yep. I would just get a laptop with a monitor. You get to use 2 screen setup which is damn useful. I have been using a dual or triple monitor setup since 1997.

AIOs are a compromised solution. They ARE compact and look nice, but very often they are not much more powerful than higher end laptops. So it depends on what you intend to use the AIO for.

The missus uses an iMAC Pro. For the only reason that the Mac Pro is stupid expensive and the iMac pro screen is properly colour calibrated. (not like the iMac pro is cheap either). If you are a light user the new slim M1 iMacs are nice.

I prefer Windows, so my options for AIO is limited at best, and I prefer to have my choice of external monitors, especially with high colour gamuts and colour accuracy. Usually the displays that come with AIOs are crap.

And if the monitor (usually backlight) or whatever fails on the AIO, you are totally SOL. It may take weeks to replace/repair even if under warranty.

Desktop cases can be pretty compact nowadays. You can spec one out with an ITX case/board. Again, depends on what you use it for. internal expansion space and thermals are limiting. But space utilization for a ITX and a monitor (mounted on the wall) is not much more than an AIO. Mounting the display on the wall, also helps in ergonomics, AIO displays are too low for serious work, much like notebooks. You will get back/shoulder/Neck issues. This is why I use a dual monitor setup. The monitors are mounted at the correct level for correct posture. I made a custom solid wood stand for the missus' iMAC because the screen was too low. Elevated it another 3 inches...and she can store her magic keyboard under it when not in use to free up desk space.

And if you are indeed a very light user and have no need for dual monitor setup or portability of a laptop, you can get a mini pc like the intel NUC pcs, those come with laptop components inside. They are very compact and usually can be mounted at the back of the monitor's VESA mount.

This post has been edited by jaycee1: Jun 24 2021, 01:31 PM