Electronics

[Allegheny]

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.

[KatieB]

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...

[ValuSkr]

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.

[Nuttmeg]

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@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.

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You should consider buying an iMac.

[glb613]

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

[Allegheny]

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.

[Mz iMac]

@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

[jaxs mom]

I love my 27 inch imac. 

[Jordan2]

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@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.

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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!

[Moonchilde]

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.