Ask Engadget: best all-in-one PC for dorm room life?
By Darren Murph 
posted August 5th 2010 10:35PM
posted August 5th 2010 10:35PM
So, froshies -- what's it gonna be? He didn't mention the need for a touch panel, so you can obviously whittle down your choices somewhat. Anyone have a particular AIO that has treated them to straight As? Let us (and Wayne) know in comments below."Hi. I'm about to be crammed into a dorm room for a few years, and I need a decent all-in-one PC for my desk. Space is an issue, but anything from 20- to 23-inches would work. Mac or PC is fine for the stuff I'll be doing, but I'd like to keep it all under $1,500 if possible. Any strong recommendations from other students who were / are in a similar situation?"
@kayla38111
Actually mybad my first wasn't a all in one, just go with the 2nd option (499) desktop its an all in one and add on a pc tuner. and maybe a bigger screen if u need it because its only a 18.5 in screen
I don't know about you guys, but I definitely wouldn't haul an iMac to class. Not sure why that's been suggested so many times.
@jesseR
i wouldn't either
@jesseR I guess you missed the part where he asked for an all-in-one for his desk...
I'm currently a college senior that has been working at Student Computing for most of my time at school. I would recommend and iMac hands down. The computer is powerful, sleek (it fits really well on a college-sized desk), and runs OS X. I go to a school with a 75/25 Mac to PC breakdown, but somehow I still repair about 5 PCs for every Mac. If you want your computer to last your entire 4+ years that you're in college, get the iMac. The best part: You can still run Windows on it if you have to. If you want to use it to watch TV, you can either use Hulu (you probably won't have time to watch shows right when they air) or get an adapter that lets you watch TV. Your school, like mine, might also have streaming TV over ethernet, so you might not even need a TV tuner.
@jag82177
Sounds like you work for Mac and not with them.
Asus EEE Top line of AIO's.... small and useful, or an AIO from MSI.
I'd go with an entry level iMac. I have the last model (with the aluminum around the edges of the screen) with 2gb of RAM and I use a TV Tuner with it and it holds up just fine.
I misread dorm room as doom.
I would most certainly get an iMac, I would go with the 2009/2010 core 2 duo model used off craigslist or ebay due to the fact the i3/i5/i7 processor iMac's were just released in turn making the core 2 duo's a hot selling used system easy for buyers to grab up at an amazing price, These systems last forever in my experience and they run Mac and Windows applications (and most games) amazingly. I hope this helps.
Matt Brandenburg
http://www.MattBrandenburg.com
Technical Hacker Geek :)
I recommend either a MacBook Pro (they're capable of playing games, are rock-solid, and are excellent computers all-around. iMac's are great, too, of course - but mobility is a wonderful thing.
iMac or Gateway One(I actually own one, got it from TD for $1100, bought Bluetooth adapter for $15, comes with core i5)
Why not a Mac Mini + TV, then you get the benefit of a Mac plus a TV in a small simple setup.
How to avoid "Daily roundup" in rss? This destroy google reader.
1000$ to as powerful laptop as you can get, the rest into a monitor, keyboard & etc. to save space, keep the laptop on it's side when on desk(rotate the display) to save desk area.
I would defiantly get a iMac, space is scarce in a dorm. I Know! i suggest an iMac because not only will it be your computer but its easily becomes the hub for all your entertainment needs, and does it quite nicely. All of the new iMacs come with intels core i processors now and upgraded graphics card. you could also install windows on top of it as well if you wanted. I should also say that you should check out Apples refurb section you can score a last gen (More than adequate) 3.06ghz 21" imac for under a grand($929 to be exact) it comes with the same warranty (1 year) as a new one and Magic mouse and keyboard. You can also get a 27" for under $1300 from the apple refurb store. I would check them out. On top of that their running "buy a Mac get a free ipod" promotion so to me the stars seem aligned for a mac but thats just my 2 cents.
If you don't already have a laptop, i recommend an ASUS u30 series or the 13.3 inch macbook pro if you preferr apple. They're currently king of the campus (awesome battery life for both). There is alway the option of getting an external monitor and a mouse/keyboard. If you can focus, a laptop can be your best friend during class. Microsoft OneNote rocks. I re-routed the internal mic and set dictation software to run in the background...i didn't have to take a single note. Some of us aren't that technical, however. I did take notes when i needed to learn.
As far as all in ones go, the imac is a great choice. If you're looking for an AIO PC, The hp 200xt is around the same level as the imac in terms of internals (for the same price you can get an i5, 6gb of ddr3).
And btw, if you do buy a mac:
Applecare is good, but keep in mind that you have almost a year to extend your warranty. You can buy applecare through the last day your warranty is active.
Also, those classes are a joke. If you've ever touched a computer in your life, you'll get around a mac just fine. Buy an external hard drive instead of the classes and applecare, and back it up, son.
