Originally Posted by NC_Girl

I think what I liked about the all in one monitors were that they laid down kind of flat. They really were cool, LOL but in reality, I would probably use it upright like a normal monitor most of the time. I think I will probably just go with the new monitor/keyboard/mouse combo hooked up to my laptop. Maybe not quite as cool but much less expensive!

Originally Posted by BonzoESC (Post 16679294)

I have a 27" iMac in the home office, and it's fantastic. I don't really miss the upgradability of a more traditional tower, and the screen real estate is pretty wonderful to have (I also have a little 20" monitor off to the side.)

Originally Posted by YVR Cockroach (Post 16677136)

The main disadvantage of the all-in-one units is lack of changeability. You're pretty much stuff with what it comes with but you may not care if you're not into changing components.



A few caveats (as I type watching a 46" LCD TV that is also the monitor of the HTPC).

Know where the overscan/underscan adjustment is so you can see the full screen. ATI chips/drivers seem to want to underscan so the whole display isn't used and the adjustment is a PITA to find.

Not all PCs have HDMI outputs or if they do sometimes the sound component isn't all there (such as only stereo vs. not 5.1 or 7.1 sound) but you may not care.

For those contemplating using VGA to hook up their TVs, be aware that some TVs don't support full screen usage through the VGA port or even 16:9. Check the specs first.

Originally Posted by Upstate (Post 16683186)

Upgrade-ability isn't so much an issue as fix-ability. If a part goes out on a traditional tower then it is easy to fix, but with an all in one you may have to bring it to the manufacturer or order special expensive parts from them. Even if you don't know what you are doing you can call up a buddy that does know about computers and buy them booze/steak instead of paying big bucks to a repair facility.

Originally Posted by BonzoESC (Post 16705767)

I know all about that; I used to be the one who got called and bribed to fix computers. That's why I recommend getting ones with good vendor support (and extended warranties if they're portable) and refuse to fix other peoples' computers.

Originally Posted by NC_Girl (Post 16670317)

[...] recently purchased a 17 inch to be able to have more screen room for editing my movies and photos. [...]