For those looking for a desktop computing solution that doesn’t take up too much real estate on your desk, an All-in-One (AIO) computer could be the perfect choice for you. Alternatively, mini PCs while small in terms of footprint still require you to connect a separate PC monitor and are typically a lot more underpowered than AIOs.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best AIOs available today in the market, so if you happen to be looking for one for yourself, or for your relatives, this list is a good place to start. We looked at AIOs from a lot of OEMs, and while some of them are truly unique, like the HP Sprout, we decided to focus on more traditional (and proven) systems instead. More specifically, we focused on AIO machines that have a good balance of performance and aesthetics. Let’s get started.
Dell Inspiron 23 7000 Series
Over the years, Dell has built a reputation for delivering some of the best Windows PCs available. Having recently altered its design strategy to include premium materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, you’re left with a PC that you’ll be proud to be seen with.
The Inspiron 23 is no different. It is one of the thinnest AIOs and packs up to a 4th generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, a 23.8” 1080p IPS display, 12GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1TB HDD paired with a 32GB SSD, an AMD Radeon HD 8690 GPU with 2GB of VRAM, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a host of ports and jacks, built-in speakers, but no optical drive.
It also comes with an Intel RealSense 3D camera so it’s for Windows Hello in Windows 10, a password-less entry feature that instantly, yet securely scans your face for authentication. The Inspiron 23 starts at a mere $699.99 but will go up to $1,099.99 for the highest-end model. Still not a bad price for an AIO. If you’re looking for more performance from Dell, check out the XPS 27 Touch.
HP Envy Recline
HP is another company that has recently started paying attention to the design of its products, and its Envy range of PCs is evidence of that. HP’s only “traditional” AIO also happens to be one that, as its name suggests, reclines to position the device close to the user, therefore reducing the fatigue from operating it using the touch screen.
The Envy Recline comes in two display sizes; 23” and 27”. The highest-end model comes with a 4th generation dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, a 1080p display, up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1TB + 8GB Hybrid Disk Drive, a NVIDIA GeForce 830 with 1GB of VRAM, 802.11ac MIMO, built-in speakers, and the expected ports and jacks. Also no optical drive.
The Envy Recline starts at $849.99 for the 23” model, and $1249.99 for the 27” model. The specs mentioned above are for the $1299.99 27” model.
Samsung ATIV One 7
As Microsoft supporters, you may have strong opinions of Samsung, but put those aside for a while, because the ATIV One 7 is the company’s finest AIO. When it comes to displays, Samsung is a force to be reckoned with, and Samsung has put its best foot forward with the ATIV One 7, its elegant design, and its gorgeous 27” curved display.
The ATIV One 7 comes with a 5th generation dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, Intel HD Graphics 5500, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1TB HDD, 802.11ac MIMO Wi-Fi, built-in speakers and the usual ports. But the standout feature here is that curved display. As mentioned, it’s 27 inches, LED, non-touch, 300-nits, 1080p with a 16:9 aspect ratio and an anti-reflective coating.
The device is undeniably not as powerful as the Dell and HP machines above, at its $1,299.99 starting price tag seems to be for the premium of having that curved display. It’s up to you to decide whether a curved screen is something that is worth that premium.
Asus ET2323
There’s something about AIO computers that somehow tell you that they are in fact, AIO computers and not regular PC monitors. I’m not quite sure what that differentiating factor is, but what I am sure of, is that the Asus ET2323 is going to confuse a lot of people. The ET23 does not look like an AIO computer. It’s only when you move over to the back and see the Ethernet port will you start to question the device’s true identity. And I guess that’s a good thing.
The 23” multi-touch device comes with a 5th generation dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, a NVIDIA GeForce GT840M with 1GB of VRAM, up to 16GB or RAM, a 1TB+8GB Hybrid Drive, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, built-in speakers and the typical array of ports and jacks. The Asus ET23’s base also doubles as a wireless charging plate, so charging your supported Lumia devices will be a breeze.
The Asus ET23 sells for $1,022 for the Core i5 model. A notable mention is the ET27GTH. This AIO comes with a desktop-class Core i7 4770 and an AMD Radeon HD8890 with 2GB of VRAM for those of you looking for more performance. At the expense of a higher price tag (~$1,500) and a bigger frame.
Lenovo A740
The Lenovo A740 might just be, one of the most beautifully crafted AIO machines ever made, with an exterior made out of aluminum and glass, formed to be only 4mm at its thinnest point. Pair that with a stunning 2K display and you’re left with something that’s just a marvel to look at.
The A740 comes with up to a 4th generation dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 850, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1TB+8GB Hybrid Drive, a 27” 2560×1440 display, built-in speakers, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, NFC and a usual bevy of ports and jacks, an optional TV tuner but no optical drive.
You can get the “ultraslim” Lenovo A740 with the aforementioned specifications for $1,499.99. Also, a smaller, 23” A530 model is also available but with a 1080p resolution and Intel Iris graphics instead. Strangely, it sells for the same $1,499.99 according to Lenovo’s website and a search on Amazon, so we recommend you go for the larger, more powerful, A740.
That’s our list, let us know what you think of these All-in-One computers, and which one is your favorite. If you have any other AIO suggestions, we’d love to hear them in the comments below. For the full list of device specifications, be sure to check out the spec sheet sourced below.
NOTE: Most of the AIOs listed above use Intel ‘mobile’ and ‘U’ series processors. These are low-power processors usually found in modern laptop and Ultrabook computers to allow for slimmer device form factors. Simply because these AIOs are considered “desktop” computers, does not mean that they offer the same performance typically associated with high-performance tower desktops. However, they are more than sufficient to complete everyday tasks such as creating documents, browsing the web, and enjoying media content.
