All in one computers...

[gjdart]

Just wondering if some of the clever tech-heads on here can explain the pro's and con's of buying an all in one computer. My first thoughts when I saw them recently... wow! space saving.. gonna have one of them

However... Says I to me... I have a host of clever friends to ask advice from before I make another expensive mistake..

any advice for or against would be very much appreciated people ?

[gaz0012]

To be honest i would rather buy/build a mini itx system would be alot cheaper and easy to replace/upgrade parts but thats just me being a tight wad lol

[ChillerVapes]

If you ask me, not a problem until something goes wrong or you want to upgrade it.
It may suffer from over heating but thats about it.

They look quite snazzy imo.

If you get one, just make sure you get a very high spec one so it will be future proof for a bit longer.
If you get a budget one, you will regret it after a few months to a year because it will be too slow and too expensive or too limited to upgrade.

[gjdart]

May 14, 2013 7:47:20 GMT gaz0012 said:

To be honest i would rather buy/build a mini itx system would be alot cheaper and easy to replace/upgrade parts but thats just me being a tight wad lol

If I told you I can just about switch a computer on without crashing it would that explain my very limited knowledge

Thanks for the reply anyway.

[gjdart]

May 14, 2013 7:47:43 GMT ChillerVapes said:

If you ask me, not a problem until something goes wrong or you want to upgrade it.
It may suffer from over heating but thats about it.

They look quite snazzy imo.

If you get one, just make sure you get a very high spec one so it will be future proof for a bit longer.
If you get a budget one, you will regret it after a few months to a year because it will be too slow and too expensive or too limited to upgrade.

Have to admit my first thoughts were what if something goes wrong.. would I have to replace the whole set up ???

When you say "very high spec" Can you explain what I should be looking at/for ?

Thanks chiller.

[ChillerVapes]

The more ram, hard drive space, best spec processor the better.
The rule is, the bigger the numbers, the better it is.

You also might want functionality like blueray player or rw drive
Hdmi out, tv tuner, 3d enabled hd graphics card and so fourth

If your going to a smaller retailer, try and haggle them to throw in some free or discounted 'creative' speakers too because no doubt, if that all in 1 pc has speakers built in, they will be pants.
If you get some, just make sure they have an independent subwoofer. 2.1 (it basically means 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer)

[andy01424]

CPu/Ram/Graphics....building your own is not that daunting,says person who has lol to give you and idea this is how easy it is,sorry theres a lot of waffling in the youtube,but you will its quiet simple,so before the vid:

A: work out a budget...if generally for surfing etc office stuff then cost can be low,if for high end gaming well price rockets,its no use thinking cheaper will do as later on you wll have to upgrade any way :
B: Cpu quad core[ relatively cheap].. Memory: Ram 4gb will give all you need..Graphics gaming you will need a a decent card, normal use on board will do ,but most will have apcie slot to upgrade graphic card , Storage: 500mb will do...Mother board well thats your choice again depends on use..normal budget one will do..Power supply 550wat this is enough to supply any addons..case look for one that does not have a lot of bays in there helps with cooling,last but not least operating System ie Windows

C: search the net when you decide what you want,prices vary a lot..shop stuff will double cost
basic thats it :

[ChillerVapes]

Building a pc is fairly easy but, if you dont know the differences between the types of ram or processors out there, ssometimes its worth paying the extra to save the stress of building 1.
You also get a warranty with a store bought pc which you dont making it your self.

[gjdart]

Hey guy's as much as I appreciate you taking the time to reply... build my own computer I'm about as knowledgeable about computers as I am about "MY" car... put key in ignition.. turn.. car starts.. we're away. or... put key in ignition.. car doesn't start.. return to house ..hand key's to hubby and inform him that "HIS" car doesn't work anymore!

That said.. when I next go into PC World I will stand close enough to the description label on the stands to actualy read the info and try to put your advice to good use

Thank you

[gjdart]

May 14, 2013 8:43:19 GMT ChillerVapes said:

The more ram, hard drive space, best spec processor the better.
The rule is, the bigger the numbers, the better it is.

You also might want functionality like blueray player or rw drive
Hdmi out, tv tuner, 3d enabled hd graphics card and so fourth

If your going to a smaller retailer, try and haggle them to throw in some free or discounted 'creative' speakers too because no doubt, if that all in 1 pc has speakers built in, they will be pants.
If you get some, just make sure they have an independent subwoofer. 2.1 (it basically means 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer)

Now that's the kind of advice even I can take to a shop

[GunJack]

in general, all-in-ones are:-

1. very overpriced for the spec (performance) you get
2. very often proprietry parts so expensive when they break
3. ARE prone to overheating due to poor airflow inside
4. difficult to de-fluff which contributes to ovrheating
5. labour costs of repairs can often be uneconomic even if a low-value component has gone.
6. screen goes, it's burgered due to cost
7. user prone to RSI if you insist on using the touchscreen rather than keyboard & mouse

Nice idea in theory, but the practice leaves a lot to be desired at this stage in the product's life.... whether it ever gets any better remains to be seen...

[gjdart]

May 14, 2013 10:54:29 GMT GunJack said:

in general, all-in-ones are:-

1. very overpriced for the spec (performance) you get
2. very often proprietry parts so expensive when they break
3. ARE prone to overheating due to poor airflow inside
4. difficult to de-fluff which contributes to ovrheating
5. labour costs of repairs can often be uneconomic even if a low-value component has gone.
6. screen goes, it's burgered due to cost
7. user prone to RSI if you insist on using the touchscreen rather than keyboard & mouse

Nice idea in theory, but the practice leaves a lot to be desired at this stage in the product's life.... whether it ever gets any better remains to be seen...

Well that could very well hit that idea right on the head then

Thank you for the input gunjack.

[Super-Shiny]

I steer clear from any all-in-ones apart from my pink fluffy onesie

[Bluefish]

Pics Rom or we don't believe you lol

[fred]

May 14, 2013 8:01:31 GMT gjdart said:

May 14, 2013 7:47:20 GMT gaz0012 said:

To be honest i would rather buy/build a mini itx system would be alot cheaper and easy to replace/upgrade parts but thats just me being a tight wad lol

If I told you I can just about switch a computer on without crashing it would that explain my very limited knowledge

Thanks for the reply anyway.

Just wondering if an "all-in-one" computer is your special name for a "laptop"? ??? - if so, that would possibly change some of the previous answers.