Which pc is best

The advantage is having fewer cables, however, since everything is integrated into the body. Recommended specs for an all-in-one are mostly similar to the basic tower above, albeit with compromises because of space considerations. Don't expect an optical drive, for instance, and know that performance is often a step down from "real" desktop models because some all-in-ones use laptop components to better maximize available space.

You'll want a large screen with good resolution. The sweet spots we'd suggest are:. The inchers are good for kids, but adults should probably go for 27 inches and up. The Surface Studio 2, HP Envy 32 above and Apple iMacs below are examples of high end all-in-one computers, but here's a more reasonably priced alternative.

The current iMacs still run Intel chips. Faster M1 versions are on the way, and worth waiting for most people. While you're paying a big premium for the Apple name, an iMac is generally a great option for Apple fans who want an all-in-one computer with a superior display.

And now that the inch iMac has gotten a fresh overhaul, complete with the M1 chip, that's a great starting point see above. Looking for other Mac desktop options? That's a bigger challenge.

The iMac Pro was recently discontinued by Apple, and the inch non-Pro iMac has yet to get its Apple silicon upgrade, so it remains available with older Intel chips.

Meanwhile, the hardware -- which debuted in late -- runs on an Intel platform, which Apple is now moving away from with its aforementioned Apple silicon chips. Here, too, rumors of a "Mac Pro Mini" Apple silicon CPU inside a smaller chassis with fewer, if any, internal expansion slots mean that waiting is the prudent option here, as Apple has pledged to complete its transition away from Intel before the end of If you subscribe to only one CNET newsletter, this is it.

Get editors' top picks of the day's most interesting reviews, news stories and videos. When it comes to desktop PCs, towers and all-in-ones represent the vast majority of the market. There are alternatives, but in the s, they generally represent increasingly narrow slices of that market.

The Mac is the only one that's been recently updated. In the wake of likable small models like the Acer Revo One and HP Pavilion Mini , we even saw woefully underpowered " PC on a stick " offerings starting in , but interest seems to have ebbed since then. Outside of specialty vendors like Beelink , the best choices in this mini PC size are probably the Intel NUC Next Unit of Computing , most of which are sold as hobbyist options, requiring some BYO additions like user-supplied storage, RAM and other components -- including the operating system.

See more bare-bones Mini PCs at Newegg. Chromeboxes: If you're looking for very basic computing -- browsing the web, email, social media, YouTube and the like -- the Chrome operating system is the most affordable route for home computing.

This Google operating system effectively is little more than the Chrome web browser. That makes it easy for multiple users only a Gmail address is needed to log in , and -- because there's no heavy operating system beyond the browser -- viruses aren't really an issue. That said, if you need any software beyond browser-based web apps, or if you don't have excellent broadband, you'll want to stick with Windows or Mac options above. See Chromebox options at Amazon. There's a wide world of Linux operating systems out there, many of which are effectively free.

You can get PCs with Linux preinstalled, but the better, more affordable option is probably installing it or dual-booting on a used Windows PC. That's the Raspberry Pi, and it's percent real and very cool -- if you're a hobbyist looking to build your own Lego-style computer and install your own custom Linux operating systems.

We also look at the accessories you need to complete your setup. Ready to buy? Check out the best desktop PCs from our tests. It's easy to get bogged down in numbers and specifications when looking at desktops, so if you know how much you want to spend and what sort of things you want to do on your machine, the specifications we recommend below should get you on the right track.

If you're looking for a computer to use primarily at home or in the office, the choice will come down to either a traditional desktop PC or an all-in-one PC. There are big differences between desktop PCs and all-in-ones to consider. Most obvious is the form factor. A desktop PC is what many consider to be the traditional 'tower' computer, where a big black or grey box is connected to a separate monitor screen, keyboard and mouse. An all-in-one is essentially a large screen with the internal components of the computer sitting behind it.

You'll still need to plug in a keyboard and mouse, though, but these are more often than not supplied in the box with an all-in-one. If you're regularly on the move, then you may wish to pick up a laptop.

Browse our laptop reviews to find the right model for you. You'll find that they come in various shapes and sizes, from large bulky hulks that need to sit under your desk, to more discreet and stylish models that can be tucked away.

Gaining popularity in recent years, an all-in-one is essentially a PC with all the workings conveniently placed in the screen. They come with a keyboard and mouse, and the speakers are usually integrated into the device.

Modern monitors tend to be slim, power-efficient and crisply detailed, but there are various specs to contend with. Screen resolution is key when buying a monitor, and should be your primary concern. Generally speaking, the higher the number of pixels, the sharper the image. This innovative all-in-one desktop boasts a stunning inch 4K UHD display with up to degree tilt, pen support and a rotating hinge for stability.

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga A Unfortunately, what does hold Lenovo Yoga A back are its less powerful, slightly aging internals. If you want an all-in-one powerhouse that absolutely blows you away in terms of performance, then the iMac Pro is the best computer for you.

That includes its vibrant inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, mind-blowing Radeon Pro Vega graphics, and plenty of memory for all your exacting workloads. Read the full review: iMac Pro. And, with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, we see this powerful computer getting the fantastic update it rightly deserves. Finally, the Raspberry Pi line gives you a desktop computer and a platform to experiment and create.

Read the full review: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. Michelle Rae Uy is a Los Angeles-based editor, writer and photographer with a bad case of wanderlust. She has written for publications like Nylon, Fodor's and SmarterTravel, and is also the contributing editor for MiniTime. North America. Included in this guide: 1. Choosing the best PC for your needs is a bit more complicated than just going for the most expensive or kitted out one you can afford.

Storage: Up to 2TB M. Reasons to avoid - Still very expensive at highest configurations. Best all-in-one PC: iMac inch, Graphics: Integrated 7-core — 8-core GPU. Screen: inch 4.