Desktop computers provide a sense of reliability and scope for customisation like no other form of portable PCs. However, one thing that always held the desktops back were the space they consumed. In this era of laptops, if you still prefer the desktop experience but want to save some desk space, invest in an all-in-one (AiO) computer system.
AiO systems are basically desktop computers that, instead of having an exclusive CPU, include all the processing components in a single unit with monitor. These come in varied configurations, ranging from basic-level systems to mid-scale setups, and even gaming and programming beasts. They look stylish, yet pack a punch of performance. So let’s look at some of the most recommended AiO PCs that can rightfully replace your trusted desktop.
Dell Inspiron 20-3064
This all-in-one PC with 51cm (20-inch) screen is a reliable offering. Intended for mid-level usage, it can match the performance of some decent desktop configurations. Inspiron 20 is powered by a 2.4GHz Intel i3 7th Generation processor, aided by 4GB of DDR4 RAM and two DIMM slots (which means it’s expandable). It has a big 1TB internal storage space. The graphics unit is run by integrated Intel HD Graphics. The screen supports 1600×900-pixel display resolution. You get two USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, a 4-in-1 card reader, an audio output line, an HDMI port, an ethernet port and a headphone jack.
The PC runs on a 65-watt AC adaptor. It has a wide-screen integrated 720p webcam with a single digital microphone. In-built stereo speakers deliver quality sound output. There is also a tray-load read-write DVD drive. Presently, it is available at a price of Rs. 39,000. It can also be bought from offline retail stores.
Lenovo IdeaCentre 520
Lenovo has come up with a number of AiO systems under its IdeaCentre banner—ranging from basic home-systems up to high-end computers for heavy-load operations. Here we look at IdeaCentre 520, which is a mid-level computer in this series.
IdeaCentre 520 runs on an Intel i3 6006U processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM. Its stunning design is aided by 55cm (21.5-inch) Full HD borderless display.
HDD storage space is 1TB. The inbuilt 720p camera provides an enjoyable video-calling experience. Ports include three USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, a 3-in-1 card reader, an HDMI port, an audio jack and an ethernet port.
Running on Windows 10 Home, Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 is a recommended market offering. It is priced at Rs. 40,000 and comes with one-year warranty. A more powerful model, called IdeaCentre 520S, is also available. It costs about Rs. 70,000 and packs i5 processor, 8GB RAM and other features similar to 520 iteration.
Asus Vivo AiO V221
Winner of the CES 2017 Innovations Award, Asus Vivo is one of the most attractive AiO PCs in the market. This 7.2mm slim desktop has a great appeal in terms of looks and performance. It packs a 7th generation Intel i3 processor in its basic form, and can be upgraded to an i5 or even i7 if stronger processing capacity is required. The 55cm (21.5-inch) LED-backlit screen supports 1080p Full HD display resolution with 16:9 ratio. There are two ports for RAM, with a default 4GB 2133MHz DDR4 RAM. There is ample storage space with 1TB HDD inbuilt. You get an integrated 1MP camera and two 3W Sonic Master Premium audio speakers.
The device has one USB 2.0 port at the side, four USB 3.1 ports at the back, one 3-in-1 card reader (SD/SDHC/SDXC), an HDMI output port, a LAN port and an audio jack. The complete package starts from Rs. 35,000.
HP Pavilion All-in-One 24-q253in
HP Pavilion 24-q253in falls under higher mid-range. It is powered by a strong 2.4GHz quad-core Intel i5-7400T processor (which can reach turbo speed of up to 3GHz) with a pre-installed 4GB DDR4 RAM. The RAM can be expanded up to 16GB. What makes the PC even more powerful is Nvidia GeForce 930MX 2GB graphics unit. This complete combination make the HP Pavilion a decent bet for gamers and heavy users.
The PC has 60cm (23.8-inch) Full HD anti-glare IPS display and 1TB 7200rpm storage drive. You get multiple connectivity ports like two USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, an SD card slot, an Ethernet port and a headphone jack. The system comes with 64-bit Windows 10 Home pre-installed and a wireless keyboard-mouse combo. It is covered by 3-year limited service warranty. Costing Rs. 70,000, HP Pavilion 24-q253in meets all your computing needs.
Apple iMac
Apple has done a great job in fine-tuning its latest AiO iMac systems. Playing at the premium range, iMac is a powerful device with attractive display technology. There are a range of options in this series—the basic 55cm model, the 4K 55cm display variant, 68cm (27-inch) screen model and a premium high-end model. The Retina 4K display is quite stunning and definitely a major USP for the brand. Even the basic computer with 55cm LED-backlit screen is a big attraction. You get different choices of processors, starting from 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 with turbo-boost capacity up to 3.6GHz.
The graphics unit is pretty powerful: The entry system has Intel Iris 640 Graphics. The box also contains a proprietary Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse for wireless connectivity.
AiO iMac runs MacOS High Sierra. It starts from Rs. 90,000, and is built to support almost any load—be it heavy programs, powerful games on 4K display or multitasking.
Of course, there are more options in even broader range of prices. Low-cost models may pack comparatively low processing power and RAM capacity, while expensive high-end systems (like Microsoft Surface Studio) may come with powerful features. Therefore we suggest you to explore further to find the perfect fit for your purpose.
