Are Budget All-in-One PCs Any Good for Schools: Best Value AIOs for Education

Samuel J Tan Classroom Technology, Desktops, Education, Learning, Technology 0

Budget all-round PCs with little to go wrong, is quiet and have a small foot print are perfect for classrooms, libraries and IT suites. These PCs will not only perform well and meet all education needs but cost less, is more reliable and generate little heat.

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Are Budget All-in-One Desktop PCs Any Good for Schools?

When it comes to computers for schools, you want something that will last. A laptop with its plastic clamshell format, vulnerable screen and moving parts like the cover and hinge lends itself to stress and accidental damage. On the other hand, a full size PC with its base unit, separate display, keyboard and mouse takes up plenty of space, is often noisy and generate unnecessary heat.

Enters the All-in-One PC, a desktop computer no bigger than a display with all its components such as the processor, memory and storage built-in. There is no base unit under the table to kick around or a box that takes up room on the table. Just plug in the power, keyboard and mouse and voila, a desktop PC ready to go.

Not only does it take up less space, it is also surprisingly cheap. In the past, All-in-Ones or AIOs for short are considered a premium given its’ compact designs and miniaturised components like those used in laptops. These days, there are AIOs in all sizes to fit any budget. Manufacturers achieve this using smaller displays and more affordable components.

These machines are by no means slow. They are prefect all-rounders, fully capable of running office applications, educational programs, streaming videos, researching on the web, typing up assignments and checking emails. With the right amount of memory, storage and processor it can even take on more taxing tasks like photo editing, video editing and programming.

How to Pick the Right All-in-One PC for Education

Budget All-in-Ones typically come with display sizes between 20-inch to 24-inch. The bigger the display, the bigger the overall size of the desktop and the higher the price tag. Personally, I prefer to work on bigger displays but for education, other factors like desk space and budget may come into play. Choose the right display based on the school’s needs.

At the heart of every computer is its CPU or processor. The processor handles all the calculations required by the programs. The faster the processor, the quicker the programs load and perform the required task. Ultra budget machines use Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium or AMD processors. To level up on performance, choose the slightly pricier models with Intel Core i3 or AMD A10 processors.

The next thing to consider is the system memory. The starting memory for budget systems is 4GB which is enough for browsing the web, streaming videos and desktop publishing. To cope with multiple applications running simultaneously and opening of multiple browser tabs, choose a model with 8GB of memory of one that adopts Intel Optane memory. The latter is a new type of fast memory that sits between the actual memory and storage for frequently used files and programs making it load faster.

To keep cost down, these systems use spindle type hard drive, typically with up to 1TB storage. This is more than sufficient for the type of programs and applications that goes on the machine. Use the storage for all the applications and data such as documents and files, music, video and more. If space is not a primary requirement, faster albeit smaller SSD storage

Picking the right All-in-One design does make it stand out be it in the classroom, library or computer suite. It may not be the first thing for a techie to consider, picking screens with thin versus chunky bezels or sleek rounded back plates vs blocky rectangles but an aesthetically pleasing system makes for more inspired learning.

The 10 Best Budget All-in-One PCs for Schools

Here is a look at some of the best All-in-One desktops from education. We start with the smallest and cheapest with 19.5-inch display. Next, we move on to the mid-range units with bigger 21.5-inch displays. Finally we take a look at AIOs with the biggest displays on our list at 23.8-inch. Our list of AIOs come with a variety of processor options, learn more about how to to pick the right AIO in the previous section.

1. HP 20 All-in-One PC 19.5-inch Intel Celeron

One of the cheapest All-in-One desktop PC on our list, the HP 20 has a 19.5-inch display. We like it that the display has Full HD resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel. This is way better and sharper than HD and offers more in way of ‘space’ on the desktop. It is powered by Intel Celeron J4005, a dual core processor with up to 3GHz speed.

The memory is on the small side at 4GB RAM but it has a generous 1TB Hard Disk Drive. It does not cut down on features either as it comes with DVD drive, SD card reader, IR web cam and front facing speakers. An Intel Core i3 version is also available but we would recommend the HP 22 as the limited amount of memory is supplemented with 16GB Intel Optane memory accelerator.

Design wise, it is not so much of a looker as the bezel around the display is huge. That aside, it is an all round computer perfect for light computing tasks and has everything one needs to get on with their work.

Features and Details

19.5-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 WLED backlight display
Intel® Celeron® J4005 Processor
RAM: 4 GB / Storage: 1 TB HDD
DVD, microSD, webcam and front firing speakers

2. Acer C20-820 All-in-One PC 19.5-inch Intel Celeron

Like the HP 20, the Acer C20 has the same 19.5-inch HD display (1600 x 900 pixels) and also uses the Intel Celeron Processor J3060, a dual core processor with up to 2.48GHz speed. It comes with 4GB RAM memory and 1TB HDD storage. The display comes with Bluelight Shield and Flickerless tech to help prevent eye strain from prolonged use.

