I've Been Getting a Lot of Questions About All-in-One Computers. Here’s My Take.
Lately, people have been coming to me with the same question: “Should I get an all-in-one computer?”
I get it. They look sleek, they save space, and for a lot of folks, they seem like the perfect answer to messy desks and bulky towers. But like most tech choices, the right answer depends on how you plan to use it.
Let me break it down from both what I’ve seen personally and what I recommend to clients.
Why People Love Them
The biggest draw is simplicity. One of my clients, for example, runs a small office with limited space. She replaced all her clunky towers with all-in-ones, and overnight her front desk looked modern and clutter-free. There were fewer cables to manage, no towers to kick under the desk, and setup was literally plug-and-play.
And honestly, they do look good. An iMac or a slim Dell Inspiron all-in-one gives off that minimalist, clean aesthetic. If you want your desk to look more like a design studio than a tangle of wires, this is the way to go.
For everyday needs—email, Zoom calls, spreadsheets, streaming—they’re more than capable.
The Trade-Offs Nobody Talks About
But here’s the catch: power and flexibility.
Most all-in-ones use laptop-grade parts to keep their slim shape. That means you’re not getting the same horsepower you’d get from a tower, especially if you’re into gaming, video editing, or anything that demands a strong graphics card.
And upgrades? That’s where it gets tricky. You can usually swap in more RAM or a bigger hard drive, but if you want to upgrade the CPU or graphics down the line, you’re out of luck. I once had a client who loved her AIO—until her needs grew. By year three, she was doing more design work, and her computer just couldn’t keep up. She ended up replacing the whole machine even though the screen was still flawless.
Repairs can also be a headache. With a desktop, if the power supply fails, you replace the part. With an all-in-one, you may have to ship the entire unit out. That means downtime and higher repair costs.
Who They’re Best Suited For
From my perspective, AIOs are a solid choice if you:
-
Want a clean, modern setup with minimal wires.
-
Don’t need to push your computer to the limits.
-
Value convenience and design over customization.
-
Are setting up a workspace where clients will see the computer (like a reception desk).
But if you’re a power user—a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who likes to tinker and upgrade—then I’d steer you toward a traditional desktop. You’ll thank yourself later.
My Bottom Line
All-in-ones are like that stylish apartment in the city: sleek, convenient, and perfect if your lifestyle fits the space. But if you plan to expand, build out, or customize, you might feel cramped pretty quickly.
So before you buy, ask yourself: Am I looking for a computer that just works and looks good doing it? Or do I want a machine I can grow with?
That answer will tell you everything.