What are the pros and cons of all-in-one computers?

Hardware Solutions

Working with you on each aspect of your IT & Tech requirements.

Hey, welcome to Nerds On Site. This article will talk about the top advantages and the top disadvantages of all-in-one computers.

Should you buy an all-in-one PC (AIO PC)?

All-in-one PCs are popular among computer users due to their mobility, touchscreen functionality, straightforward setup procedures, and small size. Because of these advantages, an AIO PC may be worth it for you, especially if you don’t use your PC daily. However, if you use your device for work or run a business, you’ll most likely conclude that the constraints of an AIO PC outweigh its benefits.

All-in-one Computer: The Good

Introduced in 1998 & made famous by Apple, the iMac was the original AIO PC. With a sleek and stylish design and all of the components built into the entire unit, they saved floor & desk space and made it easy for a user to get started, needing only one power cable to the power outlet. The original iMac was a “CRT Monitor,” which was very large & heavy; we’ve come a long way since then.

AIO computers now typically sport a compact and slim design, with all system components built into the same housing as the LCD screen. If you like a clean desk, pairing an AIO PC with a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse will provide you with only one cord clean desk lifestyle.

For novice computer users, the AIO computer is perfect. You only need to unbox, find the right place for the device, plug it in and hit the power button to get going. Whether it’s a new or used device will determine if you need to run the operating system setup & get connected to the internet. Once this is all taken care of, you’ll be ready to use your all-in-one computer.

Comparing it to a traditional desktop computer can sometimes be more cost-effective depending on what you’re using the device for. Devices often come packaged with a branded wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, so you’ll have an entire computer that is functional immediately. With a traditional desktop computer, you’d usually need to buy the monitor, mouse & keyboard separately.

The biggest thing is probably the portability. While a laptop will almost always be a better choice if you’re looking for a portable device, an all-in-one PC will be much easier to move than a traditional desktop computer. As mentioned above, only worrying about the single-unit AIO PC, as opposed to the desktop computer tower, monitor, and peripherals, you’ll be happy you bought an all-in-one computer on moving day.

All-in-one Computer: The Bad

You’ll never catch a nerd using an AIO computer as their primary device unless it’s a “Pro” device. We’ll be excluding talking about “Pro” AIO PCs that typically carry a high cost for this article.

AIO computers often lack fundamental features compared to a traditional desktop computer which drastically reduces the usability for anyone that wants more than general browsing.

Power to Cost Ratio

Although an all-in-one-computers compact and slim design may appear to be a plus, the device becomes less powerful. Manufacturers are frequently compelled to exclude key components that would otherwise deliver maximum power and performance when they try to cram everything into the small housing to save space.

An all-in-one system can often have lesser versions of hardware components, utilizing even mobile processors inside to save space. This means that desktop processors & graphics cards are more powerful, leading to a faster computer experience.

Unable to Upgrade

AIO PCs are often self-contained units. As a nerd, this is probably the biggest floor for us. When we buy technology, we want to get the most out of it, ensuring it will last us as long as possible without needing a completely new unit.

When you remove the ability to upgrade a device, the time you’ll get out of it may be cut by as much as half. In a regular desktop tower PC, you can generally upgrade almost all components as long as your motherboard supports it.

Overheating

You’re much more likely to have overheating problems with AIO computers because of the slim design, and all the components are tightly packed. Overheating can lead to your device switching off unexpectedly and drastically reduced performance.

More Expensive

Compared to similar price points across computer systems, mini PC, desktop computers & laptops are always less expensive. The reason AIO PCs are more expensive is the custom parts and design.

Expert Computer Repair

If you ever need help with your computer systems or AIO computer, Nerds On Site is here for you. We’ve been doing in-home computer repair & residential services since 1995 and pride ourselves on delivering quality Client service. With over 95,600 5-star reviews (as of 05-29-22), you can be sure you’re making the right choice for your computer repair needs.