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All-in-one Computer - Any Recommendations?
Stig
Posts: 30,056
My iMac has developed a screen fault. I'm soldiering on with it for the moment, but I think it's probably only minutes away from the point where I crack and throw it out the window. Having had a succession of iMacs I've always been annoyed with the way their software updates seem to be the cause of product redundancy. If I can no longer rely on the hardware, I see no reason to stay with them. I've known all along that their business model has been based on style over substance, but the thing that's kept me coming back before is that my workspace is the dining room table and there's no room for a separate tower and there has been precious little competition in the all-in-one market.
Now though, there seem to be a few companies offering these. I wondered if any of the good folks of Charlton Life had any experience of other all-in-ones (or perhaps laptops with external screens)? Especially if there are any particular recommendations or ones to avoid.
The main use for my computer is processing my wildlife photos, and I often bulk upload in the thousands. So, whatever I have would have would need to have the speed, working memory and graphics capability to do that.
Thanks in advance!
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Get a mac mini and a decent external monitor? probably cheaper then an iMac?5
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I can't recommend a new machine. (A while ago I'd have said a Dell but my last Dell XPS laptop was a big mistake - very poor connectivity, poor battery life and you can fry eggs on it when used for gaming.)
But - how old is your iMac? If it is an older machine with an Intel processor you might be able to convert it to run on Linux Mint. That would at least give you a back-up machine once you've got your sparkly new one up and running.1 -
Get a Mac Mini and, if it’s repairable, keep the iMac and convert it to a monitor.
https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/use-imac-as-monitor
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If you're a mac user, +1 for a mac mini, they are brilliant.
I use a Macbook Pro plugged into a 32" external monitor 99% of the time but we have got a mac mini in the house doing other stuff and its fab for the price.2 -
I would thoroughly recommend a Lenovo IdeaCentre.
https://amzn.eu/d/0bInut0Q
I have a version of this, which I use daily for video creation, image editing and - main use - recording music.
If you want to move away from macOS - and some posters make persuasive arguments why you shouldn't - this would be a very good solution to what you need.
I have mine paired with its wireless keyboard and mouse. So, despite it having a huge screen, it takes up very, very little room on my desk.1 -
Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.0
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I'll admit to being an Apple fanboy (the shame!) so for an all in one I would only ever consider an iMac. I've just replaced my old (2014) iMac with a new one and it's great. The old one was still working well but some software support for intel chip based machines was stopping - specifically Microsoft OneDrive which ceased working last month.As recommended above, a mac mini plus a decent monitor would also do the trick.1
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You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)2 -
I've never used Macs, I always go for Windows on Dell laptops (same as at work), but I have a 34" external monitor at home and I don't think I would go back to anything smaller; at work we get 49" ultra wide screens and I am now beginning to think my home monitor is small 😊
I don't do graphics intensive work for my job, but as a hobby I have done some video editing and having a larger monitor (or not so large now compared with the work one) was great.1 -
Planned obsolescence is all part of the Apple strategy i'm afraid.
Whereas you can install Microsoft Office 97 on a machine running Windows 11.1 -
Sponsored links:
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NorthStandUltra said:
You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)Likewise, although I'm happy being in the clutches of Apple. My whole digital landscape is Apple - iMac, iPhone, Apple watch, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, Apple TV 4K.Yes, I have a problem! But everything integrates so well and even though for work it was always Windows, the Apple OS is, in my opinion, far superior in user friendliness, security, and robustness. It's probably irrational fear as well that would stop me from reverting to Windows/Android. Better the devil you know!3 -
Get a wipe clean screen7
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I saw your name as last comment and I knew something was coming...DaveMehmet said:Get a wipe clean screen8 -
cafcnick1992 said:Planned obsolescence is all part of the Apple strategy i'm afraid.
