All-in-One Computers

Sleek and sophisticated desktops

Popularized by the Apple iMac (which is fully covered in our report on Apple laptops and desktops), all-in-one computers combine the computer and monitor to create a one-piece design that's a better fit than a traditional desktop computer in virtually any space. The trade-off for the compact design is that all-in-ones cost more than traditional desktops with the same computing prowess -- even when you take the cost of the display into consideration -- and that expansion and upgrade possibilities are greatly limited.

The all-in-one category includes powerful performers that are expensive. The most basic iMac all-in-one starts at $1,200 (it's covered in our separate report). You'll also find anemically powered nettops that aren't nearly as costly, but they don't have the ability to tackle more than the most rudimentary of computing tasks. In between those extremes you'll find a selection of all-in-ones that provide decent power at a reasonable price.

We saw some terrific recommendations for the HP TouchSmart 600 (*Est. $1,000). The base version of the TouchSmart 600 includes an Intel T6500 Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory, a 500 GB hard drive, integrated Nvidia GeForce G200 graphics, multi-format DVD burner, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 6-in-1 memory card reader, and a 23-inch touch-screen enabled full HD (1080p) LCD display. The HP TouchSmart 600 earns Editors' Choice awards from ComputerShopper.com, PCMag.com and CNET, however, all review it in more expensive configurations (*Est. $1,600) that include a built-in TV tuner, personal video recorder and Blu-ray drive. That configuration is discussed more fully in our report on gaming desktops.

HP also offers the step-down TouchSmart 300 (*Est. $800 and up), which earns an Editors' Choice award at DigitalTrends.com but more tepid recommendations at PCMag.com and CNET. The base configuration is far less impressive than the TouchSmart 600, including a less powerful AMD processor, less memory (2 GB), a smaller hard drive (320 GB), ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics, no Bluetooth, a lower-resolution (720p) and smaller 20-inch display.

Despite those limitations, Joel Santo Domingo at PCMag.com says the TouchSmart 300 is a good choice as the primary PC where space is a challenge, such as a dorm room or small apartment, or as a secondary computer. Though more capable machines are certainly available, he adds that it "has the power to do most of the multimedia tasks that a digital camera or camcorder enthusiast would do, plus it can become the social center for your family."

One of the key features of the TouchSmart 300 (and the TouchSmart 600) is HP's TouchSmart software, the interface for the computer's touch-sensitive screen. Santo Domingo says the TouchSmart 300 is a great size for use on a kitchen counter, an application that's enhanced by a Recipe Box program that can capture recipes from websites and provide you with audio instructions as you cook. CNET's Rich Brown says that the Recipe Box software is his favorite feature and adds that "technology-minded chefs will likely come to rely on it." However, while he likes the TouchSmart 300 for kitchen use, he doesn't recommend it for other settings.

Instead, Brown prefers the Gateway One ZX4800-02 (*Est. $720), which costs less but provides "the same combination of 20-inch screen, DVD drive, and touch screen." The computer features an Intel T4300 dual-core Pentium processor, 4 GB of memory, a 750 GB hard drive and a 20-inch touch-capable LCD display. The Gateway One ZX4800-03 (*Est. $720) is similar, but downgrades the hard drive to 320 GB and the memory to 3 GB.

The Gateway ZX4800-02 is generally well regarded, but experts say you can get more computing power for the dollar in a traditional desktop computer. Still, Brown notes that the design is attractive, there's power to spare for most typical computing tasks, and power consumption is low. As a result, he concludes that "there's enough to like about this system that we can recommend it as an everyday PC."

The major drawback to the Gateway ZX4800-02 -- compared to the HP TouchSmart computers above -- is that the touch screen isn't all that useful. Konrad Krawczyk at ComputerShopper.com complains that the few Gateway touch applications, including TouchMedia Share and TouchMemo are counterintuitive and/or impractical to use. However, most of the touch software provided comes from Microsoft and there's full support for Windows 7's touch capabilities. In the end, Brown says that Gateway's touch software doesn't hurt day-to-day use, but it doesn't add anything, either.