Is a 24-inch all-in-one worth it for emulating older consoles in South Africa?

The HP All-in-One 22 i3-N300 8GB/512GB 21.5in at R10,036 suits a South African retro-console fan who wants a neat all-in-one pc with screen, storage, and everyday desktop basics in one purchase. For older console libraries, the key appeal is not raw power bragging rights, it is a simple desk setup that can sit in a study, spare room, or lounge corner without turning into a cable project.

Best value pick for a compact retro setup

The HP All-in-One 22 i3-N300 8GB/512GB 21.5in at R10,036 is the cleanest match when the screen matters. Its 21.5in display is smaller than a full 24-inch panel, but it still gives enough room for classic 4:3 games, menu browsing, save-state management, and a controller-first setup without needing a separate monitor on the desk.

The Minisforum UM750L at R4,600 makes sense as the cheaper mini PC alternative when you want to keep the hardware tucked away near an existing display. It does not solve the screen side by itself, so its lower price is strongest when the desk already has a suitable panel and the priority is a small box for the media library.

The GEEKOM A8 Max at R12,900 is the premium compact route if you want more headroom in a tiny footprint. It costs more than the HP All-in-One 22 i3-N300 8GB/512GB 21.5in at R10,036, but the appeal is a stronger small-form setup where the display choice stays separate from the computer.

Lounge TV unit or student desk in SA

For a shared lounge TV unit, the Minisforum UM750L at R4,600 is easy to hide beside the screen, while the HP All-in-One 22 i3-N300 8GB/512GB 21.5in at R10,036 is better for a student desk where the 21.5in display and 512GB storage keep everything in one visible workstation.