What Is An All-In-One Computer?

Date First Published: 15th December 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Easy

Difficulty Level: 3/10

CONTENTS

Advantages and Disadvantages Of All-In-One Computers
History

Learn about what an all-in-one computer is in this article.

An all-in-one computer is a type of computer that integrates the internal components of the system into the same case as the monitor, taking up less room than desktop computers with a tower case. These computers seem to be more efficient, space-saving, and intuitive for users, but struggle to compete against laptop computers and have not seen great sustained demand.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of All-In-One Computers

The advantages of all-in-one computers are:

They are easy to set up and start using. The components, including the internal components and monitor, are integrated into one case, making it easier to set up than desktop computers with a tower case, and requiring fewer cables. This allows users to make a single purchase and set them up without needing to buy anything else.
They take up less room, reducing physical footprint and clutter. This eliminates the need to find room for both the monitor and tower case.
They are easier to move around. Although laptops are more portable than all-in-one computers, the integrated components make them easier to move between different rooms and transport from one place to another.
They can come with touchscreens. All-in-one computers often use the latest technology, including responsive touch options and high-quality colour displays.

The disadvantages of all-in-one computers are:

They are usually more expensive than desktop computers with a tower case because they are more complex to design and manufacture.
They lack flexibility. An all-in-one computer means that users can only use what they get. They cannot mix in a monitor from a different manufacturer and the monitor cannot be separated. This makes them similar to laptops, except that they are larger and designed to be stationary on a desk.
Repairs and upgrades are harder. Because the monitor and internal components are combined into one case, it is harder to repair or upgrade the components. Most of the internal hardware, such as the RAM and the SSD is soldered onto the system board.
They are usually less powerful. The processors in all-in-one computers are usually less powerful and slower than traditional desktop computers, making them less suitable for intensive tasks, such as video rendering or virtual reality.
The design of all-in-one computers makes them more vulnerable to overheating. It forces all the components to be close together with minimal airflow. Having more powerful processors and graphics cards increases the risks of overheating, which leads to inefficiencies.

History

All-in-one computers date back to the 1980s. This form factor was common during the early 1980s for PCs intended for professional use, such as the Commodore PET, the Osborne 1, the TRS-80 Model II, and the Datapoint 2200. Most manufacturers of home computers such as Commodore and Atari included the motherboard into the same enclosure as the keyboard. These systems were most often connected to a television set for display.

The Apple iMac, which was introduced in 1998, was the first popular all-in-one computer. Other technology companies, including Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Microsoft also built early all-in-one computers.