All that's needed is something with a browser that has incognito mode, a large screen for movies/sport, speakers and keyboard. Key requirement - it must be easy to anchor to the wall (so your friends don't leave it on the roof), and iris recognition or equivalent so no one fucks with your facebook...
Get a good 13" or 14" laptop, and a nice monitor (24"+) and that will be perfect. You'll be glad you had the portability. I'm entering my senior year so I know. Everybody I know has at least a laptop (a desktop in addition sometimes).
Ya, I'll say it, "buy an iMac, dude." the new iMacs are great, even got 8/10 for engadget. Get a Mac and do well in school.
Yeah I've got to say the new iMacs with student discount, free iPod touch, reduced 3 year warranty, and a reduced printer is the way to go.
The iMac is actually ideal here, However, these comment boards are rampant with Android and Win7 watchdogs, They'll cry HP all in one everytime.
@StockholmCole
Looks like common sense has prevailed for once. The people actually at college are Macs for the most part
Gateway one ftw
The OP asked for an AIO but really was asking for what the best PC is for a dormroom and the reality is that if you plan on spending your time in a 10x12' box with an annoying roommate and your computer, you'll end up an Engadget fanboy like most of these commenters. In reality you are going to keep your clothes and an optional bed in your room you'll study in the Library, cafes, some upper classmans nice house or in some lab in the basement. If you don't have a great laptop yet, that has to be your first purchase. Seriously do you want to end up like these guys, blathering about computers and bragging about an iMac getting them laid? Get a laptop and lowjack so you can keep it. Protect it like it's your second child and the first one died. Then leave your room to your weird roommate and go enjoy campus. And get a MacBook with windows 7.
Probably mentioned already, but take a good long look at the HP Envy 17. It is a beast of a laptop and has a pretty reasonable price for all the hardware you get. If I had to get a new laptop right now, I would be looking at the Envy 14 or 17. If I wanted to get a desktop I would go over to Newegg and build my own for much less than what you can buy one for.
While I'm not a huge Mac fan an iMac might serve your purposes pretty well. I'm fully aware that the Desktop PC is becoming less and less and option for college students. I went to school from 2000-2004 and everyone pretty much had a Desktop. I had one I got built at a local computer show and upgraded my Junior year again with another similar system.
I would think for a college student a laptop (Dell is still fine people will curse them but the support is good and the parts easy to find) would be where it's at. Take it to class, take it to the library. Get some external speakers to bring with you (who even brings a stereo anymore lol) and perhaps an external monitor like a 22-24 incher and you're golden. With Hulu, Netflix, DVDs and the web you're good for watching shows and movies on that screen.
If you're a huge gamer though a desktop is the way to go...unless you're more a console gamer then again an external monitor would be awesome. When I attended I had to drag a desktop, 17" CRT monitor and a 32 inch CRT television back and forth every year with my stereo. Painnnn in the ass! Reduce the space constraints and stick with a laptop if you can.
You could grab a compact dell zino pc from dell with Windows 7 64 pretty well loaded for about 500. Grab a nice 26-32 inch lcd tv. For about 300. And a decent notebook or netbook for less than 500 for portability. Keep the change.
Gonna start with some laptops first (trust me, the portability makes a difference in college life)
Please, The most important thing for a college PC is reliability. You dont want something crapping out on you the day before your assignments or tests. (Everyone here knows that feeling). Go with a brand/series that is reliable. Stay away from HP's consumer lines (the dv models) as they only last about a year before major faults. The business line (elitebooks) however have incredible build quality and have been updated with the new core i7's and running the newest mobile workstation gpu's.
As much as I hate apple products, dont be ashamed to go for a macbook either. however, definitely go with the pro. As a fellow student, (one who works in IT) I see way to many people coming in with broken macs. Go with the Pro, the extra cash gets you a better build, and better system. (Seriously, the regular macs are like toys, and wont help you down the road).
You might also want to consider anything from Asus (seeing as they have some of the lowest fail rates). Stay away from most Best Buy models and purchase your machine from online retailers (the company itself or sites like newegg/amazon). Best Buy laptops are designed for that purpose. To be cheap and replaceable.
Another brand (although you will pay a premium for its name, just like apple) is Sony. Of all the machines I have owned, my Sony SR series has never failed me. Sony's screens are some of the best looking in the industry and their machines are built rock solid. Driver support isn't as up to date as extreme enthusiasts would appreciate, but customer support is incredible.
The other option is to go desktop route. If you're going desktop, do yourself a favor and build one. Ask friends, family, or everyone here. I just helped 2 of my closest friends build rigs for under 1200 (monitor included) which were not only well equipped, but would last.
There's no shame in asking for more help. From my experience, it all comes down to where and how you want to use your computer.
