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All-in-One PC Versus the Traditional Desktop

By Karla Vogel
19 December 2018

As per my manager’s recommendation, I began purchasing all-in-one (AIO) PCs for our computer users beginning with the Lenovo C440 and Lenovo C460. Our users now enjoy using variants of the Lenovo Ideacentre AIO 520 and the company is on the market for better models including ones from ASUS and HP. For those not in the know, an AIO PC is a desktop computer that integrates both the CPU and screen to save on space. No more of those big black or beige boxes sitting on the desk or worse, below it. AIO PCs are at best interesting and space saving for sure but offers some challenges as well. Most PC manufacturers have AIO options if you ask them. Here, we discuss the benefits and downsides to having AIO PCs.

Space-saving – the all-in-one PC is a great option for a business environment, especially companies where office or desk space is a premium. As mentioned, the lack of a big black box beside the screen is a big plus. Another option is to purchase a small Intel NUC (New Unit of Computing) or similar CPU form factor. Also, using an AIO PC means not having to fiddle with various connectors especially if users prefer having their CPUs under their desks. AIO or not, it pays to use wireless mice and keyboards, but for other connections like Ethernet and printers, AIOs prove to be more convenient. Not having a big clumsy box also makes the desk look more presentable. The Lenovo Ideacentre AIO 520 series also has a wireless option and built-in speakers and webcam.

More portable – AIO PCs are more portable as their slim frame makes them easier to transport and set up versus traditional desktops. One can just grab the main unit and power supply elsewhere much like a large laptop. Having a compact wireless keyboard and mouse is a good plus as well as having a spare keyboard and mouse at the destination.

AIOs are more silent – you may have gotten used to it but there’s a significant relief when you realize the absence of the white noise generated by the internal humming of the fans of a traditional CPU box. Some AIOs now use fan-less versions of processors much like laptops while others have greatly reduced fan noise in a laptop fashion.

Upgrades are limited – while AIO PCs are stylish and space-saving, it has limited hardware upgrade options. For one thing, you’re stuck with one display, though some AIO’s come with additional display ports to support another screen. Unlike traditional desktops, you can’t make your display bigger as you please. In case you do get a larger display and set it up as the primary, you’ll end up with an awkward result. The AIO becomes that CPU box it worked so hard to distance itself from. RAM and hard disk upgrades are also possible but the CPU will be tougher to mess with. Graphics upgrade is impossible as there are no expansion slots but thankfully, external graphics cards have been invented if you want to convert an AIO into a gaming machine.

AIOs are tougher to repair – replacing a faulty display for traditional desktops is quite easy. It’s just a matter of purchasing a new one or something cheap on eBay. Repairing a faulty AIO display is another. An expert is needed in case the display becomes faulty or in the worst case, the entire unit needs replacing. The same thing goes with built-in optical drives, unless they’re just standard slim ones. Be prepared for some laptop-grade tinkering if you’re also replacing the hard disk and RAM. Unlike the Lenovo C4XX series, the Ideacentre 520 series is not as open. Manufacturers continue to find ways to discourage reparability.

AIOs are not cheap – assembling a traditional desktop PC costs only half of AIOs with the same specs. Basically with AIO PCs, you are paying for the benefits described above as well as the manufacturer’s engineering effort.

Basically, AIO PCs are geared toward businesses that regard desk space as a premium. These same businesses can also afford to consider replacement cycles of up to five years or so. Getting an AIO for personal use is a matter of preference and they look great and work great at home primarily for casual use and work purposes and if the user cares little for expandability.

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All-in-One PC Versus the Traditional Desktop

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Karla Vogel

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