All In One PCs - What do you think?

MoneysavingArthur

Hi guys.

As the title says, what do you make of all in one (AiO) PCs?

ie: this kind of stuff: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/all-in-one-pcs/xx_7023_70023_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html

Some think they are a great package, others find them too limiting.

Would you consider buying one?

If so, why?

If not, why not?

Please vote and share your reasons!

robmar0se

Definitely not

I note that you've given a link to the US PCworld site............

Dell AIO very expensive, paying this price I would go to Macs as they have a reputation for reliability, whereas Dell's quality has been deteriorating of late.

Lenovos do have a good reputation, but haven't seen one over here, no experience.

HP AIO - have seen these usually in for repair, often with mobo/graphix issues, spares difficult, ending up throwing them out which is a waste considering their cost, as well as discarding a working screen etc.

Overall they look good, and economise on space - but beware because of the relatively small distribution, spares are difficult, and expensive (labour and parts).

I would prefer a laptop with a separate large screen, and bluetooth mouse keyboard. Greater flexibility. not much more space required.

gonzo127

Definitely not

too limiting by far for me.

cant do proper gaming, no upgradability, cant really overclock them, etc etc

the only use i could see for something like a all in one is to have a proper smart TV, in which the whole of the internet is at your finger tips, but they dont seem to make them in the right sizes for them to be a TV replacement, or even with the correct connections

chris.rams

I agree with gonzo127! You are limited and can't upgrade later on!

smos585

Definitely not

Whats the advantage of these over a laptop? Just screen size? Then just plug an a larger screen. easy...............and probably cheaper too.

MoneysavingArthur

I have changed the link to UK PC world, much the same but gives you more an idea of prices in GBP. They are pretty steep.

They usually have large touchscreens making them more media friendly and interactive I guess..

Neil49

Definitely not

MoneysavingArthur wrote: »

I have changed the link to UK PC world, much the same but gives you more an idea of prices in GBP. They are pretty steep.

They usually have large touchscreens making them more media friendly and interactive I guess..

So are you going to continually lean forward to touch the screen, I think not. You will also be continually wiping your finger prints off it.

For me, the big disadvantage is lack of upgrade ability and the up front costs just don't stack up compared with a half decent desktop and a 24 inch monitor or even a laptop.

Naf

Definitely not

Even with limited space you're still better off getting a screen/TV (wall mounted saves most space), netbook/laptop and something like this: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboards/diNovo-edge?affid=3640326.
Currently my plan for my media PC is a nice HTPC case, my existing 32" TV, and my iPad as a remote control/keyboard etc. That way it's cheaper, better quality, higher spec, upgradeable...

prowla

Lots of people buy laptops...

Lee_Briskett

I'm thinking about one of these too.

Thanks for the info

Ectophile

Probably not

I prefer a separate PC and monitor. And if it's a small PC, it can be tucked out of the way.

If the monitor goes wrong, just buy a new monitor and connect it to the PC.

If the PC goes wrong, or is so old it's beyond upgrading, then buy a new one but save money by re-using the old monitor.

If you buy an all-in-one unit, you lose that flexibility.