topic Re: All in One Computers in Electronics

All in One Computers

Allegheny — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 19:23:18 GMT

I've been tossing around the idea of getting an All in One desktop pc for hubby and myself for X-mas. We had a desk top years ago before going to laptops. Currently I have a MacPro laptop, he uses a Lenova tablet and we moved our ancient HP laptop into the office area.

I haven't shopped for years for a pc, so am out of the loop, on things like RAM, hard drive size, processors, and would appreciate input from anyone who would be kind enough to re-educate me.

We aren't gamers, but I do like to fiddle around on things like making gift tags, cards, etc, that I am not learned enough to do on my Mac. I also understand Microsoft Office system way better then anything available on my Mac.

So anyone who can throw out some guidance my way, please feel free to enlighten me. With thanks and appreciation.

Re: All in One Computers

KatieB — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 19:38:20 GMT

I hope someone answers your question on All In One Computers. My desktop bit the dust and now I'm using a laptop. I prefer a desktop PC and have not found the bundles that QVC use to sell. I have no knowledge of the all in ones but would like to know how it compares with desktops with the separate components...

Re: All in One Computers

ValuSkr — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 19:42:58 GMT

What do you mean by "All in One?" Are you looking for a bundle that includes desktop PC, monitor, and printer? Best Buy used to have good bundles (three or four years ago), I don't know if they still do.

Re: All in One Computers

Nuttmeg — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 21:03:29 GMT

@Allegheny wrote:
I've been tossing around the idea of getting an All in One desktop pc for hubby and myself for X-mas. We had a desk top years ago before going to laptops. Currently I have a MacPro laptop, he uses a Lenova tablet and we moved our ancient HP laptop into the office area.

I haven't shopped for years for a pc, so am out of the loop, on things like RAM, hard drive size, processors, and would appreciate input from anyone who would be kind enough to re-educate me.

We aren't gamers, but I do like to fiddle around on things like making gift tags, cards, etc, that I am not learned enough to do on my Mac. I also understand Microsoft Office system way better then anything available on my Mac.

So anyone who can throw out some guidance my way, please feel free to enlighten me. With thanks and appreciation.

You should consider buying an iMac.

Re: All in One Computers

glb613 — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 21:25:57 GMT

I have a 27" iMac and love it. I'd suggest you look into getting one.

Re: All in One Computers

Allegheny — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 21:37:51 GMT

Thanks to those who posted thru far. As far as getting an IMac, thats out. My husband does not like to use Macs and even after 4 years of using my MacPro I still struggle with understanding many things. Perhaps its my age and the fact that I used personal computers for years at work and at home. I got the following definition off of Google for an all in one pc.. There are several definitions listed there. An all-in-one PC is an entire computer system wherein the internal components of the tower are built into one main component, usually behind the LCD screen or on a base where the monitor is mounted. The keyboard is usually separate.

Re: All in One Computers

Mz iMac — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 21:58:13 GMT

@Allegheny

"MacPro laptop"

No such animal.

MacPro is a desktop

You most likely have a MacBook Pro which is a Notebook & should NEVER be used as a "laptop" = use on your lap.

Agree w/the other posters regarding the iMac. I also have a 27" iMac.

iMacs are now Retina and no longer come w/a builtin superdrive (disc slot loader). You must purchase an external burner/drive.

If you want a desk top comp w/an optical drive, get a PC.

" I also understand Microsoft Office system way better then anything available on my Mac."

From 1999-2010, Macs have included Microsoft Office For Macs pre-installed on all new Macs. Now you have to purchase it seperately.

Microsoft Office for Mac

Re: All in One Computers

jaxs mom — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 22:19:52 GMT

I love my 27 inch imac.

Re: All in One Computers

Jordan2 — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 22:41:54 GMT

@Allegheny wrote:
I've been tossing around the idea of getting an All in One desktop pc for hubby and myself for X-mas. We had a desk top years ago before going to laptops. Currently I have a MacPro laptop, he uses a Lenova tablet and we moved our ancient HP laptop into the office area.

