All in one computers are the new kids on the block, and, with their minimal and sleek design, they are making their desktop counterparts look outdated and bulky. With the addition of a touchscreen, all in ones are perfect for the creative individual, particularly if you are accustomed to using a smart phone or tablet. They also have a clear advantage over laptops –this being the screen size. If you buy an all in one computer you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck. For example, the Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook (laptop) is £599 and has a 14in screen, whereas the Inspiron One23 (all in one) is also £599 and has a 23in screen. It’s clear that all in one computers can offer you more for your money.

The big question on everybody’s lips, then, should be the following: “What’s the best all in one computer for web design?” Firstly, there is a lot of discussion about which is the best operating system to use – Linux, Windows or Mac? Truthfully, this isn’t really a matter worth debating, as the OS will not make a significant difference in terms of web design. Therefore, my advice would be to select the OS that you are most familiar with. The most important thing that you need to consider is RAM, for this is the central factor that is going to affect the performance of the computer. A standard recommendation would be to have 2GB of RAM to comfortably support the use of CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Flash, and PHP.

A second issue of contention in regards to web design is screen size. As previously mentioned, if you buy an all in one you can guarantee a large screen with high resolution (the Apple iMac offers 1920 x 1080). This is a definite benefit for your eyes, especially if you’re staring at code for long periods of time. However, there can be a disadvantage from a design perspective, as one tends to design in relation to the monitor. Thus, what may look great on your 26in monitor may not look so good on a standard 15in laptop. The advice of many web designers would therefore be to purchase an additional smaller monitor – however this can be quite a burden upon your wallet! Hence my advice would be to compromise, and buy a computer with a monitor that is large enough that you do not have to strain your eyes when working with code, and not too large that your design specs are affected; something around the 20in mark would be sufficient.

Based upon these two specifications, here is a succinct review of the three best all in one computers for web design:

Dell Inspiron One 2320

- Touch screen: Yes

- Monitor size: 23in

- RAM: 4GB

Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080

With 4GB of RAM this machine will be extremely comfortable multitasking and handling all your web design needs. The 4GB of RAM will also strongly facilitate the uploading of files onto your website, particularly .WMV or .MPG. The touch screen is a great creative feature, as it allows you to adopt a complete hands-on approach, and will make you feel like a real artist. An additional benefit of the touch screen is that it enables you to quickly move through a variety of open windows at once; this is an attribute that will definitely contribute to the efficiency of your work.

Acer Z5771

- Touch screen: Yes

- Monitor size: 23in

- RAM: 3GB

- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080

As with the Dell, this machine also possesses a 23in monitor, and where it might have 1GB less RAM than the Dell, it definitely makes up for that in more than one way. Firstly, it has HDMI output, therefore allowing you to connect an additional monitor if you wish to do so, thus giving you the option of having a large screen for working with code, and a smaller screen to view the site layout. Secondly, there’s the full HD screen, which will enable you to view and edit your website in the highest and sharpest quality. Lastly, there’s the DDR3 memory, meaning you’ll be able to multitask just as happily as with the Dell.

MSI Wind Top AE2050

Touch screen: Yes

Monitor size: 20.5in

RAM: 2GB

Screen resolution: 1600 x 900

Where this machine does have less RAM than both the Dell and Acer, it also has a screen size that is better suited to web design. It also must be noted that 2GB of RAM is still an ample amount to handle the running of web design programmes, such as the Adobe Creative Suite, without slowing down your computer. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, a 20in (or in this case a 20.5in) screen will be an ideal size so that you are not straining your eyes when working with code, yet will not compromise your work.