In general I avoid reviewing Windows-based computers because they get so much coverage and because I'm a longtime Apple user.
So when I was offered a chance to check out the new HP Spectre ONE (23-e010se) all-in-one desktop PC, I looked it up online before accepting. It's hard to not compare it to an iMac, so I had to get ahold of one.Besides the Windows 8 operating software, packed inside this gem is an Intel Core i5-3470T dual-core processor with 2.9GHz, a 1-terabyte (5,400 rpm) hard drive and 10 gigabytes of RAM on my unit.Before I even plugged it in, I admired its 23.6-inch LED-backlit display (not a touch screen), which is slightly less than a half-inch thick and is home to the computer itself. Like its competitors, HP had to eliminate something to get it so thin, so you'll have to use an external optical drive to use or burn CDs and DVDs.The entire system has just one wire, the power cable, which plugs into the back of the display stand. All the accessories are wireless and work with a USB dongle under the display in a live USB port.The keyboard, mouse and trackpad each use a pair of AA batteries. Hit the connect button on each device and from there it's almost plug and play.Windows goes through a short startup and connects to your Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) network, or you can plug in a network cable at the back of the monitor. On the back of the monitor base are a pair of USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, power and a Kensington lock. A pair of USB 3.0 ports are on the right-hand side, and an SD card reader and headphone port are on the left.An HP TrueVision HD webcam is built into the front of the display. Inside is Bluetooth. You really can't get a clearer display than this 1080p, and the sound, which is listed as Beats audio, is great.Even with the latest Windows, it seems like a chore to a Mac user to do anything. But after a few days on the Spectre One, you could call this a fun HP.www.hp.com starting at $1,299.99All-in-one printerThe Epson WorkForce WF-3540 is another in what seems like a never-ending line of all-in-one desktop printers for homes and small businesses.Regardless of brand, we all feel the same way about the cost of ink. So look at the features of a printer when choosing what to buy. This one has everything, including Epson Connect, which allows you to print digital files (emails, photos, documents) from anywhere.With mobile apps, Apple devices and other computers, tablets and smartphones can be linked to print on the 3540.The printer is a bit bulky (17.7 by 22.2 by12.1 inches), so it takes up a little more space then the average ink jet printer. But all-in-one buys you printing, copy, scan and fax. For most, printing is the key feature, and this one does plenty.Among the features: double-sided printing, 500-sheet capacity and 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD. It's rated at 15 pages a minute for one-sided printing in black, and 9.3 a minute in color.A four-color ink system (black, cyan, yellow and magenta) comes in high-capacity sizes. Prints come out dry and smudge-free.Scans (up to 2,400 dpi) can save as PDFs that are text-searchable and can be saved to a flash drive in the USB port. It handles single pages and can use a 30-sheet document feeder. And it prints envelopes.The device features an Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi for Mac or PC. A card reader allows direct access to files on removable media.Faxing: that's so yesterday, but the 3450 will take care of it if needed.www.Epson.com $149Portable power optionsWith portable electronics growing fast, I could write every week about portable power options to keep your devices running. This week's entry is the pocket-size FatCat mPower Travel Charger Series.Chargers come in various colors, but most important are the size choices: 2,000, 4,200 or 9,600 mAH. About those numbers: Bigger is better. You can charge most any portable USB-powered device at least twice. The biggest model can revive a mobile phone as many as eight times.Power-hungry tablets such as the iPad need the 9,600-mAH model.www.fatcatgear.com Powerbar 2000mAH $49.95, 4200 $69.95 and 9600 $119.95Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
