Tag: all in one

HP Envy Move Review – A Versatile All-In-One Desktop

I recently had the opportunity to review the HP Envy Move, a unique all-in-one PC that stands out from others in this market segment. This device is not just a Windows PC; it’s also a portable display with a built-in battery, making it versatile for various settings, such as educational environments or for those who need a computer on the go. You can see it in action in my latest review.

Pricing varies based on configuration and retailer promotions, but a decently equipped one will run $900. You can find and customize one here at HP (compensated affilate link). My review loaner featured an i5-1335U processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage. The base model starts at under $800, offering lower specifications. One key aspect to note is that while the storage is upgradable, the RAM is not.

Its portability is a significant differentiation from other all-in-one PCs, weighing in at 4.1 kg (or 9 lbs). The bottom foot stands automatically flip out when placed on a surface and retract when picked up. The handle is magnetic, attaching to the back when not in use, and there’s a pouch for storing the included trackpad and keyboard.

The Envy Move boasts a 23.8-inch Quad HD 1440p touch display with 300 nits of brightness. The touch functions only work when the PC is active device and will not work with other devices.

The keyboard is comfortable to type on, resembling HP’s laptop keyboards. The integrated trackpad is accurate and feels similar to those on HP laptops too. But, it’s powered by AAA batteries, so keeping spares or opting for rechargeables might be wise.

The 1440p webcam at the top supports Windows facial recognition and can detect your presence, locking the screen or putting the PC to sleep when you walk away. However, the fixed position of the webcam and the height of the display vs. a laptop means you can’t adjust the camera angle, which could be a drawback for some users.

It features only two USB ports on the left hand side of the unit: a larger USB-A port and a USB Type-C port that supports external displays. On the right hand side there’s an HDMI port that is input-only, meaning it can’t be used for video capture or as an output.

Performance-wise, the HP Envy Move does well with the types of tasks it was designed for. Web browsing is smooth, and it handles basic tasks like word processing efficiently. For video editing, it manages well with basic projects but might struggle with more demanding tasks.

Gaming on the HP Envy Move is possible, but it’s not its primary function. You can play less demanding games at lower settings, but don’t expect a high-end gaming experience. I was able to get Red Dead Redemption 2 to play but I had to adjust the resolution down to 720p at the lowest settings.

One downside I encountered was the inability to run Linux on this device, which might be a deal-breaker for some users. Hopefully, a future BIOS update might address this issue as I couldn’t get it to boot off an external drive even after disabling secure boot.

Overall, the HP Envy Move is an innovative and versatile all-in-one PC. Its portability, combined with the functionality of a PC and a monitor, makes it a unique offering in the market.

Disclosure: This was not a sponsored review. HP provided the PC on loan for the purposes of this review. HP did not review or approve my review before it was uploaded.

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Review

I recently had the opportunity to review the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i, a large 31.5″ all-in-one Intel PC. This device, loaned to me by Lenovo, boasts a 4K display and is powered by a 14-core Intel i9-13900H processor. It’s a machine that combines aesthetics with performance, catering to a specific market segment that values simplicity and design in their computing experience. You can see my full review here.

The Yoga AIO 9i is priced around $1,600 (compensated affiliate link), but that price may vary with frequent sales.

It’s equipped with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and 512 GB NVMe storage, though most models available online offer 1 TB. The display, an impressive 31.5-inch 4K IPS screen, offers 100% sRGB coverage and 495 nits of brightness, making it suitable for light video and photo editing tasks. However, it’s worth noting that the display is fixed at a certain height, which might require adjustments to your workspace for optimal viewing.

Port-wise, the Yoga AIO 9i includes a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports, including a USB 4 port. However, the USB 4 port operates at a slower 20 Gbps, which might limit its use with high-performance external devices. Both USB ports can output video along with an HDMI output. Unfortunately the AIO lacks a video input so its large display can only display content from the attached PC.

One of the USB-A ports will be taken up by the dongle for the keyboard and mouse – although both can operate via bluetooth instead. The included keyboard and mouse are basic transportation but functional.

A unique feature is the Qi wireless phone charger integrated into the base, allowing for convenient charging of compatible devices.

In terms of performance, the Yoga AIO 9i is quite capable. Web browsing and media consumption are smooth, thanks to the powerful processor. For video editing, the machine handles basic tasks well, but its lack of a discrete GPU means it’s not suited for more intensive editing work that might require 3D rendering and color grading. Gaming performance is modest; you can play many popular titles at lower resolutions and settings, but don’t expect high-end gaming prowess.

The speakers deliver a decent audio experience, suitable for music, movies, and calls. Large computers like this tend to do better with audio as there’s more room for larger speakers and air chambers.

The machine’s thermal management is impressive, maintaining performance under load while keeping fan noise minimal.

For those interested in alternative operating systems, the Yoga AIO 9i runs Linux distributions like Ubuntu smoothly, making it a versatile choice for different user preferences.

In summary, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i is a well-performing, aesthetically pleasing all-in-one PC. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a large, vibrant display and a clutter-free setup. While it may not satisfy the needs of high-end gamers or professional video editors, it’s good for everyday computing, light creative work, and media consumption for those looking for a simplified PC for the home or office.

Disclosure: This computer was loaned to the channel by Lenovo. They did not sponsor this review nor did they review or approve the content before it was uploaded.