I have been seeing hand mixers that come with a base to set them on to use them as a stand mixer, some of them even come with dough hooks. Are they any good? I wouldn't mind having a dough hook and I need a new hand mixer anyway. (I can't find a dough hook for my vintage sunbeam stand mixer but)
TIA

I think it depends on what you plan on using it for. I don't think hand mixers are made to stand up to large jobs or constant use. I use mine for small jobs like making small amounts of royal icing and buttercream, and
mousse fillings. Maybe it depends on the brand and the watts though.

I'd mostly be doing batter and buttercream, and an once in a while dough or fondant.

It sounds like you need a real stand mixer. Buy the most wattage you can afford.

A stand mixer all the way... your hand mixer will hate you (read break) if you try to make fondant with it.