All in one desktops to replace iMacs

[scholes99]

We purchased a load of iMac's a few years ago. At first they were used as iMac's but now we have had a new head of ICT and the basically the iMacs are now used as Windows machines. Their 3 year carepacks are nearly at their expiry date and our budgets have been cut.

We are looking at alternatives for when we have to replace them. One suggestion was all in one pc's.

Please could anyone share their experiences with windows all in pcs' and if they have any specific model they would recommend?

[Millgate]

Hi Scholes99,

 

One of my colleges has started using the HP Pro All-in-One 3520. Not sure on your budget but these are really good machines.

 

Luke

[mattianuk]

Hi

 

We used Novatech's all in ones, because we could custom spec them, including monitor and they take standard parts - including a standard vesa mount for the screen, so we can change just the screen, or just the base unit but still benefit from the all in one space saving.

[dhicks]

Please could anyone share their experiences with windows all in pcs' and if they have any specific model they would recommend?

 

I'm just about to buy some more VeryPC Flex PCs - compact all-in-ones that are basically a small form factor PC with a monitor mount on the side. These have the advantage that they're cheaper than your average all-in-one and that you can replace / upgrade parts, including the motherboard, from off-the-shelf parts. We already have a bunch of VESA-mountable flat screens around, so these have been proving a good value option as you can buy them without a screen and simply use your own. Support has been good, with a solution being found for an issue we had with a graphics driver. I think they might even have a special offer on at the moment for an extended warrenty, which might be just the kind of thing you're looking for.

 

The whole point of VeryPC's own-build hardware is that it's energy efficient, although I can't quite see how that counts for these machines - the cases seem to be standard Chinese-made ones with some modifications. There's possibly some modifications made to BIOS on the machine, but I'm not sure - something worth checking with them, maybe.

[Vegas]

Stone do a good one, I've just ordered 40 and they come with a 5 year NBD warranty as standard.

[localzuk]

I'm a fan of the Viglen Integra. We bought a load of them at my last place. Pretty solid machines.

 

Here, we have a bunch of HP Compaq 8200 Elite AIO machines. I believe they've been replaced by the 8300 or something now though. They're pretty good too.

[mattianuk]

I'm just about to buy some more VeryPC Flex PCs - compact all-in-ones that are basically a small form factor PC with a monitor mount on the side. These have the advantage that they're cheaper than your average all-in-one and that you can replace / upgrade parts, including the motherboard, from off-the-shelf parts. We already have a bunch of VESA-mountable flat screens around, so these have been proving a good value option as you can buy them without a screen and simply use your own. Support has been good, with a solution being found for an issue we had with a graphics driver. I think they might even have a special offer on at the moment for an extended warrenty, which might be just the kind of thing you're looking for.

 

The whole point of VeryPC's own-build hardware is that it's energy efficient, although I can't quite see how that counts for these machines - the cases seem to be standard Chinese-made ones with some modifications. There's possibly some modifications made to BIOS on the machine, but I'm not sure - something worth checking with them, maybe.

 

Pretty sure they are the very same ones as the novatech - in terms of case anyways!

[3s-gtech]

I'd also look at upgrading the iMacs, at least memory wise which is utterly simple. They're still perfectly capable machines at three years old.

[FN-GM]

We currently deploy Dell Optiplex 7010 USSF with the PC on the back on the monitor stand. Its not all in one as such but is very close to it.

 

@3s-gtech they might only have kit in action that is under warranty. This is the path we are going down. iMacs can't have more than 3 years cover.

Edited March 6, 2013 by FN-GM

[3s-gtech]

Didn't realise that was the way it'sgoing - certainly isn't round these parts (ooh arr). On the plus side, they'll make good money if you flog them!

[glennda]

Lenovo ones are brilliant and shiney

[Tsonga]

The iMacs could easily go for another 3 years!

 

Personally I am not a fan of brands such as novatech as they tend to die quite quickly. I am much more a fan of the Dell with 3 year onsite warranty. All about the total cost of ownership .

[glennda]

The iMacs could easily go for another 3 years!

 

Personally I am not a fan of brands such as novatech as they tend to die quite quickly. I am much more a fan of the Dell with 3 year onsite warranty. All about the total cost of ownership .

 

If i am honest I have to completely disagree with that comment - depending on what you buy with those companies they tend to be just as good if not better! My old stones have 5 year on site warranty for less than dells!

[localzuk]

The iMacs could easily go for another 3 years!

 

Personally I am not a fan of brands such as novatech as they tend to die quite quickly. I am much more a fan of the Dell with 3 year onsite warranty. All about the total cost of ownership .

 

As someone who has used Viglen all in one machines, which are now in their 6th year of use, I'd disagree entirely...

[mattianuk]

The iMacs could easily go for another 3 years!

 

Personally I am not a fan of brands such as novatech as they tend to die quite quickly. I am much more a fan of the Dell with 3 year onsite warranty. All about the total cost of ownership .

 

got a 5 year warranty, no worries!!

[Davit2005]

I've had experience with both Novatech desktops/servers and Viglen desktops/servers and personally I wouldn't touch either now.

 

But there again I have had better service from Dell when it comes to servers than HP so I guess it's swings and roundabouts and guess we are likely go by personal experience of support and/or reliability in most cases.

[maark]

Have novatech desktops and laptops with no problems at all.

Last of lot of Dell vostro laptops have been problematic and Dell education section are not interested - can't even price match price for buying one off their website when asked for a quote for 100.

[tmcd35]

I just went through this myself. Bought a suite of All-in-One's. I got quotes from Novatech, Viglen, VeryPC and Stone. I've seen the Novatech models before and they appear to be pretty sturdy machines. Not had any problems with them both in terms of machine or customer service. All four companies where quoting various forms of 3 or 5 yr warranty. We went with VeryPC this time, partly on the NDB warranty.

[clodhopper]

We have both, Viglen USFF, Viglen Omninios & Dell USFF and they are all much of a muchness , we went with Viglen this year on cost and so far they've been really good.

 

Being very close to Novatech we have been approached by them several times & this year they sent us a custom built AIO, it was shockingly built, hdd was held in with one screw & it was a 2.5" drive not a desktop drive, the case had no instructions how to assemble it !! All in all very disappointing so it was boxed backup ASAP and sent back.

[old_n07]

We've just had 100 Dell 9010 AIO's - seem like a very nice machine but time will tell

[liveman2]

HP's seem to be running well on our campus (standard desktops), we have upgraded from old XP Viglens (which had a horrible power supply issue).