Need advice on desktop vs all in one
 

Have a friend that wants a computer to do email, web browsing, basic stuff. No game playing or anything like that. He wanted to keep the cost around $400 or so.

He wanted me to advise him if an All in One would be better than the traditional desktop. I really have not seen too many All in Ones, so I have a hard time with advise on this one.

Any suggestions?

I use a chrome book for the basic stuff. $200.00

Plus one I have an Acer Chrome Book it’s probably all they need. Plenty of choices and you can get a nice Chrombook for about $250.

They know how to use Windows, not sure if Chromebook works the same. I think they may be unsure of that one...

Chromebook is the answer or you could almost but half an Apple! I'd go for half of the Apple. You're a good friend good luck.

I have an HP laptop that works fine but is sorta slow. $150 takes it away! PM me if you like!

Basically a Chromebook works thru Google’s Chrome Browser so an internet connection is a must. It’s simple to use and if they are familiar with Windows the Chromebook will be an easy transition. They are trouble free computers no subject to viruses either. They have a special feature called “Powerwash”. Even if the computer were to run badly and in my 2 years with one it hasn’t, the Powerwash feature restores the Chromebook back to it’s out of the box condition. They also boot up very fast once I turn mine on and log in all of 15 seconds have passed by.

One more thing the CB is not a desktop style computer. It’s a laptop style so it is all in one.

Here’s a link to the CB I have, it looks very much like a $1000 Apple Mac Book Air.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Acer-Spar...38&athena=true

I'm not sure $400 is enough for a good Windows computer today. I bought a Lenova Windows laptop about 3 years ago for around $200. Today, that computer is pretty much worthless. It is way too slow. Sams Club has an HP Windows 10 desktop with a 32 inch monitor and wireless mouse for about $1,000. If I needed a desktop, that is what I would buy. But, if you only have $400 to spend, then I would get a Chromebook. I would definitely stay away from an all in one computer. Not a good value and never has been.

Yes you can get a decent low-end computer for under $400, and it won't be a laptop, it'll be a desktop or an AIO (since your question wasn't about laptops or chrome, it was about desktops vs. AIO).

Staples is having a sale on their HP AIO with a 22" diag monitor. It's the low-end, not even a Pavilion. But if all they're doing with it is browsing, e-mail, facebook games, social media stuff, they won't need anything more powerful. It's $350 and comes with Windows 10.

If they already have a functioning monitor and want a better quality (but still lower end) desktop, they'd do fine with an HP Slimline, which comes with Intel iCore 5 from one or two generations ago (which means it works fine, and much better than anything they had in 2010 - technology has improved vastly from then). The Slimline is on sale for $389 but again - that doesn't come with a monitor. You'd need to add another $100 for a decent 22" monitor but if their old one still works it'll be fine with a new computer.

I have a 27" monitor - and it's pretty daunting, if you are sitting close to it (as in, using it mostly for computing). These bigger monitors are more useful for streaming videos and watching movies. Eye strain from being close to BIG stuff is real, y'all.

I guess I go look at a chromebook tomorrow and get an education on newer technology. My friends live in the cold north, so if I suggest for them to get a chromebook, I better learn quick. I only know about your typical Windows systems.

Grew up running those big old IBM computers that took up a room and had round reel tapes and punch cards to run your programs.......oh the good old days...

I do almost everything on a 10 inch Samsung Android tablet. I use a desktop for preparing taxes and for very complicated tasks. You may want to consider a tablet instead of a laptop.

You can do everything a computer can do and more on a newer Smart phone. I have a Galaxy Note 8 and it is much much better than any computer.. it fits in my pocket...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

Your friend may wish to take a look at iPads. They start at about $300 new and there are 4 different screen sizes available. I would avoid anything used that is more than 2 years old. If he truly wants an all-in-one, an iMac is another option but he won’t get one for $400 since they start at about $1000. However, you do get what you pay for.

