10 All in One Computers Pros and Cons

There are many types of computing devices that are available today. From tablets and smartphones ,or PCs and laptops, or even to the evolution of the tablet PC, you’ve got plenty of options today. If you prefer a PC, then one of the solutions to meet your needs could be an all in one computer. These computers offer everything in one package, including the display, and offer some unique advantages to computer users. There are also certain disadvantages to consider with this type of PC, so here are the all in one computers pros and cons to consider today.

What Are the Pros of All In One Computers?

The primary advantage of this type of PC is the display. The traditional PC requires an independent monitor with a separate cost, so most folks purchase a monitor that is 17” or less in size. Laptops are generally 15” in size or less. In comparison, most all in one computers start at 20” for their display size and work up from there. You’re almost guaranteed a true HD display and some larger models include 4K as well.

1. Touch screen models replicate the tablet experience.
Having a tablet gives you the advantage of using an app. When your all in one computer is equipped with a touch screen, you get the same experience. You can choose to set up the display with a kickstand or rest it down on the table and use it like a tablet. With the Windows O/S, the tiles systems are even specifically design to accommodate PC apps that are touch based for further convenience.

2. They take up much less space.
Although you are getting a larger display with an all in one computer, the actual size footprint of the PC is reduced. You can set the all in one computer up on virtually any desk and have plenty of room to work. You can still attach a keyboard and a mouse to the computer for a traditional experience or use a USB connection to go wireless and still be incredibly productive.

3. It protects the computer against spills.
If you’ve every hung around a 3 year old kid, then you know that their relationships with computers are “unique” to say the least. A spill that occurs around a traditional PC could be devastating. Spills into the housing from the desk can fry out the circuits. When a spill occurs on a desk with an all in one computer, the system is actually raised up from the desk so the computer system doesn’t come into contact with the fluid.

4. They can be extremely portable.
If you are looking at an iMac as an all in one computing solution, then portability probably isn’t the first think you think about. If you’re looking at a touch screen HP all in one computer, however, these items are very portable. It’s like carrying around a 3XL tablet with you without cellular data coverage, but it can still be done. The traditional PC offers nothing like this.

5. You can keep them in sleep mode to reduce start-up times.
Even for the portable models that have a battery, all in one computers can be plugged in and used as the primary PC whenever needed. For users who do this, maintaining the computer is easy. Just place it into sleep mode until it needs to be used again. With quad core processing, you can get back to work immediately without the lengthy starting process, essentially leaving the same session up for sometimes months at a time.

What Are the Cons of All In One Computers?

The primary disadvantage of the all in one computer is that there isn’t much flexibility in its design. You can go wireless and sit back and type, but the only real adjustments you can make to the computer itself is through its vertical orientation. If you need to move the computer right or left, you’re forced to move the entire computer.

1. There are few options for expansion.
When compared to the traditional PC, an all in one computer is pretty much a “what you see is what you get” type of experience. You’re not going to be able to expand HDD space, improve the RAM, or change out other technologies when upgrades are made available with this type of system – something the traditional PC allows. If you want to expand, you’ll have to purchase a portable HDD.

2. They bog down when doing complex work.
Even though quad core processing is incredibly powerful, there are still certain tasks that are better completed on a traditional PC. That includes scientific work, CAD and CAM needs, and other high capacity issues. That’s because their technology is designed to be more like a portable computer than the traditional desktop. It isn’t to say that all in one computers aren’t strong and fast. They’re just better suited to artists, writers, and people who want to watch shows and movies online in HD with a fairly large screen.

3. They are still pretty heavy.
You can put a tower PC on the floor and have it run fine as long as the dust gets cleaned out of it from time to time. Tablet PCs can go anywhere. Smartphones slip into your pocket. The all in one computer can easily be more than 20 pounds for a top model, which is weight that your desk needs to support. You can’t really use the all in one on the floor, right? This means certain desks may not be suitable for the computer, so a furniture upgrade may be required to support the computer’s weight.

4. There is no dual monitor support on most models.
Most all in one computers do not come with an HDMI port or the ability to send screen data to other systems. You can get dual monitor support by hooking up other devices to this computer, but you can’t operate this type of computer in a dual mode. It’s not a critical disadvantage for many, but can hinder what some people may need a PC to be able to do.

5. Any damage is catastrophic.
Although certain types of damage are less likely with the all in one computer, any damage that does occur tends to be catastrophic. If you break your monitor, you’re effectively making the computer unfit for use. That means added repair costs to keep the computer or the need to replace the entire computer instead.

There are several advantages that make the all in one computer a tempting purchase. They are affordable, built with top technologies, and perfect for niche users. As long as the disadvantages are carefully evaluated and compared against individual needs, this design could be the space-saving solution you’ve wanted for a PC.