I need to replace my existing desktop. While looking in Best Buy I saw the HP All-in-One computer. It looks like it makes sense and takes up a lot less space; has anyone any knowledge, experience and recommendations with this type of machine??
My mom had an all-in-one. It was ok for browsing and emails and household stuff.
When the monitor developed an issue, that was pretty much it for her computing until the issue was resolved. All in one is ALL IN ONE after all. Check CNET.com for reviews.
I go more component-based. If something goes off line I can replace that part quickly and be back to work.
I'm looking around too. My issue is that I can get a new Dell, or I can update my software to run on W 7 or 8. But not both! I may have an XP Pro machine custom built.
Good luck.
Terry's new machine is due this week. I will check it out and report. Custom built gaming machine that I posted about last week. Unless you need a laptop for something, I'd avoid such package machines. I've had a decent laptop for two years and I'm ready to go back to desktop.
When it comes to all-in-ones you should check out the iMac, especially as Windows licenses are pretty cheap at the moment.
Excellet point JB. I didn't think about that concept, so I think I'll stick with the component idea.
I too have lots of XP (older) programs that I want to keep, so I'm going to try the Windows 8 Pro and the virtual machine. Of course, I'll keep the ol'Dell w/XP just in case.
Thanks all.
In the research I've done and in talking with my techie friends, Win 7 Pro is the way to go for running Win XP as a virtual machine. It's a free download from Microsoft (Win XP for free!), and I think I recall some machines at Dell or Tiger Direct that specifically mentioned Win XP virtual pre-installed.
Personally, I'd stay with Win XP if I could. I just want a boatload of RAM and a butt-nekkid speed SSD. Not sure how long, or even if Win XP is going to run the new technologies coming down the line.
A couple of articles:
how many stuck it out with 98 or 2000 when XP came out? now they all love XP... 7 is not bad.
i cannot go Mac, i cannot afford to be any more pretentious...
> i cannot go Mac, i cannot afford to be any more pretentious...
Start thinking like an architect; capital outlays on pretentiousness always have a big ROI.
Add Lawyers to that list.....
I couldn't go Mac right now....it's too scary going from XP to 8 (I'm skipping 7 all together)....imagine how fearful it would be making that change......
I stayed away form Laptops for exactly that reason... not able to easily open and replace/upgrade components.
The world has changed and I no longer repair my broken desktops, and use only laptops that are easily opened and upgraded (I recommend Sager for that reason).
Some of the "modern" hardware is no longer supported by some OSs and applications, check on that before your purchase of new hardware.
Good Luck and Happy Shopping.
The all in one takes me back to the Apple IIC. A smaller combined unit is great idea for the traveler. Like today's laptops, When one part goes out, the whole thing is out and it takes a major and delicate operation to replace.
A desktop component machine in a roomy well thought out modern case is easy to maintain and accessible to make replacements a snap. With the use of bluetooth, wireless network, and extension cables, you can put it anywhere in the office. With about a half a dozen or so fans setting up a dynamic pressure, dust does not have a chance to collect and making the processor run about 26°C.
Whatever you go with, I recommend plugging your unit to a battery backup so you will never have any power fluctuation. That can be a major cause of computer failure before it's time.
Like Peter Ehlert said, check out the hardware to see if it will be compatible with your motherboard and your choice of operating system. After all that the driver for your intended use may or may not be on the installation disk and could take time to find.
I am making a build of an old school XP Pro gamer system, Pentium dual core 3.4 ghz with 16gb ram with some modern features thrown in.
Still trying to get the 3.0 usb card to function. It appears to be a power issue that needs an unfurnished cable. The one in the pic connects 4 devices, an overkill, oh well.
A view of the rear ports. Some rearranging may be needed.
A view from the side
I have had laptops for many years now and I doubt that I'll ever have a desktop again. As long as you spend a few more bucks, it will be good for quite a few years. If you get a cheap one, you are already buying old technology and less features that aren't upgradeable. So you spend a little more (think $1200 or more) and get a great graphics card that supports multiple monitors, high-end CPU, fast hard drive, etc.
I currently have this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Z9EAP0/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00
And I LOVE it. The only modifications I did to it was replace the primary hard drive with an SSD and replaced the DVD drive with a faster hybrid drive.
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The graphics capabilities in vitual machine or xp mode are not very good, it even says so on microsoft site, i tried it out with arcview 3.2, the redraw time for a map of less than 50 000 polygons was minutes as opposed to seconds in xp. The software is not usable in this mode.
So if you are wanting to run cad or gis, you may not like it.