# Getting an all in one computer **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Tags:** computer-hardware\ **Created:** [September 29, 2026, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468 "2026-09-29T19:04:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/1 "2026-09-29T19:04:54Z")
I’m going to get a new computer in a couple of weeks. For a couple of reasons I’d like an all in one. Other than the usual internet stuff I’m mainly going to use it for world building for the novel I’m working on (first draft complete!) and the TTRPGs I run. (Maybe I’ll start a thread on world building apps. A lot of YouTubers I follow push world anvil) Anyway, I’m thinking of the HP Omnistudio 27. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance! (I’m not on these boards a lot these days, so it might tale me a bit to get back to you, but I will read and reply.) ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/2 "2026-09-29T19:23:14Z")
I’ll give you the same thoughts I give anyone considering an All-in-One computer. Why? They combine the worst traits of desktops and laptops while having zero portability. Get a laptop instead, and throw in an external monitor for when you work at home. At least you can take the laptop with you if you desire a change of scenery while writing. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/3 "2026-09-29T19:32:19Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > Get a laptop instead, and throw in an external monitor for when you work at home. Bingo. External monitors range from cheap to not-so-cheap, but each one I’ve seen works pretty damn good. [External monitors on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=external+monitor+for+laptop&crid=IGMQ5L82SYKZ&sprefix=external+mon%2Caps%2C275&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_ci_hl-bn-left_1_12) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/4 "2026-09-29T19:41:25Z")
I agree that a laptop computer is a better choice. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/5 "2026-09-29T19:46:42Z")
> [@Larry\_Borgia](#): > > Other than the usual internet stuff I’m mainly going to use it for world building for the novel I’m working on (first draft complete!) and the TTRPGs I run. These are pretty basic requirements. I would think that most computers these days could easily suit your needs. Looking at the specs for the Omnistudio, it will work fine for what you want. That said, it’s also not terribly impressive, given the price. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/6 "2026-09-29T19:46:57Z")
What _is_ an all in one computer? But i would also recommend a laptop with an external monitor for anyone who doesn’t care too deeply about computer specs. I mount the monitors on a monitor arm, and it takes up almost no desk space, and can be folded out of the way. When I’m working on the computer, i put it under the monitor. When I’m browsing the Internet, or whatever, the laptop may be in my lap in the living room, or on the kitchen table. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/7 "2026-09-29T20:04:53Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > What _is_ an all in one computer? A non-portable oversized laptop. (Ok, not really.) It looks like just a keyboard/mouse and monitor, but the actual computer smarts are part of the monitor (an oversized bulge or box permanently attached to the back of the flatscreen). It has advantages over a full desktop in that it doesn’t have a separate box with the system components, and fewer cables (at a minimum, not needing a cable from the system box to the display). But they usually use laptop parts, so they’re pretty much non-expandable and not the best for performance compared to the price. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/8 "2026-09-29T20:11:12Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > What _is_ an all in one computer? These days it’s a computer that resembles a monitor but the computer is built into it. Like a modern version of an old Macintosh computer. (Usually the computer part is either built into the neck/stand of the monitor, or attached to the back of it.) I used to support them at a job I worked at around 15 years ago where I was the Network Administrator (but really half my job was desktop support; it was a very small organization). The advantage is that it’s basically a desktop computer but the actual desktop machine takes up no space. Even less space than a laptop would (because a laptop connected to a mouse/keyboard/monitor would still take up extra space). The downside is, as others have pointed out, it’s not portable unlike a laptop (unless you fancy the idea of carrying around what is essentially a heavier-than-usual monitor that you have to plug into an outlet) and you don’t have the ability to modify and upgrade and tweak it unlike a real desktop machine. I will also point out, from personal experience supporting these devices, if anything goes wrong with the monitor you can’t just go get another monitor. You just have a lot of extra points of failure that you don’t normally have with a single device. I will join the chorus in not recommending such a device. It’s the sort of thing that is mostly marketed toward those with very little computer experience who are swayed by the promises of convenience without being told the massive downsides of such a machine. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/9 "2026-09-29T20:11:44Z")
> [@Larry\_Borgia](#): > > I’m going to get a new computer in a couple of weeks. For a couple of reasons I’d like an all in one. @Larry_Borgia, I’m generally in the position of the other posters in the thread, that all-in-ones aren’t an _efficient_ form factor (some of my old iMacs excepted!) for most modern usages. But you may have totally reasonable reasons, as quoted above for the preference. Perhaps share those so we can take them into account? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/10 "2026-09-29T20:21:36Z")
Like everyone else, why? Folks love iMacs, but it is a waste of an expensive monitor eventually. I know you can reuse some as monitors, but I think they did away with that feature over a decade ago. Laptop + monitor or desktop + monitor. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/11 "2026-09-29T20:26:08Z")
I’ll pile on with everyone else…why? I guess it is aesthetically better looking but that’s the end of its benefits. Maybe space consideration? That said, the HP mentioned in the OP seems probably the best if this is the product you want (iMac is probably better but it’s Apple…boo). ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/12 "2026-09-29T20:38:09Z")
By the way, when i want to use my laptop for real work, i just plug in two cables, one for the monitor and another for the power. And both are conveniently right there. I rarely use a mouse, but when i do, i use a wireless mouse with a small dongle that lives in a port in the laptop. I never remove it. So i never have to plug it in. (Except when i get a new mouse or something.) I’m pretty comfortable typing on the keyboard that came with the laptop – i do test-drive laptops belt i buy them to make sure i like the keyboard. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/13 "2026-09-29T20:42:10Z")
I have a USB-c dock so only one cable connects to the computer. Thr power, keyboard, mouse and monitor connect to the dock. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/14 "2026-09-29T20:56:47Z")
I also endorse getting a laptop. Most All-in-1s have screens that are quite a bit bigger than a typical laptop screen, but if a 15.6" laptop screen isn’t big enough for some of your needs, I agree with the idea of getting an external monitor. I wouldn’t get some dinky little monitor, though, I’d get something like a 27" Dell Ultrasharp. I’ve been very happy with mine for many years. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/15 "2026-09-29T22:34:26Z")
I have a system that I have used quite happily for several years. It’s basically a 17" laptop, and when at home, I close the lid, use an external keyboard with real keys and place both in front of a 27" monitor. If I need the portability, I just unplug the extra hardware and put the laptop in a good case for travel. I confess that I do connect a network to it when at home, which gives me about 500TB of extra storage in 6 enclosures. There’s no way I could make that portable, but I don’t need to. All the large storage is at home. The sound goes straight to my Hi-Fi system at home, no laptop speakers for me, nosir. This setup gives me the best possible worlds. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/16 "2026-09-29T22:55:20Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > 500TB of extra storage in 6 enclosures 500TB?!? What sort of media do you have? Also, how are you backing up that much data? Half a petabyte is no joke. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/17 "2026-09-29T23:05:35Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > 500TB?!? What sort of media do you have? I read that as 500GB at first which is very modest. 500TB though, holy crap. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/18 "2026-09-30T00:33:05Z")
That is not a typo. The 6 enclosures are 4 networked Drobos, 2 non-networked Drobos, and one (soon to be expanded to 2) Synergy. Each hold from 5 to 8 hard drives (the largest sizes I could get years ago). This for video, photography, and music editing. Also many copies for backup – a lot of video is archive-historical. Includes interviews with local people who are no longer with us, also local musical performers, some deceased and/or inactive now. If you include a pile of loose, standalone hard drives for further backup, I am getting close to a Petabyte total. And that doesn’t include several drawers of DVDs, which was my permanent, final storage medium of choice once. Granted, there’s a lot of duplication, but occasionally I pull out a group of files for a long-ago event and re-edit them or add it to a compilation. Just today, a friend of mine contacted me about a show we did in 2014 and wants to present it again along with some commentary at a local rest home. And many videos were of school-age kids who have now grown up (a lot!). They can now show these to their _new_ kids! There’s a lot of history here. ---
**Author:** ![Loggins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/19 "2026-09-30T01:40:41Z")
Cant you just buy a used Rasperry Pi.. With a HDMI connection? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2026, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468/20 "2026-09-30T01:43:05Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > This for video, photography, and music editing. That’ll do it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-an-all-in-one-computer/1033468.md?page=2)