Si x ways to get more from your AIO

01 Impro ve your workspace

We’ve already talked about raising the screen to your eye level, but you can do more. If you’re using an AIO for work, ensure that your desktop is at the right height, and employ a decent, properly adjusted office chair. Consider a standing desk, too – the compact form of an AIO is perfect if you’re lacking surface area.

02 Keep it clean

All-in-ones are usually designed with size rather than good airflow in mind. To extend the lifespan of your AIO, careful, periodic cleaning is imperative. The combination of a good battery-powered vacuum and a can of compressed air to clear the vents is your best friend.

03 Upgrade at source

If you can afford it, up the specs when you buy. The difference between 8GB and 16GB RAM isn’t massive in practice, but it’s likely to make even more difference over the next few years, and a bigger hard drive or SSD will surely come in handy.

04 Don ’t stress it

Be wary of over-exerting your AIO, and particularly be careful of pushing speakers too hard. We’ve had old iMacs suffer completely destroyed audio outputs after they operated as media centres for too long.

05 Use USB-C

USB Type- C isn’t just the flavour of the moment – it’s ridiculously speedy. Paying just a little extra for USB- C devices (or the intercompatible Thunderbolt 3, in the case of the Apple iMac) is really worth it.

06 Bin the periphera ls

Bundled peripherals are all well and good, but even Apple’s default Magic Keyboard and Mouse could be done better. Decent wired peripherals, particularly a quality mechanical keyboard, will make your wrists thank you in the end.