Laptops are popular with students, but when it comes to dorm rooms and other cramped student accommodations, all-in-one computers like the Apple (AAPL) iMac are well worth considering as an alternative.
With an all-in-one PC, you get a much bigger display than with any laptop, the processor is likely to be more powerful, and these computers are designed to fit in very compact quarters — despite their larger overall size.
The real advantage all-in-one computers offer students is their multipurpose capabilities. Case in point, by combining that big, high-resolution display with a Netflix (NFLX) app, the computer replaces a TV. Plus, most of these systems offer stereo speakers, so the PC becomes the sound system, too.
Some even offer graphic card upgrades, making them decent PC gaming machines, which means students don’t need a video game console.
In short, this single device can serve as a powerful PC and space-saving entertainment hub, a combination that’s perfect for students.
We’ve put together a list of five of the best all-in-one computer choices, as students get ready to head back to school.
5 Best All-in-One Computers: Apple 21.5-inch iMac
You can’t put together a list of all-in-one computers and not start off with an Apple iMac. After all, this is the PC that practically defines the segment.
And, while Macs have a reputation for being a little on the pricey side, the 21.5-inch iMac starts at just $1,099, making it an affordable choice.
Of course, you can customize it and end up with a much higher price tag, but even the base model comes with an Intel (INTC) Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and Apple’s wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse.
5 Best All-in-One Computers: 27-inch HP ENVY Recline
The iMac may get the lion’s share of the attention, but there are plenty of Windows options if you want an all-in-one-PC.
Hewlett-Packard’s (HPQ) HP ENVY Recline 27-inch all-in-one-PC is a showcase of what Windows can do on a machine like this.
The full-HD 27-inch display isn’t just great for watching movies, it’s fully touch-enabled so you can use it with Windows’ touch gestures. Plus, the hinged stand lets you adjust the PC to a near-horizontal position to make the most of that touch capability.
Its cred as a multimedia hub is bolstered by premium Beats Audio sound pushed through integrated stereo speakers.
Power is provided by a Core i5 CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 1TB hybrid drive that offers SSD-like speeds for system functions. This machine is a candidate for best all-in-one computer for gamers, since it also boasts a dedicated video card for better graphics performance.
5 Best All-in-One Computers: Samsung ATIV One 7 Curved
Samsung (SSNLF) may be best known as the Android smartphone King, but the company also makes PCs, and it offers a premium all-in-on PC that’s aimed squarely at Apple’s iMac.
In terms of specs, the $1,199 ATIV One Curved is a very capable computer, with a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive and full-HD webcam (which students can use to Skype their parents and ask for more money). It even has a built-in amp powering 10-watt speakers for Dolby certified sound.
It’s equipped with a premium metallic “deco” frame and stand, but where Samsung really tries to surpass the iMac is with the display.
The 27-inch full-HD panel is curved (with curved screens being something of a thing with Samsung these days) making this all-in-one PC a match for some of the more pricey new TVs when it comes to an immersive viewing experience.
5 Best All-in-One Computers: Dell Inspiron 20 AiO PC
This Dell all-in-one PC proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for a computer that does double-duty as a dorm room entertainment hub.
The $499 computer also has a trick up its sleeve that few other all-in-one-computers can match.
The Inspiron 20 i3043 isn’t going to win any spec wars, especially with its older Intel Pentium CPU. And, the plain black kickstand doesn’t have quite the same visual appeal as the iMac’s aluminum stand.
However, this Dell packs a 19.5-inch HD+ multi-touch display and a built-in battery. That means the display looks pretty good when watching video, but more importantly, you can pick this all-in-one PC up and use it like a super-sized Windows tablet.
Students could even take it to class, if they were so inclined. Take that, iPad Pro!
5 Best All-in-One Computers: iMac with Retina 5K Display
From the “go big or go home” school of design, Apple’s iMac with Retina 5K Display rules the roost when it comes to premium all-in-one PCs.
Even the $1,999 base model packs a computing punch with a 3.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU and offers plenty of storage with a 1TB drive. No integrated graphics here, with a 2GB AMD (AMD) Radeon R9 video card offered as the default choice.
Of course, you get the aluminum treatment and super thin profile as well.
But, what really sets this computer apart is the 27-inch, 5K display. That’s 14.7 million pixels, or higher resolution than a 4K Ultra HD TV.
No matter how you measure it — processing power, pixels, gaming capability, or looks — the iMac with Retina 5K Display is probably the best all-in-one computer you can buy (at least as long as you have deep pockets and don’t care about native Windows support).
As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
