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Style or Substance? Why Not Both? The Averatec All-in-One
When considering a new computer for the office, function usually wins over style. After all, the computer is something you use every day regardless of what it looks like.
But if function was the only thing that mattered, we'd all be driving Yugos.
Luckily, the All-In-One desktop computer line from Averatec (www.averatec.com; part of the TriGem company) offers the best of both worlds when it comes to a functional PC that looks sleek and marvelous sitting on a desk.
Apple's iMac has become the iconic symbol of the “all-in-one” desktop computer where the entire PC is built into a single unit ' negating the need to have the monitor (on the desk) separate from the rectangular base (usually on the floor). Other computer manufacturers have tried to follow Apple's lead, and some have succeeded in offering a competent Windows equivalent.
All-In-One and One for All
Averatec offers several models of their All-In-One PCs, ranging in size from 18.4″ to 25.5″. The bigger the monitor, the larger the price tag. This review focuses on the least expensive, first-generation 18.4″ model which features a moderately powered Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.6 GHz), 1GB RAM, and a 160GB hard drive.
Those specifications aren't that impressive until you actually see the Averatec All-In-One in person. The entire unit is encased in a glossy, piano-black finish, with the main focus on the 18.4″ flat panel monitor. The screen is attached to a base about the size of a hardcover novel, which is where the innards of the computer live. All of the components are built into the base, eliminating the need for a separate, bulky box.
The Averatec All-In-One is truly appealing in appearance, and packs plenty of power to run office software suites, e-mail, and the Internet. That encompasses about 98% of what most people in a law office use a computer for every day, which is why I highly recommend looking at the Averatec All-In-One for the extraordinary low price of $549 (and it can be found for even less at many online retailers).
The expansive 18.4″ display was impressive from the first moment I turned the unit on. It features a 1680 x 945 resolution and there is plenty of space for a couple of documents to comfortably sit side-by-side.
The display also features an integrated Webcam at the top center of the display, which can be useful for video conferencing over Skype or the included software. The All-In-One also has built-in speakers and a microphone to accommodate any communication activities or media entertainment.
Even though the Averatec All-In-One is not a laptop, it includes built-in Wi-Fi. That means you don't have to run a separate Ethernet cable from your network router for Internet access. You can simply turn the PC on and it will connect to an available Wi-Fi network. That's one less wire you need to worry about.
The All-In-One comes with a USB keyboard and USB mouse, both of which are functional and usable. However, I would recommend spending a few extra dollars somewhere to get a good wireless keyboard and wireless mouse so that you can eliminate those wires as well. The All-In-One seems to beg for a clutter-free and wire-free desktop.
Plug It in and
Hang It on the Wall
The base of the Averatec All-In-One features three USB ports, an Ethernet port (in case you don't want to use Wi-Fi) and jacks for headphones and an external microphone. There is also a VGA port if you want to connect a second monitor and a memory card reader that is very convenient (for MMC or SD memory cards). Lastly, a CD/DVD burner is included on the right side of the base.
The power, volume, and brightness buttons are located on the front of the base ' there are no buttons on the display to keep the smooth profile. My only complaint is that these buttons on the base are a little hard to see under the roof of the base, and I often hit the wrong button.
The display of the Averatec All-In-One can tilted all the way back so that it can lie flat on top of the base. That feature is ridiculous if the All-In-One sits on a desk, but it does mean the flattened unit can be mounted on a wall. You can have a fully functional computer on your wall, complete with Internet access through Wi-Fi. As long as you can find a way to hide the power cord and buy a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, you can enjoy a wall-mounted PC.
While I appreciated the fact that the display can tilt backwards and forwards, I was a little disappointed that you can't twist it side to side. I sometimes like to show my screen to a visitor sitting on the other side of my desk, and there's no easy way to do that without twisting the entire display and base unit together.
The components found in the Averatec All-In-One are more commonly found in the popular “netbooks” today, which is one reason why the 18.4″ All-In-One is so affordable. This base-model version of the All-In-One comes pre-installed with Windows XP Home Edition since the PC won't run Windows Vista adequately on the included processor. Higher-end All-In-One models offer more power, but you'll pay for it and probably don't need it.
As I mentioned already, there is plenty of power inside the All-In-One to support the majority of computing activities in a law office. I envision the Averatec All-In-One as a perfect (and inexpensive) desktop computer for an assistant or a receptionist in an office. It looks impressive, and will modernize any stuffy old desk.