If you dont ever plan on needing your computer anywhere else other than your dorm room. Then go ahead and BUILD a desktop, otherwise, go for a desktop replacement laptop. A 17" model will serve you well. Otherwise, if you feel you might trek with it to your classroom often, go with a 15" model. If you want the ultimate in lightweight and speed (gonna cost more) go with a 13" model such as the Vaio Z series or the 13" mac pro.
I started college with a shitty 15lb Dell 5150. My sophomore year I built a desktop... and soon realized i still needed a laptop in some classes, so I got an Eee pc701 (the first netbook). It was too small, so I upgraded to my current SR490 from Sony and have never been happier. It's fast, lightweight, plays all my games, and is rock solid. (I was eyeing the Z series, but didnt have the extra $900 for it)
Still, dont be afraid to keep looking, nothing is worse than a rushed decision. Good luck, and hope you find what you need.
buy a dell zino and drop a phenom x4 965 in it. there ya go. under 500 dollars just grab yourself a nice slim monitor
I am a college student and half way through first semester last year I traded in my MBP for the 27" iMac. One of the best decisions of my life. The extra power and screen size was wonderful and doubled wonderfully as a Hulu TV (I am considering buying eyeTV for it this year). I highly recommend it, it's a bit above your price range for the 27" but the 21.5" is also really nice. As much as we would all love to point to you a PC AIO that is just as nice, we have to concede this to Apple for rocking this particular area.
The smaller iMac then. You will need some kind of office suite either iWork, Office, or Openoffice which I personally find lacking.
But why not a laptop?
go Imac or macbook... student discount and free ipod touch and free printer.
plus, with all the shit college kids download (myself being one), it's nice not to get viruses
I've always said that if I were going to college today, I'd bring an all-in-one computer with a TV tuner built in and use it as my ultimate dorm room media center. Then I'd get some crappy netbook to sling around to classes.
So that's my suggestion. I'd say get one of the AIO PCs with a tuner built in, or get an iMac and a USB tuner dongle. I won't recommend one platform over the other, just to get something that will handle all your entertainment needs. That way you and your roommate can watch different things.
Oh, and some good headphones...
Buy an iMac, then replace OS-X with Windows 7 (or Linux)
I can see where the question is coming from. When you have only a desk area for computer, putting a tower on the ground or on the desk (even if it's a shuttle case) is not an option if you want enough room left over for other items such as books, decorations. With that said, there's not too much competition. There are no powerful all in ones and the best option is just to go iMac, though I'd say getting a mac mini plus a 24" monitor would be a bit cheaper and take up the same amount of room.
I still remember the horrible clunky grey Dell laptop my mom bought me for university. It was the size of a sidewalk panel and sounded like a jet engine.
-Andrew from FabulousSavings
I live in a 40square feet dorm room, and I have room for a small form factor desktop.
Just put in under your desk.
Why get a regular PC over an all-in-one ?
A. Because all in one are very expensive for what they are
B. because the screen sucks in most cases.
Just buy a regular tower desktop PC (small form factor) with what you need of power. (i.e. maybe you game maybe you don't maybe you're in 3D design maybe you just don't care about 3D)
Then buy a screen.
With $1500 you can buy a monster but maybe you just don't need a monster.
A 24" lcd monitor for $300, a small form PC $300 (Acer Revo, Asus Netbox, Zotac) that you can mount onto the back of the monitor. If you already have a PS3 or Xbox you can plug that into the monitor for gaming. Spend the remaining $900 on booze, pot, and rubbers.
Dell Studio XPS 16. Powerful, portable when you need it (but not big on battery life), and right around your price point. As mobile desktops go, it's mighty.
Up to 8gb of ram and a 1080p screen with a gig of graphics memory. Even at 6gb it is still under your price point.
New iMac is the winner
The asker didn't give much info about what he needs, and I don't see any posts by any sort of Wayne-sounding person in the comments.
If you need strong gaming powah, just save yourself some pain and get a normal PC. Otherwise, I'd get a laptop. Laptops are the true all-in-ones...you don't even need a power cable (when charged), they're easy to move around. You can bring them with you if you want to work somewhere else. Unless you are moving into your own private mansion, dormrooms are like little cages. It will not benefit you to stay locked in yours. Get a laptop and study & play in the library or lounge or anywhere where your fellow man (and woman) congregate.
That said, I might investigate in a lock for it, for when you do leave it in your room. They're cheap, reasonably effective, and probably a good thing to have since you can never guarantee the sanctity of a dorm room...especially if you have a roommate.
The school i attend uses these all-in-on PC's http://www.cybernetman.com/en/products/AllinOne_LCD_PC/ionegx31.cfm
Have to say... they are more pwerful then the typical imac.
If u need my advise try this page i wrote about all in one Pc in genral on it .