All-In-One Computers: The Next Wave of Desktops
When I talk to people about desktop computers, so often they’re still thinking of large boxes sitting on the floor with a lot of messy cables seemingly going everywhere, and a connected monitor sitting on the desk. But that image is mostly a thing of the past. Today’s desktops are smaller and sleeker, yet even more powerful and functional than the big boxes of the past.
When I talk to people about desktop computers, so often they’re still thinking of large boxes sitting on the floor with a lot of messy cables seemingly going everywhere and a connected monitor sitting on the desk. But that image is mostly a thing of the past. Today’s desktops are smaller, sleeker, yet even more powerful and more functional than the big boxes of the past.
Another big trend in desktops is the all-in-one (AIO) computer. More and more, traditional desktops are giving way to devices in which all the computer’s internal components are integrated together with the display in a single, neat, trim package. I like to say, "They’re not your mother’s desktop," because they’re truly the next wave of desktop computers. And the market for AIOs is growing fast—more than 20 percent in the first half of 2013, according to IDC, which makes it the fastest-growing desktop form factor in North America.
Why are AIOs so popular? I think a lot of it has to do with better cable management, saving space and the fact that they just look better. If you’re going to have a computer in a customer-facing area such as a lobby or kiosk, or even on an office desk, it makes sense to have it look as neat and professional as possible. And you can’t underestimate the convenience of a single piece of hardware vs. multiple pieces connected with wires.
Those aren’t the only reasons though. Virtually everyone is now using touch screens on smartphones, tablets and even laptops, so why not on a desktop computer, too? AIOs give you the option to use touch. You don’t have to use it, but if it’s important to your customers, AIOs make it available.
It’s clear that AIOs are an attractive desktop option, as the market growth is proving. So let’s look at what Lenovo brings to the table, because we have three main advantages over our competition: quality, security and manageability.
Unlike some of our competitors who recycle consumer designs for commercial use, we designed our ThinkCentre All-In-Ones from the ground up with business customers in mind. And we don’t just assemble off-the shelf-hardware for our machines—we design our own systems in 46 world-class labs in the United States and Japan, employing more than 3,200 engineers, researchers and scientists. Our goal is to ensure Lenovo AIOs are better-engineered, perform to the highest standard and don’t break or fail. And we’re succeeding: According to a 2011 TBR study, Lenovo desktop systems had a failure rate 28 percent lower than our main competition.
With any business-class product, security is also a priority. So our AIOs feature USB port-disabling capability to ensure corporate data doesn’t leave the office. Our vPro-enabled models have a variety of security features embedded in the machines’ chipsets and other system hardware, which makes them less vulnerable to threats that affect the OS or hard drive.
Manageability used to be an issue with AIOs. Some users complained that even though their form factor is convenient, they were difficult to fix or upgrade because the cases were not designed to be easily accessed. That’s changed too. Most Lenovo AIO systems can now be easily repaired or upgraded, and some models even feature toolless access.
So what does Lenovo have to offer in All-In-Ones? Three business-class models—M73z, M93z and E93z. Together, they address the needs of virtually any business.
The M73z has a 20-inch screen and is available for as little as $679 in a Pentium version. Core i3 and Core i5 options are also available. The M93z has a larger 23-inch screen and starts at $1,269, with Core vPro options available for improved manageability, security and productivity.
My personal favorite is the E93z, which is a CES Design and Engineering Award winner. It’s super-sleek with a 21.5-inch Infinity display, and comes with a Core i processor and touch options. We think it’s a perfect fit for the SMB market, or anywhere a customer would want an elegant-looking machine with outstanding performance. The retail, hospitality, kiosk and education markets are all good fits for the E93z.
If you need more information, sales assets or training on Lenovo AIOs or any of our other products, just visit our partner portal.
Kevin Walker is North America Channel Marketing Manager at Lenovo. Guest blogs such as this one are part of The VAR Guy's annual platinum sponsorship.
