all-in-one
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Apple unveils a lower-cost iMac starting at $1,099
If you've felt that the iMac's baseline $1,299 price was too high, you're in luck... to a degree. Apple has unveiled a new 21-inch iMac that lowers the cost of entry to a more palatable $1,099 (£899 in the UK). As you'd expect, though, there are a few catches involved in saving that much cash. To start with, you're getting the same low-voltage, 1.4GHz Core i5 processor that you find in the MacBook Air -- this isn't a powerhouse by any stretch. You'll also have to make do with a 500GB hard disk, although you can spring for 1TB disks (including a Fusion Drive) or a 256GB solid-state drive. The move isn't going to please those who were hoping for a full refresh of the iMac line, but that may not happen until Intel launches desktop-class Broadwell processors. This system will mostly be appealing to schools and anyone else who wants a complete Apple desktop for the lowest price possible.
Dell's new Inspiron 20 is a giant tablet for work and play
Dell's new all-in-one is a sleek option that can travel with you from room to room. Starting at $450 (or $350 without touch), the Inspiron 20 (3000 Series) is by no means a high-end product, but its thin design and adjustable stand make it attractive as a family PC for group movie-watching sessions and the like.
Intel flaunts 8-core Extreme Edition Haswell with support for DDR4 memory
Since Intel's next Haswell chips are aimed squarely at enthusiasts, what better place to unveil them than at the Game Developer's Conference? Aimed at power users, the 4th-gen Core-i7 Extreme Edition CPU will feature eight unlocked cores and 16 threads, trumping the last model's six cores. It'll also support the latest DDR4 memory standard for much higher transfer speeds and lower power drain than DDR3. Also arriving soon is an unlocked 4th-gen "Devil's Canyon" Core chip for overclockers and a "Black Brook" reference all-in-one PC packed with tech like the RealSense 3-D camera (see the video after the break). Finally, Intel revealed that its 5th-gen Broadwell 14-nanometer processors will be available unlocked and with Iris graphics. While those chips were delayed, the new 4th-gen CPUs will arrive in mid-2014 -- so it might be prudent to put off any upgrades. Update: Intel has informed us that the unlocked 4th-gen chips are code-named "Devil's Canyon," not the Extreme Edition CPU. We've updated the post to reflect that.
How would you change Vizio's 24-inch All-in-One?
Vizio! Out of nowhere, the budget TV maker emerged with a laptop and desktop combination that earned plenty of sideways glances and praise. When we pulled the company's 24-inch All-in-One desktop into our labs, we found that form had taken too much precedence over function. Yes, it looks gorgeous, but we couldn't say the same about the flaky trackpad and painful keyboard. For $800, it was certainly cheap enough that you could splash out on a replacement keyboard and mouse, but was that too much for your blood? Share your thoughts on our forum thread and let's give Vizio's designers something to think about.
Lenovo gives 'portable' all-in-ones another shot with the 27-inch Horizon 2 (video)
In addition to announcing a slew of laptops, tablets and convertibles, Lenovo just unveiled a trio of Windows 8 all-in-ones. Of the bunch, the most notable might be the Horizon 2, which marks Lenovo's second attempt at a "portable" 27-inch desktop. In particular, Lenovo added both NFC and a new, graphically-pleasant way to pair the PC with an Android device: you can now shake your smartphone to share its media with the Horizon 2, causing photos and other content to "fall" onto the tabletop screen -- an effect demonstrated in the video after the break. From there, you can use motion controls on the smartphone to do things like navigate the UI and sort through photos, music tracks and the like. The wireless link between the two devices also lets you instantly browse fresh photos on the Horizon 2 once they are taken with the phone, as well as letting you throw PC content onto the phone.
Acer's latest all-in-one doubles as a 27-inch touch monitor and Android PC
Perhaps the best way to regard Acer's growing range of Android "all-in-ones" is not as PC replacements, or even as giant tablets, but rather as touch-sensitive monitors that have the added benefit of being able to run their own OS. That certainly applies to the latest model, the TA272 HUL, whose 27-inch, 2,560 x 1,440, 10-point touch panel makes it particularly well equipped as a monitor for a Windows 8 PC. Alternatively, an "NVIDIA Tegra quad-core processor," which we suspect might be an old Tegra 3, will allow the unit to run basic tasks and media playback in Jelly Bean even when the source PC is switched off. The TA272 HUL comes with 16GB of onboard storage, a USB 3.0 port, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs and a 2-megapixel webcam, all for an RRP of $1,099. For reference, that's at least $100 more expensive than a similarly specced Acer monitor without Android (the T272 HUL), so you'd need to be pretty certain that you'll put that built-in OS to good use.
