Digital Home Thoughts: MSI's New Wind Top AE2070 All-in-One Computer

"One thing all-in-one PCs have over most desktops is that they simply look better. We've seen a lot of ugly tower systems, but relatively few AIOs that we'd qualify as eyesores. From what we can tell by viewing MSI's press photos, the company's new Wind Top AE2070 AIO doesn't buck the trend and is another classy edition to a growing number of AIO PCs. Touching it is optional."

I'm still using the Lenovo M90z all-in-one unit I reviewed last year - it's one of those long-term review deals - and it happily sits in my kitchen getting quite a bit of daily use. These types of systems are tremendously appealing for a wide number of users: they take up a small amount of space compared to a similar-sized monitor + desktop tower combination, and most importantly, offer a lower level of complexity in ownership. Sure, power users know that if the monitor goes, you lose the use of the computer as well (or vice-versa) but given the overall reliability of most systems today, I think that issue is relatively minor. The MSI Wind Top AE2070 offers a Core i3 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, a DVD burner, and the usual built-in stuff (WiFi, webcam, media card readers, etc.). No word on pricing yet, but given the small-ish 20 inch monitor, I'd guess we'd be looking at a $599 price point (or thereabouts).