](./images/smilies/icon_cheers.gif)