Whereas you can install Microsoft Office 97 on a machine running Windows 11.Yes you could install MS Office 97 on Windows 11 but I'm not sure why anyone would! There would be minimal functionality and Office 97 ceased to be supported by MS in 2004! My old iMac runs OS 11 Big Sur that ceased to be supported in 2023 (although a security update was pushed out last year - so it was running a system that was fully supported for 9 years. It still works well for pretty much everything, just the support from Microsoft for Mac ceased.Apple and Microsoft both have obsolescence but that's about the warp speed that hardware and software develops rather than forcing replacements through built in obsolescence.0 -
yeah… @DaveMehmet is always coming it seems.Stig said:
I saw your name as last comment and I knew something was coming...DaveMehmet said:Get a wipe clean screen2 -
… Has anyone invented the tear off strips for computer screens like the F1 drivers have on their visors? 🤔DaveMehmet said:Get a wipe clean screen3 -
I've also got a Dell XPS. What a piece of crap it is!cafcfan said:I can't recommend a new machine. (A while ago I'd have said a Dell but my last Dell XPS laptop was a big mistake - very poor connectivity, poor battery life and you can fry eggs on it when used for gaming.)
But - how old is your iMac? If it is an older machine with an Intel processor you might be able to convert it to run on Linux Mint. That would at least give you a back-up machine once you've got your sparkly new one up and running.
I got a new PC from a company called Chillblast. I need quite a powerful machine for simulations & rendering and it's brilliant. Not sure if they make all in one systems though.2 -
Macbook Pro M4, completely portable also if you need to be and as powerful as anything else, can then plug into a monitor if you need to but the bigger screen version is enough really.0
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I actually use a PC I built in 2012 everyday. 14 years of excellent servicebobmunro said:cafcnick1992 said:Planned obsolescence is all part of the Apple strategy i'm afraid.
Whereas you can install Microsoft Office 97 on a machine running Windows 11.Yes you could install MS Office 97 on Windows 11 but I'm not sure why anyone would! There would be minimal functionality and Office 97 ceased to be supported by MS in 2004! My old iMac runs OS 11 Big Sur that ceased to be supported in 2023 (although a security update was pushed out last year - so it was running a system that was fully supported for 9 years. It still works well for pretty much everything, just the support from Microsoft for Mac ceased.Apple and Microsoft both have obsolescence but that's about the warp speed that hardware and software develops rather than forcing replacements through built in obsolescence.0 -
cafcnick1992 said:
I actually use a PC I built in 2012 everyday. 14 years of excellent servicebobmunro said:cafcnick1992 said:Planned obsolescence is all part of the Apple strategy i'm afraid.
Whereas you can install Microsoft Office 97 on a machine running Windows 11.Yes you could install MS Office 97 on Windows 11 but I'm not sure why anyone would! There would be minimal functionality and Office 97 ceased to be supported by MS in 2004! My old iMac runs OS 11 Big Sur that ceased to be supported in 2023 (although a security update was pushed out last year - so it was running a system that was fully supported for 9 years. It still works well for pretty much everything, just the support from Microsoft for Mac ceased.Apple and Microsoft both have obsolescence but that's about the warp speed that hardware and software develops rather than forcing replacements through built in obsolescence.
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Sponsored links:
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I would suggest the Lenovo all in one or hp all in one https://www.hp.com/gb-en/shop/products/desktops/hp-omnistudio-x-all-in-one-27-cs0000na-pc-a9dl9ea-abu
all though personally would go with laptop, wireless keyboard/mouse and monitor but would again recommend Lenovo and HP1 -
Beat me to it. Video editing my arse.DaveMehmet said:Get a wipe clean screen
More like a decent upload of some Frankie Vaughan0 -
What’s Apple News like?bobmunro said:NorthStandUltra said:
You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)Likewise, although I'm happy being in the clutches of Apple. My whole digital landscape is Apple - iMac, iPhone, Apple watch, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, Apple TV 4K.Yes, I have a problem! But everything integrates so well and even though for work it was always Windows, the Apple OS is, in my opinion, far superior in user friendliness, security, and robustness. It's probably irrational fear as well that would stop me from reverting to Windows/Android. Better the devil you know!0 -
Rotten to the coreNorthStandUltra said:
What’s Apple News like?bobmunro said:NorthStandUltra said:
You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)Likewise, although I'm happy being in the clutches of Apple. My whole digital landscape is Apple - iMac, iPhone, Apple watch, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, Apple TV 4K.Yes, I have a problem! But everything integrates so well and even though for work it was always Windows, the Apple OS is, in my opinion, far superior in user friendliness, security, and robustness. It's probably irrational fear as well that would stop me from reverting to Windows/Android. Better the devil you know!5 -
It gives me the pip.ForeverAddickted said:
Rotten to the coreNorthStandUltra said:
What’s Apple News like?bobmunro said:NorthStandUltra said:
You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)Likewise, although I'm happy being in the clutches of Apple. My whole digital landscape is Apple - iMac, iPhone, Apple watch, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, Apple TV 4K.Yes, I have a problem! But everything integrates so well and even though for work it was always Windows, the Apple OS is, in my opinion, far superior in user friendliness, security, and robustness. It's probably irrational fear as well that would stop me from reverting to Windows/Android. Better the devil you know!1 -
NorthStandUltra said:
What’s Apple News like?bobmunro said:NorthStandUltra said:
You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)Likewise, although I'm happy being in the clutches of Apple. My whole digital landscape is Apple - iMac, iPhone, Apple watch, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, Apple TV 4K.Yes, I have a problem! But everything integrates so well and even though for work it was always Windows, the Apple OS is, in my opinion, far superior in user friendliness, security, and robustness. It's probably irrational fear as well that would stop me from reverting to Windows/Android. Better the devil you know!
Pretty good - huge magazine library but the newspapers are curated rather than mimicking the full printed version or a standalone individual newspaper subscription. It might just be worth the £12.99 per month standalone subscription if you have a lot of interests but I bundle it with Apple One Premier - it costs £37 per month but you get Apple Music, Apple TV+, News+, Fitness+, Apple Arcade and 2Tb of Cloud storage. I think that's a pretty good package. It also allows family sharing up to five other people.1 -
I worry you'll be more disappointed in the longevity of a windows machine. I must have had 7 windows laptops in my life and they all died. I then got a Macbook through work and it lasted 12+ years, and it's still going to do this day (although I have since upgraded). I don't really like iOs but I just can't argue with the build quality of Apple products.4
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My main rig is an Alienware M17 rx3 from 2013. It's not running Windows though, which is one of the reasons it's still going strong - it's not the hardware that does, it's the planned obsolescence built into the o/s. Apple are even worse for that than Microsoft though.Chunes said:I worry you'll be more disappointed in the longevity of a windows machine. I must have had 7 windows laptops in my life and they all died. I then got a Macbook through work and it lasted 12+ years, and it's still going to do this day (although I have since upgraded). I don't really like iOs but I just can't argue with the build quality of Apple products.1 -
Stig said:
I gives me the pip.ForeverAddickted said:
Rotten to the coreNorthStandUltra said:
What’s Apple News like?bobmunro said:NorthStandUltra said:
You’ll never leave the clutches of Apple, sorry to say another vote for Mac Mini here!Stig said:Thanks very much for the advice all. It is appreciated, but a key point is that I am trying to escape the clutches of Apple. Plus, the problem with my current iMac is the screen itself - horizontal lines across the bottom, which is apparently a common fault, so there's no question of me using it as a second monitor no matter how useful a second screen would be.I keep wanting to leave iPhone but I can’t, I’m an addict(k)Likewise, although I'm happy being in the clutches of Apple. My whole digital landscape is Apple - iMac, iPhone, Apple watch, iPad, MacBook Air, Apple Music, Apple News, Apple TV, Apple TV 4K.Yes, I have a problem! But everything integrates so well and even though for work it was always Windows, the Apple OS is, in my opinion, far superior in user friendliness, security, and robustness. It's probably irrational fear as well that would stop me from reverting to Windows/Android. Better the devil you know!
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I first used an Apple Macintosh computer in 1986 and later worked for an Apple dealer in technical support.
Since then I have mainly used Apple products but did buy two PC laptops which both developed hardware faults shortly after going out of warranty. I've worked with PCs with some companies but used Mac Minis and Macbooks at home for many years. Worth noting that Apple does system upgrades for free.
Typing this on a used Macbook bought from CeX. Came with a 5 year warranty. Worth having a look at their website.2