I've been using a chromebook for about 10 years. I've used Apple II, and all version of Microsoft (DOS included), If you've used the chrome browser you can use a chromebook. BTW, you can get a chromebox if you already have a monitor and keyboard.

I have a Dell all in one and would never go back to a laptop or tower type. It's just awesome.

go to dealnews.com and you can find plenty of desktop pcs for $300

Can you plug a chromebook into a larger monitor?

Also, can you use a separate keyboard with Chromebook?

If all you're looking to do is email, web browsing, then a tablet makes so much more sense.

The all-in-ones are really nice and save a lot of space. They're especially nice with a touch screen which take a little time to get used to but are a real nice alternative to using a mouse. The biggest issue (for me) is the all-in-1s are built of laptop components which are difficult to find replacements for if any go bad on you. (Standard desktops are *usually* built from interchangeable parts which are easily swapped out).

Mrs. Carla, I'm 99% sure you can use a separate keyboard on a Chromebook. tomwed has done a lot of investigation for us rookies and I ended up buying a $20 keyboard for my Ipad. Who would have ever thunk it? It works perfectly. Just charge it and it hooked up automatically, just great.

Chromebook is fantastic and we miss ours as it was appropriated by another sometime during our move. Easy come easy go. I'm not certain about a monitor but if your Chromebook has the proper receptacle on the side I see no reason why a Monitor couldn't be used. Good Luck.

You can't go wrong with the basic entry level 9.7 inch ipad for $329. With a good case and taxes will be about $400. I have an 8 year old version that I use multiple times a day and have never had an issue. Apple operating system very stable.

BestBuy has a sale on now for the 32 GB 9.7" iPad for $269. That is a good deal.

Thanks for pointing out the sale, I just went online to Best Buy and purchased one, $330 total includes 32 GB 9.7" ipad, wifi only, a nice cover, and taxes. Free shipping included, should show up at house Saturday (2 days). The newer version has many improvements over my old ipad, which I paid twice as much for. The battery in my very old ipad is getting tired and does not hold a charge like it used. The old one will become my traveling ipad, which I will not worry about if it gets banged up.

Dear Mr. Nucky,

Thanks for your reply. I've had a Dell All-in-One since January, 2014 and use Windows 10. I love my AIO and like Windows 10, as well. I'm inquiring on behalf of my DH. (1) He refuses to give up his HP 27" monitor (2) He also uses a keyboard. (3) He also refuses to advance from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and says if and when he can't use Windows 7 anymore he'll get a Mac. (Like that will be easier to use?)

I'm wondering about a less drastic move, since he doesn't do real computing, just email, surfing, and playing solitaire. I think a Chromebook might be the solution, IF he can use his 27" monitor and a keyboard.

Would that arrangement work?

Carla B.

All in ones are a problem when a part like the dvd player goes down or the screen goes out. With a desktop, you can replace these easily with generic parts, on an all in one, they are integrated and cost more to fix.

I think you will be fine with the Chromebook as long as it has a spot for an HDMI cable. This is the much less expensive way out. One thing we found to be true on our last Dell all in one that's still alive is that we prefer Apple way more than anything with Windows 10. Yuck. Good Luck.

In my opinion, you would be better off to not buy a Chromebook laptop to use with an external monitor and keyboard. You can buy a Windows 7 desktop tower and get a lot more computing power, speed, internal storage, a dvd drive, and usb inputs for less money. Chromebooks are designed to be used as stand alone laptops, not as a desktop replacement. There are plenty of Windows 7 desktop towers to choose from at Amazon, Staples, Walmart, and Best Buy. And, they tend to be very inexpensive because Windows 7 is basically obsolete.

There is what makes our country great. Contrasting opinions. I, however, would not sink a dollar into a basically obsolete piece of equipment. Chromebook is current and supported and I like it. You also have no worries about Viruses sorta like Apple. I'm a Rookie learn as I Earn Computer guy, maybe the others are correct.

