Are the all-in-one computers any good?

[whitemonkey]

Hi, I am thinking of getting a new computer as my laptop is old. I was thinking of a desktop pc as I have a spare laptop I could use anyway. I have seen the all in one computers which I thought would be a good idea, as I could move it around more easily than a normal desktop.

Someone has suggested that they are not as reliable. Does any one know if this is the case. Thanks

[MTSCostcoChickenFan]

It's not they are reliable. It's just if your screen goes then its not as if you can simply buy a new screen and plug that into your PC.

Having said that, I have an Apple which is.an all in one.

[MTSCostcoChickenFan]

Meant to type unreliable

[Snorbs]

All-in-one computers generally have many of the same limitations as laptops. They cost more for a given level of performance, they have much more limited expansion and upgrade potential, and they are more fragile as everything is crammed into a small hot space with restricted cooling.

What you want to use it for will have an impact on the cost/benefit analysis as well. If you want to run demanding games or have lots of storage then a desktop would be a better option. If you are looking to move it around a lot and just use it for web browsing and word processing then an all-in-one computer might be a better fit.

[MTSCostcoChickenFan]

If you have a laptop then why not treat yourself to a tablet?

[whitemonkey]

Thanks everyone. I do already have an ipad. I use the laptop for work at the moment which I do from home. Im an accountant so have sage on my computer but I normally go into the works server and work via that. The only other thing it would used for is the kids homework.

[Anthracite]

We've had an Acer all-in-one for three years. I liked the idea of the all-in-one as it's in our dining room so I didn't want a lot of clutter. If I have to move it, then I just have to unplug one device and pick it up.

The only problem is that it overheats. This is because it attracts a lot of dust which get trapped in the cooling vents. When this happens, we just blast it with cold air (using the no-heat setting on my hair dryer). We have to do this 2-3 times a year.