In the looks department, the Acer C20 feels like a baby iMac rip off with its black bezel surround and rounded corners. The system also comes with DVD drive and SD card reader for those old CDROMs and DVDs still lying around. For better multi-tasking, consider upgrade the memory to 8GB. The speakers are a let down as they are really tinny. Starting up the machine may take a while but once it is up and running, apps perform well.

19.5-inch HD Ready 1600 x 900p display
Intel® Celeron® J3060 Processor (Dual core 1.6GHz / 2.48GHz 2MB cache)
4GB DDR3 memory and 1TB HDD storage

3. Lenovo 330 All-in-One PC 19.5-inch Intel Pentium

This All-In-One PC is based on Intel Pentium J5005 processor, with 4GB of RAM memory and 1TB HDD storage. It’s one of the smallest 19.5-inch AIO and looks so simple and basic that it could easily be mistaken for a monitor. Even with a DVD drive, the chassis is slim and the AIO stand is small and simple with a built-in cable management hook and a round base.

Lenovo swapped out the fan with advanced cooling tech that allowed the system to run quietly and lower the core temperature at the same time. It is far quieter than other systems we have seen. The 19.5-inch LED monitor is HD ready with a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. The Intel Pentium quad core processor has a base frequency of 1.5GHz but can be boosted to 2.8GHz when needed.

Cheap to buy and sturdy with dependable build quality, this excellent machine is compact and fast for what most people need it to do. However, it could do with a bit more memory.

Features and Details

19.5-inch LED HD Ready 1440 x 900p
Intel® Pentium® J5005 Processor (quad-core 1.5GHz / 2.8GHz 4MB cache)
4GB DDR4 RAM memory and 1TB HDD (5400rpm) storage
DVD, 3-in-1 memory card reader, 720p webcam

4. Dell Inspiron 22 3000 All-in-One PC 21.5-inch AMD A9

The Dell Inspiron 22 3000 is powered by AMD A9-9425 Processor, has 8GB of memory and 1TB of storage. The AMD processor is perfect for everyday computing. A dual core processor, it runs at a base frequency of 3.1GHz and can be boosted to 3.7GHz when pushed.

The 21.5-inch Full HD display makes everything sharp and full of detail. It has a wide viewing angle, narrow borders and anti-glare treatment. What it lacks is a DVD drive but most people won’t miss this. This also means the device is compact, no bigger than your standard 21.5-inch monitor leaving plenty of space around the desk.

Features and Details

21.5-inch LCD Full HD 1920 x 1080p Anti-glare Display
AMD A9-9425 Processor (Dual-core 3.1 GHz / 3.7 GHz 1MB cache)
8GB DDR4 memory and 1TB HDD storage
Web cam, SD card reader, Dual speakers

5. Lenovo IdeaCentre 520 All-in-One PC 21.5-inch AMD A9

Another AMD A9 entry, this time from Lenovo. The processor that is powering this unit is slightly slower. The AMD A9-9420 Processor is also a dual core CPU but has a base frequency of 3.0 GHz that can be boosted to 3.6GHz when needed. The performance is also hampered by smaller memory. While it can be upgraded to 8GB RAM, it only comes with 4GB DDR4 memory. The 21.5-inch LCD display supports Full HD resolution at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Apart from the 3-in-1 memory card reader, it has an onboard DVD drive and a 720p web cam that can be hidden when not in use.

Overall, very nice design with large screen, adequate performance and good value for money. It does tend to be a little noisy when the fan kicks in and will need more memory to run multiple applications or tab browsers simultaneously.

Features and Details

21.5-inch LCD Full HD 1920 x 1080
AMD A9-9420 Processor (Dual Core 3.0GHz / 3.6GHz)
4GB RAM memory and 1TB HDD (7200rpm) storage
DVD drive, 3-in-1 memory card reader, 720p pop up web cam

6. Acer C22 All-in-One PC 21.5-inch Intel Core i3

Amazing and surprisingly bright display, stylish design with edge to edge screen with only 8mm bezel and the convenience of an all-in-one PC is what the Acer Aspire C22 is all about. Even with Full HD 21.5-inch display, the Intel Core i3-8130U dual core processor manages a responsive computing experience and lets you handle everyday tasks.

It will however take a little longer to boot up unlike machines with SSD storage. Once up, you can be sure that it will run smoothly. If you are after a bigger machine, the Acer C24 with 23.8-inch display is available with the same processor, 8GB of memory and 1TB Hard Disk Drive, all in that stylish silver chassis with moveable web cam.