LG's 21.5-inch Chromebase all-in-one puts ChromeOS on the desktop
Besides Samsung's Chromebox series ChromeOS has appeared mostly on laptops, but now LG will put its new Chromebase up against Apple's iMac and Windows-based all-in-one desktop PCs. According to the spec sheet, that 21.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD hides an Intel Celeron CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD inside, along with an assortment of ports (including HDMI-in so you can use it as a monitor) in the back and on the sides. It won't compete with high-end PCs on horsepower or internal storage, but it's ready to play a part in Google's vision of network computers that run mostly web-based apps, are hassle free and require no real maintenance. We're not expecting to get Steam loaded on here, but when we're playing IT for relatives over the holiday something like this may seem like a better option. Without a pricetag it's hard to judge properly, so we'll look for that and more information -- including other devices that might use some of the Chrome-related trademarks that leaked in October --next month at CES.
Acer's 21.5-inch Aspire Z3-600 all-in-one can move from room to room, costs $779
It may seem as if Acer is all about Chromebooks these days, at least judging by its most recent announcements. Today, however, the company is putting the focus back on Microsoft's operating system, with the introduction of its new (and somewhat unorthodox) Aspire Z3-600. This Windows 8 machine is a 21.5-inch all-in-one that quickly stands out, namely thanks to its rather flexible and portable build. Aside from being able to quickly switch positions, the Aspire Z3-600 features a 1080p display alongside two Harman Kardon speakers, USB.3.0, HDMI (with MHL support) and, more importantly, a built-in battery capable of lasting up to a little more than 2.5 hours. Under the hood you'll find Intel's Pentium J2850 quad-core processor and HD Graphics, plus 4GB of RAM and a 750GB hard drive -- it's worth noting this model can't be customized, so what you have here is what you'll get. Speaking of which, Acer is pricing the Z3-600 at $779, with availability expected to begin later this month.
ASUS ET2321 Haswell all-in-one flashes slim design, optional NVIDIA graphics
ASUS AiO PCs have run the gamut from pretty versatile, like the dual-boot Transformer AiO, to pretty functional like the articulating ET2300. But pretty, period? Perhaps not so much. That is not until a video of the above ET2321 popped up on the company's official YouTube channel. The short marketing clip emphasizes the slim styling as much as the 4th-generation Intel CPU and optional NVIDIA 740M or Iris graphics. The rest of the specs include a 23-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS screen with a 178-degree viewing angle, Windows 8, SonicMaster audio tech with built-in speakers and 802.11ac WiFi. There's no sign of it yet on ASUS's site, but we'll have to assume the design tweaks are a direct response to the (visually) striking competition it faces in the all-in-one space.
Lenovo intros four IdeaCentre all-in-ones, including a super-wide 29-inch model
Lenovo is known for all-in-one PCs that stand out, and that's certainly true of a new four-model update to the company's IdeaCentre line. The headlining B750 is reportedly the first PC to include a 29-inch, 21:9 aspect ratio display; its 2,560 x 1,080 panel is potentially ideal for both movie aficionados and multitaskers. Lenovo appropriately equips the B750 with a 2.1-channel JBL audio system, and gamers may like the combination of Haswell-based processors with standard GeForce GTX 760A graphics. The system ships in October with a $1,199 base price. Don't need an extra-wide screen? Don't worry -- Lenovo's other three introductions may catch your eye. The A530, B350 and B550 improve on their predecessors with both Haswell chips and options for 1TB hybrid hard drives that combine speed with capacity. These smaller IdeaCentres should arrive alongside the B750 in October, with prices ranging from $799 for the 21.5-inch B350 to $1,199 for the 23-inch B550.
iFixit tears down Apple's Haswell-based iMacs, finds room for extra storage
As is its custom, iFixit has torn down the new Haswell-based iMacs to gauge their repairability -- and the company has found a few surprises despite the iterative design. In addition to new processors, graphics and WiFi, the updated all-in-ones now have unoccupied PCI Express slots in their base configurations. DIY enthusiasts willing to pry open their systems can add PCIe-based SSD if they like, iFixit says. Not every change is good news, however. The 21.5-inch iMac's processor is now soldered to the motherboard; while earlier models weren't all that upgradable, the move prevents even determined hobbyists from using their own CPUs. Whether or not you plan to tinker with Apple's desktops, you'll find quite a lot to explore at the source links.
