was always keen on desktops and would build my own, but got fed up with moterboads having short life spans, now that laptops have decent performance been converted would not go back to desktops. no longer need a desk and chair in lounge either now no desktop.

I certainly think so. My PC is also my "hifi" source, and, until I come up with a satisfactory way around that, I'll use a PC. Indeed, I may still use one anyway, as my Nexus 7 hardly has the battery life to be used as much as my desktop is some days...I think...Mind you, I think I'll have a day soon where I only use the tablet for net browsing and emails and see how it goes.

To add to my previous post - I could attach a large screen monitor to a laptop but I don't think that you get the "grunt" from a laptop that you do from a dekstop for the same amount of money.

2nd hand PC @ a charity shop ? ..... try the Heart Foundation's larger shops ( they normally sell 2nd hand washers, TV's, DVD payers etc and larger items of furniture ).

I think they used to employ REMPLOY staff to do the testing ?

For me a desktop every time. I think Windows 8 has pushed more people towards Open Source operating systems than anything Microsoft has do in the past. Thankfully these are people, Microsoft's own staff as one example, who provide software tweeks to over come Microsoft's rollercoaster attitude to it#s development of it's flagship OS

Yes, or I might self build again, although I'm not sure that is as cost effective as it used to be. I have always used a desktop at home and at work, and I'm extremely uncomfortable and clumsy with fiddly little laptops.

finerty - I have completed [successfully] a college computer course on PC maintenance and troubleshooting faults [admittedly it was about ten years ago] and I know a thing or two about safety when it comes to electricity.

PS. I might be a suitable candidate for a job in a charity shop as an electrical 'tester' ... no joking ;o]

It would be interesting to know how the figure for desktop builders compares. Being pedantic, it could be argued that these are desktop sales - just in kit form!

Yes, although I'm another self-builder.

An 20+" All-in-One with Windows 8 and a removable Stand. No need for a big Hard Drive, it can connect wirelessly to a NAS Drive and CD/DVD/Blu-ray Player, which could be part of the Removable Stand.

I am always on the lookout for a 'charity shop' PC Desktop with W7 installed on it ... only stipulation ... must be less than £20.

Cannot use my vote as it does not mention building your own, so no I will not be buying a desktop PC again but yes I will be building a desktop PC again.