I haven't shopped for years for a pc, so am out of the loop, on things like RAM, hard drive size, processors, and would appreciate input from anyone who would be kind enough to re-educate me.

We aren't gamers, but I do like to fiddle around on things like making gift tags, cards, etc, that I am not learned enough to do on my Mac. I also understand Microsoft Office system way better then anything available on my Mac.

So anyone who can throw out some guidance my way, please feel free to enlighten me. With thanks and appreciation.

This post couldn't have come at a better time, I also am in the market for a new laptop! I am not computer savvy in the least and also don't know about the terminology. I also don't know if I should go with a Mac Book Pro or Air, or just a PC. I had a HP in the past and was happy with it, would probably buy one again. I'm confused about processors, memory ,etc. Any help someone could offer would be much apppreciated!

Re: All in One Computers

Moonchilde — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 00:18:05 GMT

IMO, an all-in-one, a laptop or a component system should have similar specs. What *form* the specs take is individual preference between the three.

A minimum of 6GB of RAM (8 is better if you plan to keep 4-5 years) and 750GB hard drive (1TB is better for videos, lots of photos). I would recommend an Intel processor over AMD, an i5 or better, i7. Screen size is your preference, but 23" seems to be common for AIO.

Something to keep in mind is that if one component goes bad in an AIO you pretty much need to trash the whole thing.

There are comparable Apple products that people are recommending, but they will of course cost a lot more $$ than for a comparable PC.

ETA that the common trick the shopping channels pull is to give you great RAM and HD size for a great price - with an old, outdated, slooowww AMD processor. Don't do it.

Re: All in One Computers

glb613 — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 00:17:12 GMT

@Allegheny wrote:
Thanks to those who posted thru far. As far as getting an IMac, thats out. My husband does not like to use Macs and even after 4 years of using my MacPro I still struggle with understanding many things. Perhaps its my age and the fact that I used personal computers for years at work and at home. I got the following definition off of Google for an all in one pc.. There are several definitions listed there. An all-in-one PC is an entire computer system wherein the internal components of the tower are built into one main component, usually behind the LCD screen or on a base where the monitor is mounted. The keyboard is usually separate.

In the four years I've owned my iMac, the only real problem I've had is with iPhoto and Photo. That is mainly because I like to have more control over how my pictures are organized. There is a lot of free help so I don't understand why after 4 years you don't understand many things. Please don''t use your age as an excuse. Your brain can still learn if the desire is there.

Re: All in One Computers

Allegheny — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 03:38:10 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@Allegheny
"MacPro laptop"
No such animal.
MacPro is a desktop

You most likely have a MacBook Pro which is a Notebook & should NEVER be used as a "laptop" = use on your lap.

Agree w/the other posters regarding the iMac. I also have a 27" iMac.
iMacs are now Retina and no longer come w/a builtin superdrive (disc slot loader). You must purchase an external burner/drive.
If you want a desk top comp w/an optical drive, get a PC.

" I also understand Microsoft Office system way better then anything available on my Mac."
From 1999-2010, Macs have included Microsoft Office For Macs pre-installed on all new Macs. Now you have to purchase it seperately.

Microsoft Office for Mac

You are correct, I have a MacBook Pro. And I am so ignorant about Mac products I didn't even know it was wasn't considered a laptop. Don't know if it matters, but I do use it with a Cool Master. I purchased mine in 2011, and I have contemplated purchasing Microsoft Office for Mac. I am currently using Open Office. When I decided to purchased the Mac I was impressed by people I know who said it was so easy to learn that a child could use it and had capabilities that out shined PCs. I will keep my MacBook Pro and keep plugging away, but as far as the new machine, my husband would not approve of a Mac purchase and he actually enjoys the challenge of learning technical stuff. I guess it's just a matter of different strokes for different folks.