Hands-on with HP's Recline 27 all-in-one, whose touchscreen sits close to your lap
We admittedly didn't initially get the point of HP's new "Recline" family of all-in-ones. Sure, we understood the concept well enough; these machines use a patent-pending hinge allowing the touchscreen to hang off the table, close to your lap. But we couldn't understand why HP would opt for such a funky design, other than the fact that its research team concluded a good deal of people would prefer to use their desktops this way. (We're skeptical of marketing departments, can't you tell?) It turns out, a lap-screen is the sort of feature you really do want, even if you don't know it yet. Setting aside that onscreen piano example in the above photo -- now that's a gimmick -- we found we had a much easier time interacting with IE and Maps app than we would have if the screen were upright. In part, that's because having the 1080p display sitting lower and at that particular angle makes it easier to type on the onscreen keyboard, which in turn takes the pain out of entering URLs and search terms. Also, though, the lower the screen is, the more you're likely to interact with it like a tablet -- a very big tablet, but a tablet nonetheless. That means you might even find yourself using two hands at once, as opposed to reaching up occasionally to swipe with your finger. Our only gripe? There's no physical Start button, so you'll have to either swipe the Charms bar or pause to hit the shortcut on your keyboard. Not a big deal, but it does mean the tablet experience might not feel as seamless as what you'd expect from a proper slate. If we've convinced you to take a closer look, the Recline 23 and 27 are both available today, though if you'd rather have it with a red hinge (and even more Beats branding than usual) you'll have to wait until November.
Hands-on with Acer's DA241HL 24-inch all-in-one running Android
Granted, tablets are getting up there in size, but even after a couple of Android all-in-ones (including, in fact, one from Acer early this year), we're still not fully used to playing Angry Birds on a glossy 24-inch display. We're sure we'll get a better handle on it, but these things take time. For those who want their Android games and apps in full, giant HD, there's the DA241HL. We've got to admit, while it's still an odd space, Acer's doubling down here, with a pretty nicely designed all-in-one that looks a bit better than the current DA220HQL. Along the bottom, you'll find one long speaker grille with four buttons: input, monitor settings, volume up and down and power. Flip the device around to find the hinged stand and a removable panel that hides three USB ports, an SD slot, a headphone jack, HDMI and micro-USB sockets. The USB, in particular, will come in handy when you want to connect up a keyboard and mouse, and you'll be using the HDMI and micro-USB should you decide to connect a phone or PC to use it as a secondary display.
MSI AG2712A 27-inch gaming all-in-one hitting Europe this month
MSI showed off its Wind Top AG2712 back in March, and, being the 27-inch gaming all-in-one that it is, the thing was hard to miss. The company's European wing is getting ready to launch the system this month, albeit with a slightly different name and some newish specs. The 27-incher is now called the AG2712A, sporting AMD Radeon HD9870M graphics, true to its gaming classification. There's still a Core i7 Ivy Bridge processor on-board -- the quad-core 3630QM -- plus two optimized SSDs and, the company is happy to report, "a brand new designed bezel." Because without a fancy new bezel, what's it all worth, really?
Acer's 23-inch Z3-605 all-in-one ships to the US, starting at $700
Want a straightforward Windows 8 all-in-one that won't cost a pretty penny? Acer has you covered with the launch of its Z3-605 Series in the US. The 23-inch desktop isn't a performance champ when it carries up to a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and a DVD burner. Don't dismiss it out of hand, however -- the 1080p IPS-based LCD should deliver a good-looking picture, and a touchscreen variant supports air gestures. If there's enough here to leave you intrigued, you can pick up the Z3-605 today for a modest $700 in base trim, or with touch for $800.
LG launches TV set and all-in-one PC with 29-inch 21:9 ultra-widescreen
Remember LG's EA93, that eye-catching 29-inch 21:9 "ultrawidescreen" monitor we played with at IFA last year? Well, it's just spawned a couple offspring. Today in Korea, the company launched a TV set and an all-in-one PC which use the same 29-inch IPS panel with the same 21:9 aspect ratio, 2,560 x 1,080-pixel (WQHD) resolution and 178-degree viewing angles. LG's new all-in-one PC boasts a standalone TV tuner with instant-on (no booting required) and simultaneous PC and TV operation (PiP and several split screen modes). Details are few, but we know it features an Intel Core i5 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GT640M GPU (3D capable) and HDMI / MHL inputs (to use the display as a monitor). The PC comes pre-loaded with an instant messaging app (and matching mobile version) which lets users watch television while chatting. The TV set supports PiP and split screen, including a 16:9 plus 5:9 mode (HD broadcast plus connected smartphone), and offers a comprehensive set of inputs (DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI and MHL). Pricing is 1.49 to 2.29 million won ($1,315 to $2,021) for the PC (based on configuration) and 690,000 won ($609) for the TV.
