Desktops have been around for many years, and through that time, they have undergone many changes. First, they began with massive towers that gradually reduced in size as they became more powerful and faster. Eventually, they evolved into All-in-One PCs.
Contents
What to Look for When Buying an All-in-One PC
All-in-One PCs are desktop computers that have their CPUs and their screen built into one body. They are a good middle ground for users who want something between a laptop and the traditional desktop towers. If you have any plans to buy an All-in-One PC, there are things you need to consider first.
The Screen
Go for the clearest screens you can get. A 4K display is pretty much the market standard and will work fine with editing and moves. The screen size should not be too big, somewhere between 27-28 inches are more balanced for use up close.
Hardware
The bigger the RAM, the better, but that will cost you more. For standardization purposes, do not go for anything below 8GB RAM and an i5 Intel Core. A 32GB RAM and Intel Core i7 is what you should be aiming for.
Budget
All-in-One PCs are not cheap, and the reason for that is that they are extremely powerful. The more efficient a PC is, the higher the price. Apple PCs are, without a doubt, the best in the market, but they may be way above your budget. The cheapest ones work okay, but if you can afford the better ones, it will be worth every dime.
Storage
Creative professionals mostly use All-in-One PCs. Video editors, Photographers, Graphic Designers. All these require a lot of storage owing to the vast volume of files that they work with. Do not buy anything with less than 1TB of storage and 256GB SSD.
Design
Design is a tertiary concern compared to performance. But you still need to get something that looks good and does not gobble up all the space. If aesthetics are your thing, then you should consider going for an HP Envy or a Surface Studio 2.
Operating System
Go for what you are comfortable using. Most All-in-One PCs run on Windows OS, and that means there is enough software support all round. It is only Apple products that run on a different platform. As far as functionality goes, there is very little that sets them apart.
Ports
The more the ports, the better. Work that involves sound engineering, for instance, requires a lot of ports for external hard disks and other peripherals. They are convenient and allow you to maintain the workflow without any disruptions.
With that in mind, here are the best All-in-One PCs in the market right now.
iMac Pro
Features
- 18-core Intel Xeon processor
- AMD RadeonVega 64 Graphics Card
- 128 GB RAM
- Internal storage of 1TB plus 4TB SSD
- A27-inch 5K Retina display screen.
Apple is always on the frontline when trends emerge. The iMac Pro, touted as the most powerful Mac computer ever, is designed for professionals. It has all the top-shelf features you would want in a PC. The machine is practically a monster. The only issue with this computer is the price. It will set you back $5,000.
Dell XPS 27 AIO
Features
- Intel Core i7
- AMD Radeon RX 570 Graphics Card
- 32 GB RAM
- 1TB HDD plus 2TB SSHD
- A 27-inch 4K display.
The machine was Dell’s answer to iMac Pro, and to give credit where it’s due, it came close. Dell computers have always been very reliable; the Dell XPS 27 AIO delivers more than that. It is a stylish machine with an excellent builtin sound. Professionals in the music industry who work with heavy production software have found this to be a match to their needs.
The computer was unveiled in 2017 and cost about $2,799.
HP Envy Curved
Features
- Intel Core i7
- Nvidia GTX 950M Graphics Card
- 16 GB RAM
- 2TB HDD Plus 1TB SSHD
- 34-Inch WQHD Screen
Like all other computer brands, HP unveiled their state of the art PC to get a piece of the cake too. It has the largest screen on this list, and that is a plus for those that love their movies in crystal clear formats. It is quite good for photo editing with its true-to-color technology. It has an ibn-built booming speaker and costs about $2,200.
Lenovo Yoga A940
Features
- 8th-generation Intel Core i7
- AMD Radeon RX 560 4GB Graphics Card
- 32GB RAM
- 1TB HDD plus 256GB SSHD
- 27-Inch Ultra HD Multi-Touch 4K screen
To be able to stand out from the very many competitors in the market, Lenovo unveiled this machine in 2019. It added a feature its peers lack, a touch screen. It is not as powerful as the others already mentioned on the list, but that does not mean it is not up to the task. It can comfortably meet the needs of professionals who cannot afford the pricey iMac.
It comes equipped with Dolby Atmos speakers and Dolby Vision. It also has full Adobe RGB support. The Lenovo Yoga A940 costs $2,140.
Surface Studio 2
Features
- Intel Core i7
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics Card
- 32 GB RAM
- 1TB HDD plus 2TB SSD
- 28-Inch PixelSense display
Content creators and artists praised the original Surface Studio when it dropped some years ago. To build on that hype, Microsoft went a step further and came up with Surface Studio 2. The machine is tailor-made for graphic designers and artists who need huge clear screens that show every detail. With great functionality comes a great price. Surface Studio 2 will set you back $3,500.
Conclusion
Reading about All-in-One PCs is half the story. Getting a hands-on feel before buying them will help you make a more informed decision. Every year, computer brands unveil their newest machines in places like Nevada using top of the range exhibit services in Las Vegas. If you get a chance, visit their neatly set up booths and get to experience these powerful machines first hand.
