Despite a growth in the use of mobile computers such as laptops, tablet devices and smartphones, the desktop PC still has a place. Thanks to micro-technology, computer sizes are getting smaller yet memory and power output are increasing. One major advance of a PC over a laptop is value for money. In terms of what you are getting for memory, hard drive, processor and extras such as DVD writer drives a desktop PC offers much more than a laptop in the same price range.
You can now get a fast, high-performance desktop package, including monitor, hard drive, mouse and keyboard for under £500 and you can get a truly outstanding piece of kit for less than £1000. But with so many options to choose from, how to do find the one that’s right for you?
PC World has a simple vast range of computers, but there are several ways of differentiating between them all. Price is the most important, as we are all controlled by our budgets. So here are three computers at three different price points, all of which offer the best value for money in their price bracket.
Under £500 all in
Acer’s Z3620 21.5” all-in PC is one of the best value desktop computers under £500. It boasts Intel’s Dual-Core Pentium G620 processor, 3GB of memory, 500GB on the hard drive and runs on Windows 7. It also has a DVD writer drive and full HD screen as well as integrated 5W speakers, perfect for film lovers. The handy TouchPortal technology means you can switch between on-screen applications quickly and simply, without touching a button. It also comes with a wireless mouse and keyboard and numerous ready-to-use software packages including eBay, Adobe Reader, Skype, Netflix shortcut and McAfee Internet Security Suite WW.
Under £750 all in
Dell’s Inspiron One 22.5” all-in-on PC is lightening-quick and astonishingly powerful. It uses Intel’s i3-2100 3.10GHz processor and packs a massive 1TB of space on the hard drive and 4GB of RAM. It too runs on Windows 7 and comes with McAfee Security centre 30-day trial and Office Starter 2011. It has a DVD player, 4W JBL speakers, built in Wi-Fi and a touch screen LED HD screen. Six USB connections and HDMi ports means this computer can easily be attached to external hard wear, such as the TV, camera or external hard drive.
Under £1000 all in
HP knows how to build computers and its TouchSmart 520-1030uk all-in-one PC is a real winner. It boasts 4GB of memory, 1TB on the hard drive, Intel’s i3-2100 processor, Windows 7, and touch screen. HP’s LinkUp software means you can easily network with other laptops and PCs in the home and built in Wi-Fi means there’s no need for cables. This PC includes a powerful graphics card, HD LED screen and built in speakers. It comes with a bucket load of software including Microsoft Office Starter, Beats Audio Control, HP Games Console and Adobe Flash Player.
HP TouchSmart 520-1030uk
If you want to know what to do once you’ve unboxed your PC, check out this handy article from MSN.