Re: All in One Computers

Allegheny — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 03:47:53 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
IMO, an all-in-one, a laptop or a component system should have similar specs. What *form* the specs take is individual preference between the three.

A minimum of 6GB of RAM (8 is better if you plan to keep 4-5 years) and 750GB hard drive (1TB is better for videos, lots of photos). I would recommend an Intel processor over AMD, an i5 or better, i7. Screen size is your preference, but 23" seems to be common for AIO.

Something to keep in mind is that if one component goes bad in an AIO you pretty much need to trash the whole thing.

There are comparable Apple products that people are recommending, but they will of course cost a lot more $$ than for a comparable PC.

ETA that the common trick the shopping channels pull is to give you great RAM and HD size for a great price - with an old, outdated, slooowww AMD processor. Don't do it.

Thanks for the information, it was very helpful since I haven't purchased in a while. Cost isn't a concern for me (ie. pc vs Apple), my husband just doesn't care for Macs and I struggle. And rest assured we would never consider buying from one of the shopping channels.

Re: All in One Computers

ritasNo1Fan — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 07:10:35 GMT

All In One desk tops look great! And almost all brands now have them. After you get yours, post here your review. I think I'll be getting one as soon after my current PC dies.

Re: All in One Computers

Lilysmom — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 08:14:37 GMT

@Allegheny, here is an article from PCMag about all in one computers. LM

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409554,00.asp

Re: All in One Computers

glb613 — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 09:05:13 GMT

There is absolutely no reason why you can't use a Macbook pro on your lap. It vents throught the keyboard and a row at the top of the keyboard. So, having it on your lap will not make it run hot because the vents are blocked.

Re: All in One Computers

gidgetgh — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 11:55:38 GMT

Too bad your husband won't consider an iMac. I adore my 27 inch. It's almost 4 years old and runs like the first day I used it. Absolutely love it. The learning curve for me was about 10 minutes and I don't consider myself too computer savvy.

Re: All in One Computers

jaxs mom — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 14:54:20 GMT

@Allegheny wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
IMO, an all-in-one, a laptop or a component system should have similar specs. What *form* the specs take is individual preference between the three.

A minimum of 6GB of RAM (8 is better if you plan to keep 4-5 years) and 750GB hard drive (1TB is better for videos, lots of photos). I would recommend an Intel processor over AMD, an i5 or better, i7. Screen size is your preference, but 23" seems to be common for AIO.

Something to keep in mind is that if one component goes bad in an AIO you pretty much need to trash the whole thing.

There are comparable Apple products that people are recommending, but they will of course cost a lot more $$ than for a comparable PC.

ETA that the common trick the shopping channels pull is to give you great RAM and HD size for a great price - with an old, outdated, slooowww AMD processor. Don't do it.

Thanks for the information, it was very helpful since I haven't purchased in a while. Cost isn't a concern for me (ie. pc vs Apple), my husband just doesn't care for Macs and I struggle. And rest assured we would never consider buying from one of the shopping channels.

No you don't need to trash an AIO just because one componant goes bad, parts can be replaced. I replaced my display this year.

Re: All in One Computers

Allegheny — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 15:29:26 GMT

@Lilysmom Thanks for the article, quite informative. I've printed it out for future reference. Is your garden still blooming? Everything here in SWPA is pretty much gone. The leaves on the trees have almost all dropped from windy weather we had a couple of days ago. My red maple and magnolia still have their leaves and are quite striking. The bradford pears haven't turned yet, so still have some color to look forward to.

Re: All in One Computers

Allegheny — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 15:40:04 GMT

@gidgetgh

Hi gidgetgh,

I'd be willing to try an iMac, but there is no way I would be able to convince my husband.

I have a question for you. One of the many things I find complicated about my MacBook Pro. I even searched on line and have come up with so many different variations, some seem so complicated, for something that was so easy on a PC.

How does one put icons on the desk top? I managed to get the one for my bank on, but it was tedious?