All-in-one PCs provide almost everything your average consumer might need in a single package, giving up the need for a standalone desktop in favor of a monitor-endowed piece of PC hardware. They come in a parade of styles, giving everything from 1080p touchscreens and 5K resolution to vast sound and high-end Intel Core processors, each of which typically comes bundled with a keyboard and mouse.
Most aim the premium market with a sleek, streamlined design, yet latest market offerings continue to push the limits of a what a budget-based PC is capable of. Consumers pay for this design and convenience with performance, and while the best all-in-ones don't pack the processors or video cards some aficionado demand, they're valuable enough for most everyday tasks.
Microsoft Surface Studio: ($3,000+)
Microsoft may be the new kid the all-in-one market, however, that hasn't stopped the Redmond giant from making a sensation with the high-end Surface Studio. It's arguably massive and stunning 28-inch PixelSense display boasts vast 4,500 x 3,000 resolution, and is objectively and subjectively one of the best displays we've ever seen while claiming the top spot among touchscreens. You'll be able to find your choice of sixth generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 CPUs inside, plus either the GTX 965M or GTX 980M. We didn't find the hybrid drive inside, however, it's still better than a pure HDD, and it's the only variant, so you're stuck with it. A Price tag starting at $3,000, the Studio is aimed at designers, graphic artists, and animators, but will draw the eye of everyone who walks by.
Apple iMac with 4K Retina display ($1.800+)
Surely, the 5K iMac is seductive, but what if you don't need or have room for a 27-inch display? The iMac with 4K Retina display, which features similar specs as the 5K alternative but at a lower cost.
Clearly, you won't be able to get discrete graphics or the 3.2GHz Intel Core-i5, but surely fewer pixels makes up for the performance difference. In addition, the 4K iMac's Iris Pro graphics aren't the Intel HD graphics you remember.
They're extensively more capable and come wrapped in an exquisitely compact form factor with also with a crisp P3 display. For the cash, what more could you really ask for from an Apple computer?
Dell XPS 27 Touch ($1,200+)
The XPS 27 Touch is in the midst of the Windows-based AiO we've ever set eyes on. The plastic backside might feel a bit tacky compared to most premium machines, but the with the 2,560 x 1,440 touchscreen glims with detail and reclines to great accommodate tapping and swiping on a 27-inch screen. The computer also showcases vast audio with a subtle full of bass. Comes with a massive Core i7-4770S CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 2TB hard drive for an increase in productivity tasks.
