Need some advice on what to buy before I brave PC World and look really stupid!

[ksld]

My desktop PC is dying and needs replacing. DH is muttering about buying a laptop instead, but I don't know what we actually want...
So I want a PC that I can use for mumsnetting (of course) and internet shopping. The DCs can use to play games on Cbeebies/Cool Maths Games. I will do some word processing/excel stuff. DCs will have increasing amounts of homework needing internet access. All of this I can do now when the PC wants to work. I would also like the ability to watch TV from Iplayer on the TV, not on the computer monitor.
We have a dying Dell computer, and also an old desktop of DH's from work that is not used for anything. I think the software has all been wiped off it. I think this needs a graphics card and some other stuff to be able to connect it to the TV, this is where I start getting a bit ignorant, can you tell?...We also have wifi set up and DH can access internet from his phone, I can't.
So does any of that help with giving me some advice of what I want to buy? Can we use the old work desktop or is it just a really ugly paper weight?
Thanks to anyone who can point me vaguely in the right direction at least...

I wouldn't go to PC world

Then I would purchase new hard drive for the old pc - then just connect up keyboard and monitor to the new hard drive.

Then go and look at lap tops

that way you will have two pc's one for dc to use and laptop for you to use

Another one advising you not to go to PC World.

They are dreadful.

Don't go to Penis PC World!

You'll get better advice, and better deals, from a local independent, or one of the other chains - for example we got a great laptop deal at Staples.

I'd go and look in PCWorld then compare prices elsewhere. Whilst PCWorld isn't renowned for their customer service, their prices aren't too bad given you have somewhere you can take it back and someone to shout at if you need to. Compare that to buying from Dell where your call would end up almost certainly offshore.

Getting a laptop is always attractive as you can carry it around and work in whichever room you need to. But personally I prefer desktops. Why? Because the screen is larger, the keyboard easier to use and just all round more comfortable. I also say that if you have a desktop and put this in a communal area then it's a natural checkpoint for children so the need for internet controls is less of an impact.

I'd also argue desktops are faster than the equivalent laptop and more reliable because they sit in one place rather than being bumped around all over the place.

Lastly consider an all in one PC for less wires & clutter. Something like this

I've got a shiny imac and I simply love it. Before my desk area was a disaster area with cables everywhere. Now i have a power cable.....that's it.