All-In-One (AiO) systems

Forums › Desktop computing › All-In-One (AiO) systems - opinions

johcar

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#289116 13-Aug-2021 09:38

Does anyone have an opinion regarding all in one systems such as

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/prod202115.html (Dell)

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/prod203440.html (HP)

I realise they aren't as portable as a lappie, but I'm interested in their reliability and also whether the monitor on them can be used as an external monitor for a laptop (I suspect not)

xpd

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#2759511 13-Aug-2021 09:51

My issue with them is that if one part fails, you lose the whole system while its fixed.

For basic home use such as email etc, then they seem ok.

If want reliability for an AIO look at a Mac. I've got a 10 yr old iMac here that still performs well and is being given to family member as a replacement system for their slow laptop.

XPD / Gavin

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#2759581 13-Aug-2021 10:34

AIO machines are better these days than some were in the past. The cut-down CPUs in many older ones were utter rubbish IMHO.

As xpd mentions, if one part fails you lose the lot, and upgrade options are limited. I've had two before. The first one was a iMac which was great, but we moved away from mac. The second one was a PC and it wa a great home machine but two things forced its retirement. We wanted a second screen for work-from-home, and could not get an identical-looking monitor to sit beside it (aesthetics). The second thing was kids wanting to play occasional games iike Minecraft and Fortnite would send the small cooling fans into a frenzy and others in the room would complain about the noise. A laptop would have had a similar issue. A desktop machine with its larger and slower fans would not ahve been a problem, so the machinew as swapped out for a desktop.

There is someone trying to see an AIO on TradeMe with a broken display but they include an external screen that works. They have relisted it many times with no bites. I assume this was from a business and the $1000+ excess made it not worth claiming insurance. A residential situation with a $250 insurance excess would have made claiming worthwhile.

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1101

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#2759593 13-Aug-2021 11:13

I wouldnt recommend an AIO , unless you have a damn good reason
At least youve picked descent specced AIO's , rather than the usual buy the cheapest available

bad points
harder to repair
harder to upgrade
more likely to be written off for issues that might be fixed on a PC
If a PC fails , you still have a working monitor (& vice versa)
Think of them as a oversize laptop, thats basically what they are
may use less powerfull mobile CPUS ( heat )

good points
built in webcam & speakers
no separate box on the floor, less of a cable mess

using AIO as a monitor...
Perhaps those 2 in your link can ? , both have HDMI input .

Handsomedan

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#2759603 13-Aug-2021 11:39

I used to have an old Compaq AIO that lasted maybe a year before it became virtually unusable.

I moved to an iMac and have now had that since 2011 - it's still going.

I know that the newer PC AIO's are better than what i had, but honestly - I'm tempted now to go with a separate screen and computer, just so I can upgrade parts as I need to - also so that I can plug other things into the monitor as and when I need to. AIO's can be quite inflexible.

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Juicytree

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#2759625 13-Aug-2021 12:27

The good thing about the Dell is that it has an HDMI IN port so I assume it can be used as a monitor should the PC fail. My wife bought one about 3 weeks ago for $2,400 from NL. Best to wait for another special.

ratsun81

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#2759691 13-Aug-2021 14:45

AIO's are as mentioned already glorified laptops and the specs of these are using laptop CPU's already. Reparability is typically very poor and the systems are mostly built off a model that ensures the cheapest parts are used.

Overheating systems/thermal throttling. Cheaping out on components and even forgoing performance because of this. Cheap monitor panels are typically used creating a poor viewing experience.

There are plenty of better options around in the Small Form Factor desktop space or even the Intel NUC range.

TL;DR unless its an iMac get a normal PC.

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gzt

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#2759816 13-Aug-2021 20:48

I'm not familiar with either model. I have purchased ex-lease HP business AIOs as gifts and recommended the line to friends. Zero issues.

The main plus points for non technical users - only three cords power, keyboard, mouse. No tech support for me. For the same reason really easy to move from room to room.

For an occasional power user reaching 100% for short bursts I don't see an issue