All-in-one computers are the perfect solution for users who want the power and screen size of a desktop computer combined with the tidiness of a laptop. These machines are great for small spaces and anyone who hates clutter. Just keep in mind that all-in-ones often lack the power and expandability of tower computers.
What to Look For
Screen
I always recommend people consider a computer’s display first because it goes a long way in dictating user experience. The models in this category have displays that range from 24 to 43 inches. The best pick for most people is a 27-inch model, which offers plenty of space to view documents and movies but isn’t so big that it will overwhelm your desk.
Size isn’t everything, though. Keep an eye on the screen’s resolution. The minimum resolution you should buy is 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is sometimes termed full HD. But high-end models like Apple’s iMac offer resolutions of 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) or higher.
Another consideration when it comes to displays is whether you want a touch screen. I find touch screens better for smaller computers like tablets, but some people like them for drawing on desktops or all-in-ones, too.
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Processing Power and Speed
Most computer configurations will do the job in terms of memory, but make sure the PC you choose has at least 8 gigabytes of RAM. In general, the more RAM your computer has, the more smoothly it will operate. You can get away with 8 GB, but a model with double that amount will allow you to run more programs at once.
As for the processor, look for at least a quad-core option, though higher-end computers will have Intel’s six-core Coffee Lake or 10-core Comet Lake CPUs. The better processors will help you speed through programs and run many applications at once.
How We Evaluated
I’ve used many all-in-one PCs in my 20-plus years as a technology journalist. Employees monitoring software has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and many other publications. I currently use the latest Apple iMac, which has a 24-inch screen that’s just big enough to get work done without taking up too much room in my tiny New York City apartment.
I spent nearly a dozen hours researching all-in-one computers for this review. For each model, I considered screen size and quality, processor speed, RAM, hard drive, and cost. I tried out many models in local stores and looked at hundreds of online reviews. Here’s a roundup of the best all-in-ones for a variety of price points.
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