ASUS' ET2702 all-in-one is its first with a 2,560 x 1,440 screen
Even if you just skim our Computex coverage, you'll quickly see there's a theme tying it all together: displays. Super-high-resolution displays. It's true of every company we've seen, really, but moving beyond 1080p seems especially important to ASUS. So far, the firm has shown off a pair of 4K displays, along with its first 2,560 x 1,600 tablet. Now, it's unveiling its first all-in-one desktop with QHD resolution. That would be the ET2702, which comes standard with a 27-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 IPS screen. Though we admittedly only spent a few moments with it, we noticed the colors held up even under the glare of the harsh lighting in Taipei's Nangang Exhibition Center. We were also taken with the design, which includes an edge-to-edge glass display layered over a long speaker grille. There are some other modern touches, too, like white LED lights, a matte aluminum pedestal and a metal mouse to match. Speaking of that mouse, it's one of the nicer ones we've seen tossed in with an all-in-one: aside from the quality build materials, it has a touch strip providing haptic feedback. The included keyboard is well-spaced and easy to type on as well. In the US, at least, there will be just one configuration to start, with key specs including: a Core i7-4770 processor, a 2GB AMD Radeon HD 8890A GPU, 16GB of RAM, a 2TB hard drive, 802.11ac and a Blu-ray drive. It'll arrive in either late July or early August, we're told, with a price around $2,000, if not slightly less. For a closer look, we've got hands-on photos below and a short walkthrough video after the break.%Gallery-190242%
CNET: Acer will release a $400 Android AiO PC running Intel's Haswell CPU (update: nope)
Acer will soon release an Intel Haswell 3GHz, Core-i5-powered all-in-one that cuts Windows out of the PC picture altogether by running Android, according to an un-sourced rumor from CNET. The PC maker has already dipped its toes into the Android AiO waters with the 21.5-inch ARM-powered Smart Display DA220HQL (shown above), but if the rumor pans out, it would mark the first Intel powered AiO we've seen from anyone packing Google's mobile OS. The lack of a license fee to Microsoft means the unit would cost around $400, and thanks to Android's lower hardware needs, would come with a mere 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM at a minimum. If true -- and that's a huge "if" -- it makes some sense considering Acer's desire to avoid Microsoft's Windows RT OS at all costs, but we're not sure how an Android-based tablet with pricier Intel underpinnings would go down with the public. Update: It turns out CNET were mistaken because of wonky retailer listings and there's no new Intel-powered AiO from Acer. Retailer confusion between the Texas Instruments 4430 and Intel Haswell 4430 caused the error, and it's simply the Acer DA220HQL we reported on back in February, which is now available from retailers at $400 and up. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
ASUS Transformer AiO goes on sale in the US, unites desktop and tablet for $1,299
ASUS' distinctive Transformer AiO has been a long time in coming, having first reached our paws last June. For Americans, it's at last more than just a fantastical idea: Amazon, J&R, Rakuten and other US-friendly online retailers now list the oddest of odd PCs as on sale, and usually in stock. For a typical $1,299, more adventurous buyers get a Windows 8 base desktop with a 3.1GHz Core i5, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, a DVD drive and a GeForce GT 730M. The real fun, of course, rests in its display. Remove that 18.4-inch LCD from its dock and it suddenly becomes a gigantic Tegra 3-based Android tablet running Jelly Bean. We're not sure if we'll ever completely wrap our heads around the concept, but those who understand ASUS' expanded definition of an all-in-one can shop at the source links.
Medion Akoya P2004 gives the UK an understated 24-inch all-in-one for £500
Medion isn't the best-known PC badge outside of Europe, but it does have an occasional eye for sleek design. We'd say the Lenovo-backed company's new Akoya P2004 offers that kind of style UK crowd. The all-in-one fits a 23.6-inch, 1080p display into a minimalist design that's oddly charming for what's ultimately a budget machine. No one would call the P2004 feature-loaded when it's carrying a dual-core 3.2GHz Core i3, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and a DVD burner, but the price is right at a frugal £500 ($770). The catch? If you like what's on offer, you're going to have to swing by ASDA, which has the UK exclusive. Still, we wouldn't object too much to picking up a fairly tasteful Windows 8 PC alongside the groceries.
