My old HP desktop has given out after years of good service.
I need a replacement.
I use it for web browsing mostly, occasional word processing, no gaming, very little photo or video use.
I have a monitor and 2 printers connected.
I have a laptop but prefer a desktop for daily use.
A good reliable brand is what I'm after.
What brands are best thought of for reliability?
What features should I be looking for?
Should I consider a re-furbished unit?

For that go to your local computer exchange place and buy a used desktop for $100-$200.
When the covid hit and the kids would finish the year at home that is what I did.

I use my desktop similar to what you described and I've been buying from ACER recertified for years. Good source for chromebooks and laptops, too.

https://acerrecertified.com/desktops/

What aspect of a desktop computer do you consider to be better than a laptop for your needs?

Based on your stated needs, a laptop would have plenty of horsepower. Why not just plug in a monitor to your laptop, get a wireless fullsize keyboard and mouse and pretend it's a desktop? You can save the money towards a more frequent update/upgrade cycle on your laptop.

If don't game or edit videos, you don't really need the power of a dedicated video card or a power hungry CPU. Even my work issued laptop can push dual 4k monitors and the onboard HD screen while web browsing and word processing.

American Express is rebating $100 on a $500 Dell purchase depending on your card. Check your offers.

I've always had good luck with Dell. When I had a business that was computer dependent from accounting to production, we ran 6 Dell desk tops and a couple of Macs. Dell offers factory refurbished units, most of which were returned for reasons other than performance but because of packaging or minor cosmetics can't be sold as new. Some good pricing. I'd stay away from Best Buy, Office Depot etc.

Either Dell or HP. Those are the only ones I recommend.

Some of the China brands have been banned in Corporate for calling home.

Desktops are rapidly becoming obsolete.

An HP or Dell laptop in the $500-$800 range will suit you well.

Get at least 8GB of RAM, do not buy something with only 4GB, you’ll be sorry.

I’d also go with an SSD drive which are also rapidly becoming the standard.

I am an Apple guy. iMac, iPhone 8+, iPad all work and integrate well with each other. Personal preference, I hate all thing Microsoft.

quote:

Desktops are rapidly becoming obsolete.

^^^^^^^^^^
I hope not. I have several laptops but the keyboards and screen suck. I can type much quicker on the keyboard of my choice and just leave the computer on its desk. There will always be a market for desktops. I guess there will always be people who like laptops. They probably like watching movies on their phones.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

quote:

Desktops are rapidly becoming obsolete.

^^^^^^^^^^
I hope not. I have several laptops but the keyboards and screen suck. I can type much quicker on the keyboard of my choice and just leave the computer on its desk. There will always be a market for desktops. I guess there will always be people who like laptops. They probably like watching movies on their phones.

I've got late model iPhone and iPad, but nothing beats the large screen, dual button mouse. It's in my office as a permanent fixture and does so much more than tablets or even laptops. RAM is relatively inexpensive as is video card upgrades and large capacity SSD. Nope, not getting rid of my desktop anytime soon. Sit back with my hand on the mouse and I can navigate just about any web site with ease.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

quote:

Desktops are rapidly becoming obsolete.

^^^^^^^^^^
I hope not. I have several laptops but the keyboards and screen suck. I can type much quicker on the keyboard of my choice and just leave the computer on its desk. There will always be a market for desktops. I guess there will always be people who like laptops. They probably like watching movies on their phones.

Look up Lenovo (or other brands) docking station or hub. With a USB-C connection it turns any laptop into a desktop. Just recently bought a new desktop because I prefer them, but I got spoiled at work with three monitors from laptop plus two full size monitors. My current one will probably be my last desktop.

As far as OP question, I've been extremely happy with my refurbished Dell, the sell for 30%+ off retail and come with same warranty.

I had 5 HP laptops in a row, I use them a lot for business and just change them out every 3 years. I went with Lenovo this time because it had a better screen and I have been disappointed ever since. Don't like the lenovo software stuff on it, and it's quirky.....sometimes it won't come out of sleep mode for a week (keyboard still lit and on) and have to power it down and then back up, then other times it powers out of sleep mode no problem.

Go with another HP desktop.