Details and Features

21.5-inch LED Full HD 1920 x 1080 display
Intel® Core™ i3-8130U Processor (Dual-core, 2.2GHz / 3.4GHz, 4MB Cache)
8GB DDR4 memory (16GB maximum), 1TB HDD
1.0MP web cam, wireless keyboard and mouse, SD card reader

7. HP 22 All-in-One PC 21.5-inch Intel Core i3

This is the smaller of the two All-in-One PCs from HP. The HP 22 and HP 24 use the same design, processor, memory and storage. The only difference is that which is staring at you, the screen. The HP 22 has a smaller 21.5-inch display but offers plenty of brightness and detail. The IPS Panel displays images and videos in Full HD resolution.

Our HP 22 is powered by a relatively fast Intel Core i3-8130U with a boost speed of up to 3.4GHz. It is paired with a small 4GB RAM memory but can be upgraded to 8GB. HP combines this memory with 16GB Intel Optane memory accelerator. For storage, it uses a generous 1TB Hard Disk Drive. If you are tight for space and loves the HP’s Snow White design, the HP 22 is designed for you.

Features and Details

21.5-inch IPS LCD Full HD 1920 x 1080p WLED backlight
Intel® Core™ i3-8130U Processor (Dual Core 2.2GHz/3.4Ghz 4MB Cache)
4GB DDR4 (2400MHz) memory augmented with 16GB Intel Optane memory accelerator
DTS Studio Sound with front facing speakers, DVD drive and 3-in-1 memory card reader

8. Dell Inspiron 22 3000 All-in-One PC Intel Core i3

Apart from AMD processors, the Dell Inspiron 22 3000 can also be configured with Intel Pentium 4415U, Intel Core i3-8145U or Intel Core i5-8265U. To keep the cost down, our next Dell Inspiron 22 3000 comes with Intel Core i3 processor. The dual core processor has a base frequency of 2.1GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9GHz with 4MB cache. With a generous 8GB DDR4 RAM memory and 1TB 5400rpm Hard Disk Drive for storage, this makes the Inspiron 22 3000 an all round machine for study and play.

Features and Details

21.5-inch LCD Full HD 1920 x 1080p Anti-glare Display
8th Generation Intel® Core™ i3-8145U Dual Core Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.9 GHz)
8GB DDR4 memory and 1TB HDD storage
Web cam, SD card reader, Dual speakers

9. Acer C24 All-in-One PC 21.5-inch Intel Core i3 – BIGGER DISPLAY

The bigger Acer Aspire C24 shares the same parts and design with the smaller Acer Aspire C22 down to the processor, memory and storage. The difference apart from the display is that the Aspire C24 can be had with a faster Intel Core i5 processor. But, to keep the cost down which is what this list is all about, we have gone for the Intel Core i3 model.

Powered Intel® Core™ i3-8130U Processor with 8GB of RAM memory and 1 TB of Hard Disk Drive storage, this is an everyday machine and will tackle a wide range of tasks. It not only works great but the 90% screen-to-ratio achieved with a borderless 23.8-inch Full HD screen makes the Acer C24 looks great too.

Features and Details

23.8-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel LED display
Intel® Core™ i3-8130U Processor (Dual-core, 2.2GHz / 3.4GHz, 4MB Cache)
8GB DDR4 RAM memory, 1TB HDD
Pop-up 1MP web cam, wireless mouse and keyboard

10. HP 24 All-in-One PC 23.8-inch Intel Core i3 – BIGGER DISPLAY

This HP 24 All-in-One PC is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i3-8130U processor. While the memory is on the small side, at 4GB RAM, it is supplemented with a generous 16GB Intel Optane memory accelerator. This makes loading frequently used apps and files faster. It does this by caching files, programs and apps in the flash memory and calls it up quickly when it is needed.

The big 23.8-inch display doesn’t disappoint either as it displays images and videos in Full HD resolution. This display is sleek and ultraslim bezel. Even the top bezel is just about as thick as the web cam which by the way has a dedicated switch to turn it off for privacy reasons. Elsewhere, there are plenty of ports, a DVD drive and a 3-in-1 memory card reader. However, it doesn’t support HDMI in to act as a monitor.

This computer is fast and the design has such clean lines it feels like a fresh computer every time I use it. Available only in Snow White, it may not stay white long especially with grubby hands and fingers around.

Features and Details

23.8-inch IPS LCD Full HD 1920 x 1080p WLED backlight
Intel® Core™ i3-8130U Processor (Dual Core 2.2GHz with turbo boost to 3.4GHz, 4MB Cache)
4GB RAM with 16GB Intel Optane memory
1TB HDD storage
Front firing DTS Studio Sound, DVD drive, 3-in-1 memory card reader