If you want an all-in-one, get an iMac.

I don't see the value of a touch screen. Sit at your desk and reach out and touch the screen. Does it seem comfortable or intuitive. Why would you do that instead of using a mouse?

Thanks, Mike. I agree and didn't realize it was touch screen initially. Actually, I am short of space and liked the idea of having a monitor with a wireless keyboard...no tower. I have a laptop and it takes up too much space.

I wondered how well they operate. There is no tower and they take little space on the desk. I liked the idea and just wondered if anyone had one.

Jane

This subject was recently covered in another thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: All-in-One Computers

Certainly the all-in-one design saves space but the trade off it that they are typically more expensive than a traditional computer of the same specs.

I could see the touch screen coming in handy in certain situations. Imagine the computer is in the kitchen and you're making dinner. You could use your one clean finger to answer a Skype call or open Outlook to see if there's a message from the kid's baseball coach canceling practice because of impending thunderstorms.

There are also very small form factor traditional computers where the "tower" could be tucked out of the way.

As I said, I'd go with an iMac. But they do tend to be a bit pricey. :-)

FWIW....I've had iMac for 4 1/2 years. Has been fast and trouble free from the beginning. The lack of OS, hardware, and malware issues has made it more than worth the "premium" in my opinion. In-person and telephone support has been exemplary. Would buy again.

Caveat: If you're a techie and like to play around inside your box, this isn't the machine for you. It's pretty much sealed up like a laptop.

Thanks but I'm wondering why you recommend a IMac? I have computers and am not techy but do use them for work and everyday stuff. I have a small desk in my kichen where there is no room whatsoever for a tower. I saw the all-in-one advertised for a good price but wondered how well they worked. I am not interested in the touch screen at all. I just want a monitor large enough to not get eye strain.

I've been using a small 10" netbook on this desk and it is great for doing quick things like answering emails, etc. But I would like a larger screen for reading. Why would an IMac be something better? It won't be used for work or word processing, just web stuff. I don't want to break the bank, I just want something to respond to emails, read recipes and check stock quotes. Quick kitchen-type stuff. Don't need a big hard drive, memory, etc. Just a larger screen without a tower. I really hate laptops.

Jane

There's lots of reasons to choose a Mac. The operating system is far less susceptible to viruses and malware than a Windows based system. Many people find them easier to use than Windows based machines. Macs aren't filled with the bloatware like Windows machines. And nobody does slick like Apple.

jane-
You should buy whatever you are comfortable with that fits your budget. A Mac is a fine machine, but I don't see it offering anything special for the very limited needs you describe. The downsides I see if you went with Apple are: 1) cost, and 2) having to learn to use somewhat different commands and keystrokes to accomplish certain actions.

apple commands really arent that different im a artsy type thats been raised on windows and presently is on a linux

from what ive seen the diffeerence is the activator windows and linux its control on a mac its command outherwise its the same mac also appears to have a command/eject shortcut to turn off the computer (windows dosent even HAVE an eject button

personially? look for specs you like with ram and processor buy a hdd thatts the form fit and size then put linux on it (linux that ive used are free thats like 10 different operating systems) and go from theere

"...why you recommend a IMac?"

Learning curve with new OS was a breeze. Everything's easy, support was exemplary, and nothing ever goes wrong. Doesn't get bugs and doesn't break. With my PC/windows machines I had hired techs in here twice a year and even they had a hard time figuring things out.

OS updates quick, easy, and always work. Turns on in about 40 seconds, off in five. I'm on-line 24/7/365 and don't get bugs.

I have 20". It's no exactly portable but within minutes I can have it disconnected and in the box for transport to another location. Couple minutes set-up at the other end and I'm running again.

Basically it's the first computer I've had in more than twenty years that just sits here and does what it's supposed to do -- and nothing other. I like that. Would buy again.