Apple's higher-end iMac still has the largest screen of any all-in-one computer. It's also one of the fastest all-in-ones, as well as the best looking. You don't get the touch software, and it's not as user-friendly for those looking to turn an all-in-one into a media hub, but the iMac remains the elite product in its category overall.
The slim MacBook Air has successfully evolved from its original position as a niche product. Now that it uses current-gen Intel CPUs, this is definitely a viable everyday laptop--if you can live with smaller SSD hard drives--and that large trackpad is impossible to beat.
Digital Storm is not one of the most well-known boutique gaming vendors, but it impressed us earlier this year with its pre-configured ODE Level 3 desktop that nailed the sweet spot of price and performance. Even if you don't know a graphics card from a power supply, Digital Storm makes it easy to pick out a powerful, well-crafted gaming PC.
The Portege R835 is still one of the best overall values in the 13-inch laptop category, with a solid magnesium alloy chassis and a thin and lightweight design. It even beats out the more expensive 13-inch MacBook Pro on battery life (topping 7 hours), while offering some step-up features (USB 3.0, eSATA ports, integrated DVD drive) rarely found in many competing models in this weight and size class.
The design of Samsung's debut all-in-one looks like something out of the Service Merchandise catalog, circa 1985, but in a way that's surprisingly refreshing compared with its glossy black competition. An easy-to-use tablet-style touch interface, a smart assortment of connectivity and control options, and an approachable $1,099 price tag make this system a winner for families interested in an all-in-one that can double as a home media hub.
This slimmed-down version of the usually quite sedate Inspiron 14z has a clean, thin design, a backlit keyboard, very good battery life, and strong performance. Even better, the $599 starting price is a decent deal for a laptop that's at least in the same ballpark as expensive ultraslim models.
The best thing about the HP Pavilion g4-1215dx is its $379 price, which usually is a warning sign in the case of midsize laptops. Of course, price is meaningless if the performance doesn
