I was looking for a replacement desktop for sometime and finally decided that what I needed is an all-in-one. It is great to have only one cable, just for power. I was so sick and tired of the total six cables tangled up with the desktop - 2 power cables (1 for CPU and 1 for monitor), ethernet, VGA, keyboard and mouse.
All this made the setup a breeze and not to mention if I ever want to move it to another location, it will be a piece of cake. No problem at all to start Windows 7 and to install several updates. Connecting to my home wireless network was also effortless. It runs very quiet too.
I did some research on Sony all-in-one, but can't seem to justify the price tag - double of a regular desktop. I am very happy that I found this Asus model. I paid about $100 more (after the rebate) than I would otherwise with desktop of equivalent configuration. But it is well worth it. The design, I agree, it's not as pretty as the Sony, but much better looking than the HP Touch models.
I don't need to describe this computer generally--just read the specs. Here are some particulars, though:
- It's not the fastest, due to (i) its notebook processor, (ii) its notebook hard drive, (iii) its notebook video chip, and (iv) the 32-bit Windows 7 version that can use only 3GB of its 4GB of RAM
- All that being said, it's fast enough for the average user. I've watched full HD movie files on it and the fan doesn't even spin up. Can't comment on 3D gaming though.
- The speakers sound alright, especially once you turn on all of the SRS effects. Also there's no noise when you use headphones, a nice change from my latop.
- The mouse is too small for my hand, and my hands are not that large. The wireless keyboard tends to turn off (to save power I assume) and usually I have to hit a key to wake it up again before typing. It has no caps/num/scroll lock lights (they're virtual, on the screen). Also, the keyboard is maybe half the width of the computer, contrary to what you see in the photo.
- It doesn't include a normal Windows re-installation DVD; rather it's a recovery image that includes all of the installed BS.
- The 22" widescreen is very reflective but otherwise nice. It has an HDMI input and is full 1080 resolution so you could plug your xbox or bluray player in and use it as a monitor.
- The 2.5" hard drive makes little whining noises which are always audible since the rest of the machine is so quiet. Annoying.
- Overall, despite its flaws, this is a versatile machine especially if you get it for the $690 after mail-in-rebate price.
I have not noticed anything negative about this machine. It exceeded my expectation. Highly recommend it.