I need a new computer

[kcflhrc]

Looking at Desktops or those new all in one's where the monitor is the PC. Walmart has HP Desktop with 23" monitor, 1tb hard drive, 6gb memory for $500 or the all in one with 23" touch screen monitor for $650. Any recommendations here? Mostly an internet surfer but my wife is wanting to get some photo editing software. I'm thinking the all in one could be costly to repair and not expandable but the touch screen may be good for photo editing. Not sure. I don't want a laptop either. I have 2 already. Any recommendations and advice appreciated. I guess budget would like to be under $650 since that is what I can buy one at Walmart for.

Thanks

 

[teejk]

I agree with the "all in one" doubts (kinda like the old TV's with the built-in VCR...either part fails and the other parts go to the dump with it). Dunno if Walmart sells them but HP does offer a stand alone "touch screen" monitor. I personally don't like them (fingerprints on the screen but that's just me...my wife loves hers).

 

[B7510HSD]

I would suggest at least 8gb of Ram especially if you want to do any photo editing. Other than that it's just what suits you as a user. Of course the biggest processor you can afford would also help speed the editing along not fun waiting on pictures to load when you have a bunch to do!

 

[ustmd]

Don't think too much about repair costs in selecting a new computer

Given the typical price of a new computer these days, the only cost effective components you can replace are the DVD/CD drive, the fan and the hard drive. The hard drive is now the most reliable component on the system. Most DVD drives are so rarely used now that failure is not a big issue (typical replacement is only ~$20), which only leaves the fan.

 

[KennyG]

Computer failure rates are so low and the connections are so standard that I wouldn't worry about the all in one if it suits you needs. I would make sure the unit has an additional video out connection. Photo editing works better with two monitors, one for the image and another for the controls and file directory, etc. Once you have worked with a multi monitor system you will never go back.

 

[bigtiller]

I bought a 24" all-in-one with built in speakers on the side, from Best Buy and liked it. It sure was nice having only 1 wire behind it for power, everything else was wireless. I had only 2 problems with it. Getting it out of the box when it was new and getting it back to the store when it failed. It was heavy, bulky and fragile.

 

[N2DFire]

My girlfriend bought an HP All-In-One (non-touch screen) for her son for Christmas 2014 - Per the HP Web site it was warranty registered 12/24/14 (when he powered it on and set it up)

This year for Christmas we bought him a nice "Gaming Keyboard" - he went to plug it in & ALL the USB ports on the All-In-One went dead (and without a touch screen that is the ONLY way you get input to the device)

We called HP on 12-26-15 and they told her "It's a software problem not hardware & even if it was hardware it's out of warranty" - 1 Year warranty - out by 2 days.
And since all the mouse / keyboard inputs are USB and the USB isn't working - how exactly do they propose we fix a "Software Problem" ??

Side note - the system powers up & boots fine then just sits there waiting for you to log in w/ no input devices.

It is now currently gathering dust in my workshop floor because I can't find parts for it anywhere and I can't find anyone else that wants to try and work on it (presumably for the same reason - no parts).

I have worked in the IT field for over 22 years, have dabbled with building & programming for 8 or more years before that, and I have built computers from scratch back when a "DX" processor was a hot ticket and the Motherboard "Beep" speaker was the only sound you got and I can say one thing with absolute certainty - until ALL personal computers are All-In-One devices; I'll never own one.

As always - Your mileage may vary.

My recommendation is get a nice monitor and cheapest desktop that will run the photo editing software you want to use (read their required & recommended hardware specs). By the time the software requirements exceed what the computer will deliver, you would be better of with a new computer rather than upgrading that one.

In other words don't by a $600 computer expecting it to last 3-4 years when a $300 system will work now; Buy the $300 one & in 2 years buy another newer $300 one.

I will also echo what KennyG said about multi monitor systems. Right now at work I'm running the Laptop screen and 3 17" Wide Screen monitors (one of which is thru a splitter that's also attached to a 46" TV on my wall)

 

[Lnk]

Does the keyboard work to get into bios? If it does, put linux on it and be done with windows....

 

[teejk]

Computer failure rates are so low and the connections are so standard that I wouldn't worry about the all in one if it suits you needs. I would make sure the unit has an additional video out connection. Photo editing works better with two monitors, one for the image and another for the controls and file directory, etc. Once you have worked with a multi monitor system you will never go back.

I dunno...fairly new HP laptop lost the backlight (on my list to figure that one out...never cracked the case on a laptop yet). Newer HP desktop had to be shipped back for what HP said was a bad motherboard (that one under warranty but still a hassle). I don't think they are as reliable as you think. Heading out to the garage to change out a ballast on my 8' 4 bulb light (electronic ballast). My rarely used Sony MP3 player now refuses to be recognized by the computer. On and on...

 

[wotalota]

I like to look on-line to see what is available for the money. Usually seem to wind up with something from dell.com, lenovo.com. I like amazon.com for the reviews.