Also known as: AIO, All-in-one PC
An all-in-one computer (AIO) integrates the whole computer — processor, memory, storage, and other components — into the same enclosure as the display, so the only things on the desk are a keyboard, a mouse, and a power cable.1
Overview
An AIO is a personal computer that trades the modular tower of a desktop computer for a single tidy unit. To fit behind the screen it usually borrows laptop-class parts: low-power CPUs, soldered or limited RAM, and integrated graphics. The best-known example is Apple’s iMac, but most major PC makers ship AIO models. The upside is a clean desk and easy setup; the downside is limited upgrades and the fact that a screen failure can take the whole computer with it.
Where it fits
An all-in-one suits reception desks, kiosks, classrooms, and homes where appearance and simplicity matter more than expandability or raw performance. If you want to upgrade parts later, a desktop tower or even a small mini PC paired with a separate monitor gives more freedom. For a portable machine, a laptop is the natural choice.
Sources
-
All-in-one computer — Wikipedia, on PCs that integrate the system into the display enclosure. ↩