Very well said Nucky, I’m on the same page you are. I worked in the Windows IT world for about 15 years. When I retired I left the Windows world in my rear view mirror, I use i either my Macs, Chromebook or iPad depending on the situation.

The only reason for my opinion is that the OP apparently wants to continue using the obsolete Windows 7 software and an external monitor and keyboard. As far as I know, you cannot buy a Chromebook tower, only a stand alone laptop. But, if you want to plug in external components to a laptop, then the Chromebook would work. It just doesn't make sense to me to do that, but it will work. Most people who buy a laptop, use it as a laptop because it has a built in screen and keyboard. They don't plug in external components. Personally, I don't like Windows 10 either, and I still use a desktop with Windows 7. It works fine, even if it is obsolete. But, I also have a laptop for portability.

There are numerous different brands of Chromeboxes available. They are small systems, about like a Mac mini or NUC in size, that require an external keyboard, monitor, and mouse. If the monitor has a VESA mount then some Chromeboxes can be mounted on the back of the monitor. Simply do a google search on Chromebox. This was already mentioned in post #13.

I looked them up and I agree that a Chromebox would fit the bill without paying for a laptop screen and keyboard that you would not use. They are priced between $200 and $300. You can also buy a refurbished Windows 7 tower for less than $100 on Amazon that would have a better processor and more features than the Chromebox. So, I guess it really depends on whether you want to switch to the Chrome system or stay with Windows.

The OP said the system was needed for web browsing, e-mail, and basic stuff. Chrome systems have a lightweight OS and don't require a lot of processing power and the stated needs are also minimal so having a better processor doesn't matter. However, you can buy Chromeboxes with contemporary Intel I7 processors as well as less powerful Celerons and even ARM. I am not sure what additional features you are referring to that the OP's friend needs. They are also immune to viruses.

The additional features I was thinking about were additional usb input ports, micro and mini card reader ports, a dvd/cd read and record drive, built-in internal hard drive storage of 500 to 1000 gb, and the Windows Media Center and Media Player software, which are some of the best media software programs for music I have ever used. Many people have complained that one reason they don't like Windows 10 is that Microsoft eliminated the Media Center software from the Windows 10 software package.

I have seen Chromeboxes with 4 USB ports. In the unlikely event that you need more then you can buy a low-cost USB hub. Various card readers are also available, if not already present in the box, as are DVD drives. Chrome is basically cloud-centric when it comes to storage; a lot of stuff you store in the cloud. Someone with basic needs, such as the OP's friend, is unlikely to require large amounts of local storage. If more local storage is needed, however, a larger SSD can be installed or a USB drive added. Software wise you essentially get the whole google suite as well as the ability to run Android apps. I doubt a basic user will want for anything software wise. Since there is no OS to install or upgrade and viruses and malware are non-existent, it isn't clear to me why anyone with basic needs would bother with a Windows system.

I really don't have a problem with Chromeboxes or Chromebooks. They are great. But, I have found that a lot of average, non-computer people still feel uncomfortable with cloud storage and don't understand it.

Any opinions on the latest iPad Pros?

(Yeah....I know they're expensive. :) )

I was a tape librarian for 10 years and did lots of keypunching...oh the good old days is right

Warm laptop on your knees seems a good choice for those who live in the cold north :)
Anyway, as an experienced PC user, I can say that mastering Chromebook is easy and transition from Windows-interface should be fine. But a tablet is a viable option too.

I have a Lenovo all-in-one computer with a wireless mouse and keyboard. Here's a blurb that describes them:

"All-in-one PCs are a great middle ground for those seeking a home computer — they take up less room than*traditional towers, and offer more screen space than most*laptops. These unique PCs pack their components, ports and monitors into a single unit, allowing you to easily prop one onto your desk, plug in and get to work (or play)."

Add a wireless printer and you have an uncluttered workspace.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6241344ea8.jpg

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk