As the evolution of PCs and Macs continues, one can’t help but notice the trend in both desktop PCs and Macs. Apple started the all-in-one trend in 1998 with the first iMac. The idea is actually quite simplistic: put everything the computer needs inside the monitor, so the monitor is the computer. With this setup, you only need a mouse and keyboard to control it; as everything else is built in. Please watch the embedded video below for a video of this story.
Since then, 12 years has past and the technology has changed. HP, Dell, Lenovo, everyone has created an all-in-one desktop computer for their market. They’re so appealing since they take up so much less room, and use only a few wires. The wireless trend has done nothing but create desire for simplistic systems with the same functionality as that monster of a desktop with 30 wires holding it to the ground we had 15 years ago. The hardware itself has become smaller, so it’s becoming easier and easier to incorporate high performance into a very slim profile. Example: today’s iMac is incredible. It’s less than 1.5 inches thick and it has Intel Core i processors and DDR3 RAM. Not only can you make it quick, you can turn it into a huge warehouse. You can configure up to 2TB of disk space in a 27 inch iMac today.
To the purpose of this article, are traditional tower+monitor desktops dead? In my personal opinion, I think they are starting to replace traditional desktops. Budget machines and more basic models still make use of this older setup, but most advertised mid end-higher end machines are all-in-ones. Having said this, for ultimate performance and after-market customization, the desktop will never be replaced. It’s simply so easy to open it up and change processors, graphics cards, or add hard drives. If you’re considering buying a desktop, I would recommend the all-in-one platform. HP makes the Touchsmart, a touchscreen all-in-one high performance desktop with a variety of screen sizes and performance options available. Dell offers the Inspiron all-in-one, which also offers great specs and customization. Lenovo has three all-in-one answers, the Essential, IdeaCenter, and ThinkCenter. Each one is for a different user and is great, like the other models, to customize and get exactly what you need for any price. Apple has really been pushing the all-in-one market for over ten years now. The iMac is very popular, and is incredible at either end of the massive performance, screen size, and price spectrum.
I feel that there is an all-in-one desktop available for anyone at any price from just about any current day manufacturer. I recommend you head out to your local Best Buy to try some of these out if you’re interested in purchasing a desktop!