Brett Burney is Principal of Burney Consultants LLC, where he works with law firms and corporations on managing electronic data for litigation matters. He is a member of this newsletter's Board of Editors and a frequent contributor to Law.com and Law Technology News magazine. He can be reached at [email protected]. Visit his blog at www.ediscoveryinfo.com.
When considering a new computer for the office, function usually wins over style. After all, the computer is something you use every day regardless of what it looks like.
But if function was the only thing that mattered, we'd all be driving Yugos.
Luckily, the All-In-One desktop computer line from Averatec (www.averatec.com; part of the TriGem company) offers the best of both worlds when it comes to a functional PC that looks sleek and marvelous sitting on a desk.
All-In-One and One for All
Averatec offers several models of their All-In-One PCs, ranging in size from 18.4″ to 25.5″. The bigger the monitor, the larger the price tag. This review focuses on the least expensive, first-generation 18.4″ model which features a moderately powered Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.6 GHz), 1GB RAM, and a 160GB hard drive.
Those specifications aren't that impressive until you actually see the Averatec All-In-One in person. The entire unit is encased in a glossy, piano-black finish, with the main focus on the 18.4″ flat panel monitor. The screen is attached to a base about the size of a hardcover novel, which is where the innards of the computer live. All of the components are built into the base, eliminating the need for a separate, bulky box.
The Averatec All-In-One is truly appealing in appearance, and packs plenty of power to run office software suites, e-mail, and the Internet. That encompasses about 98% of what most people in a law office use a computer for every day, which is why I highly recommend looking at the Averatec All-In-One for the extraordinary low price of $549 (and it can be found for even less at many online retailers).
The expansive 18.4″ display was impressive from the first moment I turned the unit on. It features a 1680 x 945 resolution and there is plenty of space for a couple of documents to comfortably sit side-by-side.
The display also features an integrated Webcam at the top center of the display, which can be useful for video conferencing over Skype or the included software. The All-In-One also has built-in speakers and a microphone to accommodate any communication activities or media entertainment.
Even though the Averatec All-In-One is not a laptop, it includes built-in Wi-Fi. That means you don't have to run a separate Ethernet cable from your network router for Internet access. You can simply turn the PC on and it will connect to an available Wi-Fi network. That's one less wire you need to worry about.
The All-In-One comes with a USB keyboard and USB mouse, both of which are functional and usable. However, I would recommend spending a few extra dollars somewhere to get a good wireless keyboard and wireless mouse so that you can eliminate those wires as well. The All-In-One seems to beg for a clutter-free and wire-free desktop.
Plug It in and
Hang It on the Wall
The base of the Averatec All-In-One features three USB ports, an Ethernet port (in case you don't want to use Wi-Fi) and jacks for headphones and an external microphone. There is also a VGA port if you want to connect a second monitor and a memory card reader that is very convenient (for MMC or SD memory cards). Lastly, a CD/DVD burner is included on the right side of the base.
The power, volume, and brightness buttons are located on the front of the base ' there are no buttons on the display to keep the smooth profile. My only complaint is that these buttons on the base are a little hard to see under the roof of the base, and I often hit the wrong button.
The display of the Averatec All-In-One can tilted all the way back so that it can lie flat on top of the base. That feature is ridiculous if the All-In-One sits on a desk, but it does mean the flattened unit can be mounted on a wall. You can have a fully functional computer on your wall, complete with Internet access through Wi-Fi. As long as you can find a way to hide the power cord and buy a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, you can enjoy a wall-mounted PC.
While I appreciated the fact that the display can tilt backwards and forwards, I was a little disappointed that you can't twist it side to side. I sometimes like to show my screen to a visitor sitting on the other side of my desk, and there's no easy way to do that without twisting the entire display and base unit together.
The components found in the Averatec All-In-One are more commonly found in the popular “netbooks” today, which is one reason why the 18.4″ All-In-One is so affordable. This base-model version of the All-In-One comes pre-installed with Windows XP Home Edition since the PC won't run Windows Vista adequately on the included processor. Higher-end All-In-One models offer more power, but you'll pay for it and probably don't need it.
As I mentioned already, there is plenty of power inside the All-In-One to support the majority of computing activities in a law office. I envision the Averatec All-In-One as a perfect (and inexpensive) desktop computer for an assistant or a receptionist in an office. It looks impressive, and will modernize any stuffy old desk.
Brett Burney is Principal of Burney Consultants LLC, where he works with law firms and corporations on managing electronic data for litigation matters. He is a member of this newsletter's Board of Editors and a frequent contributor to Law.com and Law Technology News magazine. He can be reached at [email protected]. Visit his blog at www.ediscoveryinfo.com.
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