They are convenient if you don’t need a high end gpu… While they work at least, depending on the model and brand if you plan on keeping it 5+ years a power supply failure can junk it due to the proprietary nature in many machines. An external PSU model can be better for that but then the power regulation board can be a weak point. My experience is hit or miss, some last a very long time, others the PSU was expensive and failed at about 5 years. As a counterpoint, the so called PUC systems (now discontinued) are somewhat interesting as well as being a micro sized pc in a little box that you just plug your screen and components into
Thanks for the input! Was about to go for a Small Form Factor -- Dell -- when a friend asked about the "AOI," which pushed me in that direction. I think that is the direction I will go, but slightly uneasy about spending $1100. Could pay $500 to $800, but, of course the cheaper units have fewer features...such as 24" screens vs. 27." kris
