The 9 best computers of 2017: the best PCs ranked

Although you’ll need a new motherboard if you plan on upgrading your CPU later this year when Intel Coffee Lake arrives, don’t discount buying a new computer off-the-shelf just yet. With plenty of great computers already here, there’s no need to keep waiting for something better.

All-in-ones, for instance, are now thinner and lighter than ever while traditional desktop towers are becoming increasingly more powerful solutions for both productivity and entertainment. And now, that even includes playing games discreetly using an Xbox One controller.

Though computers aren’t all as upgradeable as they once were, certain models can still be augmented with better parts down the line, although others are limited to what you get out of the box. Either way, these are the top 10 computers you can buy today.

• Dell XPS Tower Special Edition
• Surface Studio
• Apple iMac with 5K Retina display
• Apple iMac with 4K Retina display (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
• Apple Mac mini
• HP Pavilion Wave
• Dell XPS 27 AIO
• Intel Compute Stick (Core M)
• Asus VivoMini UN45

Though it may be disguised as an “ordinary” computer akin to what you’d find your parents using, the Dell XPS Tower Special Edition is a master of deception. Inside, you’ll find your choice of one of the latest high-end graphics card solutions from AMD or Nvidia in addition to a powerful Kaby Lake processor paired with plenty of storage, SSD and otherwise. It may not have “the look,” but this PC is capable of far more than basic word processing.

Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition

• This product is only available in the US. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Alienware Aurora R5.

Microsoft doesn’t seem to have a care in the world for what other hardware makers are doing, making the Surface Studio all the more glamorous as a result. Featuring Surface Pen support, it’s more than a basic productivity and entertainment machine. The PixelSense Display puts even most 4K screens to shame, while the fully-articulating stand makes it a versatile tool for work and play. All in all, the Surface Studio is an exceptional work of, and for, art.

Read the full review: Surface Studio

The iMac keeps it classy and, better yet, simple. Easy-to-use hardware combined with the famed accessibility of macOS makes for a nigh-perfect computing experience. A built-in screen, speakers and 802.11ac wireless networking are complemented by the fantastic Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2. Of course, trumpeting that gorgeous 5K screen, the iMac is sleek and, best of all, only requires a single cable to get up and running.

Read the full review: Apple iMac with 5K Retina display

When it comes to 21-inch screens, Apple knows that 4K is more than enough. That’s why the smaller rendition of the iMac sticks to a resolution of 4,096 x 2,304. Housed by a classic aluminum finish Mac lovers can’t live without, this all-in-one leaves plenty of room for trinkets and accessories. Like the 5K iMac, the Magic Mouse 2 (or Magic Trackpad 2 if you’re so inclined) is included along with the newest Magic Keyboard.

Read the full review: Apple iMac with 4K Retina display (21.5-inch, Late 2015)

The Mac mini exhibits the luxury of an Apple desktop without the extravagant price tag to match. Featuring an aluminum shell that’s both compact and simple, the Mac Mini is Apple at its most quintessential. And, while it hasn't been updated in quite some time on the hardware front, the Mac Mini's Haswell-based i5 processor still chugs along nicely. Combined with Iris Graphics onboard, the Mac Mini is arguably the best starting point for macOS newcomers.

Read the full review: Apple Mac mini

Developed in conjunction with Bang & Olufsen, the HP Pavilion Wave is one of the few PCs defined by its speaker system. Thanks to its quality-woven fabric chassis and Bluetooth audio output capabilities, the HP Pavilion Wave delivers high-fidelity sound in a form factor that resembles the Mac Pro, even if the specs are way off. The HP Pavilion Wave future-proofs itself with three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort and even a single USB Type-C port.

Read the first look: HP Pavilion Wave

Resting atop an articulating stand, the Dell XPS 27 AIO comprises a massive 4K Ultra HD touchscreen display with a whopping sextet of ear-numbing speakers. Not only is it attractive, but it’s also top-notch when it comes to delivering powerful specs. Whether you’re making your own beats or vibing out to someone else’s; watching films or editing them yourself, the Dell XPS 27 should be at the top of your list when shopping around for a new PC. 

Read the full review: Dell XPS 27 AIO

You wouldn’t assume a PC that’s the size of a flash drive to run Windows 10 almost seamlessly. This little computer that could does that and more, however, without wasting space in your living room or in a cabinet beneath your desk. Though we were admittedly disappointed by the initial run of Atom-equipped Intel Compute Sticks, now that you can choose between an Intel Core m3 or Core m5 chip, our qualms have been (mostly) assuaged. 

Asus is a unique hardware maker in that it offers a wide range of computers for every type of user. The Asus VivoMini UN65 specifically is designed for those yearning to keep their desktop in the living room. Although it doesn’t include an SSD, RAM or an operating system (you’ll have to install Windows 10 by yourself), once you do get it up and running, it’s dead silent and just as capable as some desktop towers multiple times its size.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

Contributer : Techradar - All the latest technology news http://ift.tt/1NDAkRR