Computers which to buy

In this article. If you're dead-set on buying a desktop PC for your home office or gaming den, there are some important factors to consider. Make the wrong purchase and you could end up lumbered with a computer that's slow, has a poor-quality screen or is overpowered for your needs. In this guide, we'll run through the specifications to look for when buying a computer for different uses, along with the pros and cons of desktops versus all-in-one PCs.

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. But before you start shopping, you'll need to think carefully about the kinds of things you want to do with your computer.

For example, if you only need something for email and light web browsing, you'll probably buy a very different computer from someone who does a lot of video editing or PC gaming. You should also think about where you want to use your computer because it will have a big impact on the type you buy. Once you've decided on the type of computer you want, you'll need to start thinking about how much money you want to spend. These prices are based mostly on the internal components of the computer, such as the amount of hard-drive space, memory, processing power, and so on, which are called the specifications or specs for short.

These internal components are also a big part of the reason computers can become outdated or obsolete after only a few years. And if you really don't have much to spend, we'd still suggest buying a machine with even slightly higher specs than the absolute cheapest model.

A computer with more hard drive space, more memory, and faster processors will be a much better deal in the long run. While store brands will be less expensive, they're also much less reliable and will likely become obsolete much sooner than a name-brand computer. So far, we've been mostly talking about computers that run the Windows operating system, which is the most common OS for PCs.

Read the full review: Lenovo Legion Tower 5i. Read the full review: Mac mini M1, The Intel Core Compute Stick has made that irrelevant. Looking more like a thumb drive than an actual computer, this tiny renegade can connect to any monitor with an HDMI input. Its base starts with a lowly 1. 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.