Monoblocks recently appeared on the shelves of computer stores. They were some 5 years ago that caused surprise among users who first saw such a device on sale. However, popularization and active sales have led to the fact that this type of PC often began to be used for office work and home entertainment.
The main advantage of this type of computer is its size. An ordinary candy bar is a widescreen monitor with a wireless mouse and keyboard. All elements of the computer are mounted in the monitor.
It is logical to assume that such an arrangement should increase the total weight of the device, but this did not happen. Apparently, the companies approached the production responsibly and put on the market convenient and lightweight all-in-one computers that can be easily moved. Also universally attached to them is the touch screen function as a production standard. In this regard, Apple has stepped aside, in which monoblocks from the screen are not controlled.
Features of monoblocks
Despite its small size, the functionality of an ordinary monoblock is not very different from a regular desktop computer. This is the merit of advanced technologies, which made it possible to accommodate everything necessary in a small building.
The first distinguishing feature, as mentioned above, is the touch screen. With it, you can fully manage all the functions. In addition, the operating system specifically suggests such use. In some monoblock models, even the stands are provided so as to be able to set the screen at a convenient angle on the table.
In terms of performance, such machines are comparable to laptops, but with a small margin up. It is not necessary to compare with stationary PCs, since their goals are different.
It is worth noting that it will not be possible to redo the monoblock significantly. In the best case, it will be possible to replace the RAM or hard disk. This must be considered before choosing a candy bar for continuous use.
What to look for in office use
At its core, this type of computer was created for office purposes. But not all models are equally adapted for such an operation.
If we talk about productivity, then it will cover the requirements in the work of a text editor, searching the Internet and even editing images. Analyzing how he copes with office tasks, you can see only the pros. But a negative factor for a monoblock is still its cost. She often passes for the average price of a laptop of the same performance.
By installing a candy bar in the workplace, you significantly save space; mobility increases. An indisputable advantage is the large screen size, so it’s much more convenient to work.
However, there are models equipped with a drive. This device is used within the office very rarely and therefore the availability of such an opportunity is not justified. Also controversial in demand is the presence of a TV tuner. Yes, it may not be used, like the drive, but you still have to pay for them. Therefore, you need to take all this into account before choosing a candy bar for work.
Features multimedia monoblock
To use the all-in-one as an entertainment venue, you will have to pick up parameters slightly more than usual. Computing power is needed for processing high-resolution video, as well as gaming use. For this purpose, manufacturers equip their products with multi-core processors.
In addition, in this use case, touch control is useful. With it, you can play games and work in specialized programs.
In order for the monoblock to give good graphics performance, you need a powerful video card, you need to pay attention to this before choosing a monoblock.
An excellent element for using the candy bar as a multimedia center is the remote control. With it, you can manage all the necessary functions. Also, a reduced version of the keyboard is often installed on the remote control. It is usually located on the back of the case. But not all models have a remote control, so before you select a candy bar, you should clarify its presence.
Touch mode operation
For the right choice of monoblock, it is worth considering the sensor in more detail due to the fact that this input method has some features in this use. Practice has shown that using touch capabilities is not very convenient when installing the screen vertically. This is due to the fact that the diagonal is large and when you activate an element in the upper part of the display, you will have to reach it literally.
Some manufacturers took this into account through a special stand, which allows the device to be installed in a horizontal position. Therefore, to know how to choose the right candy bar for touch control, you need to make sure that it provides convenient positioning for this.
In addition, you should consider a small detail in the form of a frame along the edges of the display. Usually, after the screen, a small plastic gap of a few millimeters goes along the contour. And if the display and frame levels are the same, then everything is fine. But if there is a difference, then this already significantly interferes with scrolling or other actions at the edges of the display. The finger simply cannot touch the sensor. This feature should be considered before choosing a candy bar - a computer in which the primary use will be touch.
Alternative installation option
When using a candy bar as an entertainment or information panel, it is convenient to hang it on the wall in the office or in the kitchen. For this, special wall mounts may be provided. But not all manufacturers realize this in their products. Therefore, in order to know which monoblock to choose for wall mounting, you need to clarify its design capabilities.
Monoblock Sound
Since the product is completely autonomous, it has built-in speakers. In most models, the sound is good and suitable for work and entertainment in the form of watching movies. But the quality in a specific embodiment will have to be checked. Of course, you can purchase separately acoustics, but then the monoblock will not fully realize its purpose.
Therefore, before choosing a candy bar, you must turn on the song on it at high volume. The sound should be without distortion and overtones from the body. For verification, it is desirable that the music be in the style of rock. This style is replete with all the harmonics that can reveal the hidden resonance of the built-in acoustics.
Connectors for additional devices
Since the built-in memory cannot be regulated, it is desirable to have several USB slots. They will allow you to connect external data storage devices. It is also good that there is a slot for installing a memory card.
Separately, it must be said about the Internet connection. If you need a nest for this, then you have to look for the model in which it is. Since the candy bar is primarily designed for mobility, Wi-Fi is mainly used to connect to the network.
If other additional connectors are needed, their presence must be checked in advance. Their location is more convenient on the rear plane, where they will not interfere. But the control buttons are much more practical on the side faces.
Equipment
As a rule, complete with a monoblock comes a wireless keyboard and mouse.Their quality may be different. Some companies themselves produce such accessories, but there are also those that complete with products from another brand. This should be taken into account when bulk buying monoblocks for the office.
General recommendations and reviews
One of the first companies to start the production of monoblocks is HP, but other competitors did not think too much and began to explore this new niche. Among them are Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and Apple. If you need to know how to choose a candy bar, reviews of which are the best, then you need to pay attention to iMac. But, in addition to quality work and assembly, it has a solid price. Therefore, in most cases, you need to look for a middle ground between price and quality. Positive feedback from users was received by Dell, ASUS and Lenovo. Their monoblocks are distinguished by quality and reliability.
Well proven in terms of quality and functionality of Acer and Lenovo. Their products are suitable for both office and entertainment. Therefore, before choosing a candy bar for games, you should pay attention to these manufacturers.
