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
I view them as a desk top with all the disadvantages of a lap top. Lap tops tend to have a shorter life than a desk top because all the components are crammed into the much smaller case. That leads to higher heat build up that eventually fries something. The all-in-ones and mini PCs are built like a lap top. Desk tops take up more space because they are mostly empty with much better air flow. If a component does die in one, it is much easier to replace. I'd opt for a lap top with docking station over an AiO. It's possible to go dual screen with that. I have the lap top screen set to email at work.
A lap top also has the advantage of having a built-in UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) that keeps it running for several hours when you lose utility AC power. I always look for maintainability in my PCs. You should be able to easily (sic) open it up and access major components (Battery, RAM, Mass storage, and other replaceable modules). I have upgraded the SSD in mine to 1 Terabyte (was 500 GByte) and replaced the battery when it's storage capacity dropped. JeffD
It really depends on your intended use and budget. I switched to the laptop form factor 15 years ago and have hosted without complaint three ASUS machines since then. I steer my build list toward the gamer line for quality monitor and internals and a design that incorporates some headspace if you ever want or need to push your machine to the limit. I have always been a Microsoft PC operating system kind of guy, but I have friends with Apple machines that are very happy. I am expanding my horizons into Linux lately, putting together (literally) small form factor systems using Raspberry Pi single board computers. These builds are very economical, but you have to put them together. If you have aspirations of becoming a maker, and branching out from just a computer into the Internet of Things, this is a great place to start. The guiding principle of "You get what you pay for" certainly applies in all these endeavors.
