IDC forecasts global personal computing device shipments will reach 273 million units in 2025, marking a 3.7% increase year-over-year.
So why is the market share for AIO PCs increasing drastically?
It’s because all-in-one desktop PCs are a reliable and practical choice for many work professionals. They are designed to provide users with an easy-to-operate computing environment that combines excellent performance with a clean and modern aesthetic.
Several leading manufacturers, including Lenovo, ASUS, Dell, and Microsoft, offer AIO PCs. You might be wondering why you would want to purchase one instead of just getting a separate monitor and a standard CPU.
AIO desktop PCs offer many advantages over traditional desktop PCs. They are simple, compact, durable, and offer great performance. However, they also have certain disadvantages regarding repair and maintenance.
Before making the purchase, make sure to weigh the pros and cons to find out which machine is the best fit for you.
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The Pros:
Many people prefer all-in-one desktop computers over traditional desktops due to the multiple advantages that they offer.
These PCs have earned a reputation for offering performance quite similar to or even better than a laptop or other similar devices.
Compact and simpler to set up:
The first advantage you have is that these computers are compact, portable, and have minimal cables.
They are also regarded as being user-friendly and easy to use. The plug-and-play nature of AIOs makes them an ideal choice for non-tech-savvy users or businesses that need to quickly install multiple systems without IT support.
Everything is incorporated into the display, so there are no big towers or separate parts to manage. As a result, they are ideal for business owners who want a portable computer or a small workstation.
Another best feature is that they, on average, weigh between 12 and 30 pounds, making it easier for you to carry around in case of frequent moving.
Take up less space:
If you don’t have much desk space, AIO desktop computers are an excellent choice. These computers take up less space on your desk because everything is built in, including the speakers, keyboard, and monitor.
They are perfect for clearing the clutter so you can concentrate on your work without any distractions.
Additionally, all-in-one (AIO) PCs could be a great choice for solopreneurs or businesses that work in shared spaces.
Since you already have limited space, you want to save as much of it as possible.
Aesthetically pleasing:
All-in-one desktop PCs often come with attractive designs. For instance, take a look at these all-in-one desktops to see how great they look. They feature simple, modern, and elegant designs, making them an excellent addition to any room.
If you highly value design and style and enjoy keeping things organized at work, this is the best choice for you.
Devices like the Apple iMac with its vibrant 4.5K Retina display are prime examples of this.
They offer a huge screen that is super vibrant, reasonably sharp, and pleasing to the eye. They give an office or home an organized and attractive look and are powerful enough to handle light gaming, demanding office tasks, and online browsing.
Simple user interface (UI):
AIO desktop PCs also offer a simple user interface that includes a wireless keyboard and mouse and often comes with a touchscreen display, which makes it simpler for users to browse menus and programs.
For example, the HP OmniStudio X 31.5 AIO and the HP Envy Move are quite popular for their bright, touch-enabled screens, making navigation easy and offering a more enjoyable, tablet-like experience for daily tasks.
AIO PCs are an eye-catching option for those who desire a computer that is easy to use and set up.
Great performance:
One of the main benefits of all-in-one business desktops is that they have powerful processors that can handle even the most demanding tasks. This means that you can run multiple programs and applications at once without experiencing any lag or slowdown.
AIO PCs also have more RAM than traditional desktop computers, which speeds up and improves multitasking.
Many current AIO models offer Core i5 and i7 performance levels similar to mid-tower desktops, showing their suitability for office work, light media editing, and multitasking.
For an outstanding user experience, all-in-one desktop computers should have a strong processor, graphics card, hard disk, and RAM, which most AIO machines already have.
Durable:
All-in-one desktops are more durable and less vulnerable to damage than laptops.
According to research, work computers last 6.069 years on average. Depending on your ability to refresh the components with the right upkeep and care.
Although desktop computers have incredibly durable hardware, the buildup of files, upgrades, and software over time would eventually wear them down.
For instance, running several resource-demanding programs concurrently may put a strain on your computer’s central processing unit (CPU).
While desktops can be more power-hungry, AIOs tend to consume less energy. This is a factor that can contribute to lower long-term operating costs and a longer lifespan.
This heats your PC, which damages the internal components of your computer.
For it to last longer, you must use it carefully and effectively in your workload.
For instance, if you purchase it for business use, you do not need to download any heavy applications or software that can be harmful to your CPU or adversely affect the performance of your entire desktop system.
The Cons:
Higher costs:
An all-in-one desktop’s biggest drawback is that it is more expensive than conventional desktops.
Before making any purchase, people often look for affordability; however, for those on a tight budget, this could be a disadvantage.
For example, a comparably powerful traditional desktop setup can be purchased for a lower price than an AIO, especially when considering the cost of an AIO’s integrated premium monitor. This premium can be a disadvantage for many.
Difficult to upgrade:
PC hardware is constantly being improved. Even when you buy a PC with the best features, it will probably become outdated sooner or later.
A computer is an important investment, and it might be hard to admit that the machine you spent a lot of time on doesn’t perform anymore.
Standard PCs can be easily upgraded to help overcome the issue of outdated hardware. You can simply open the tower, remove the outdated hardware, and then install fresh hardware, such as replacing a graphics card.
But this is not how AIO PCs work. There is not much space to work with. Even if you managed to access it and remove the outdated gear, you would still require a unique component that exactly fits the old hardware. That also limits the type of hardware that can be placed inside an AIO.
Additionally, there is no room for additional RAM or storage, so it might be expensive and time-consuming to find the right parts.
Repairing problems:
Sometimes, all-in-one desktop computers can be hard to repair because of their compact and slim design. It can be challenging to gain access to all the components since they are immobile.
This means if something goes wrong, you might have to replace the computer entirely.
In this case, you will need to find an experienced technician if you are not confident fixing computers on your own, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
But repairs are often out of the question for many years.
Final thought:
As mentioned above, all-in-one desktop computers can handle smooth workflows without the contribution of heavy software that can eventually make them slow. It is perfect if your workflow only involves MS Office and light browsing.
Overall, integrated graphics may be sufficient for you and are essential to handle all your simple tasks; you wouldn’t feel the need to replace your processor regularly with the newest model.
Do all-in-one computers get hot?
It depends on the workload. Sometimes, they generate heat because they are running high-duty tasks in multimedia editing.
Like all other computers, there could be many factors causing your computer to overheat; therefore, a proper ventilation and cooling system is necessary to eliminate overheating.
Are all-in-one computers slow?
No, the speed of any computer depends on the CPU. If you have a powerful CPU, it will not slow down even during demanding tasks.