​HP Envy Curved All-in-One 34

If Windows all-in-one PCs are more your speed, be sure to consider the Envy Curved AIO 34. Its massive 34-inch screen has a slight curve to make all of its 4K display easier to see without having to swing your head around. The AIO 34 also has a Qi-compatible charging pad built right into its base, so you can charge your wireless devices simply by setting them on your PC.

MSRP: $1,729

CNET Review: HP Envy Curved All-in-One 34 (2017) review: An ugly-duckling desktop becomes a swan

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.4/10

​Falcon Northwest Tiki

Companies with plans to develop VR applications should check out the Tiki–at least if CNET’s review is any indication. CNET called the Tiki the most powerful VR-ready PC it’s tested, which makes sense given its impressive hardware specs.

It’s also ridiculously small, which is great for offices where space is at a premium but high performance is essential.

MSRP: $4,900

CNET Review: Falcon Northwest Tiki review: A compact powerhouse for virtual reality

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.6/10

​Apple Mac Mini

The high price of an Apple desktop can be prohibitive for many companies, especially when a lot of workstations need to be ordered. The Mac Mini exists to fill the gap between high-performance desktop and MacBook, and it does so quite well.

You’ll need to buy the peripherals to attach to the Mac Mini (it only comes with the computer itself), but the whole setup will still be a lot cheaper than an iMac while still delivering the macOS experience.

MSRP: $499

CNET Review: Apple Mac Mini (2014) review: Apple’s most affordable Mac

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10

​Origin PC Chronos

VR-ready computers can be expensive (see the Falcon Northwest Tiki), but you don’t have to shell out $5,000 to get a computer capable of developing VR software. The Origin PC Chronos may not perform as insanely well as the Tiki, but it’s more than capable of getting the job done for VR developers looking for a better deal.

MSRP: $1,349

CNET Review: Origin PC Chronos review: A compact powerhouse for VR gaming

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.4/10

​HP Elite Slice

Mini desktops, like the Mac Mini, have their place both in the enterprise and home offices. CNET said the HP Elite Slice is great for the work-at-home crowd, so if that’s you this might be the mini PC you’re looking for.

The HP Elite Slice is designed to fill two niches that business professionals need covered: Desktop PC and conference call hub. That’s right–the Slice can be connected to a phone line and used to make hands-free calls as well as being a workstation. It’s perfect for those who spend a lot of time on the phone for business, and could also be a fantastic conference room hub PC.

MSRP: $699

CNET Review: HP Elite Slice review: A dapper desktop with perks for the work-at-home crowd

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10

SEE: Special report: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet) | Download the free PDF version (TechRepublic)

​Dell OptiPlex 5260

All-in-ones seem to be the future of desktop PCs (at least in the professional world), and the OptiPlex 5260 from Dell is just one more example of this popular form factor.

The OptiPlex has some stand-out hardware for its price, and also comes with a webcam that pops out of the top of its body–perfect for conference calls with added privacy when the cam isn’t in use.

MSRP: $949

ZDNet Review: Dell OptiPlex 5260 review: Compact business AIO with strong performance at a competitive price

ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 9.0/10

​Lenovo ThinkCentre M910Z

Lenovo’s entry into the all-in-one field, the ThinkCentre M910Z, isn’t trying to be a powerhouse PC in a compact design. As ZDNet puts it, “the M910z simply aims to provide a good all-round office PC at a competitive price.”

The M910Z is great for an office PC, largely in part because of how flexible its positioning is–it has a flexible stand that allows it to be moved into a comfortable position for workers of any height.

MSRP: $809.10

ZDNet Review: Lenovo ThinkCentre M910z AIO review: Unassuming design, strong performance for the price

ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10

​Boston Venom EPYC Workstation

AMD’s EPYC CPUs are powerful, and this workstation from Boston can handle up to 64 cores worth of them (that’s two 32-core processors). Professionals who need a lot of multi-threaded power will find Boston’s Venom EPYC a very interesting possibility.

MSRP: Built-to-order ZDNet review model valued at $13,594

ZDNet Review: Boston Venom EPYC Workstation review: Price/performance equation adds up for multi-threaded applications

ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 8.5/10

​Microsoft Surface Studio

Creatives who work with Microsoft products likely use a Surface tablet or laptop, so why not go all-in and opt for the desktop Surface Studio? The Surface Studio is an all-in-one that can function as a desktop by raising its adjustable arms, or as a giant 28-inch drawing surface by lowering it down to an angle similar to that of a drafting table.

MSRP: $2,999

ZDNet Review: Microsoft Surface Studio review: An appealing all-in-one for creatives, but the price is high

ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 7.5/10

​HP Z2 Mini G3

Mini PCs are great, but the low profile often means sacrificing hardware quality. ZDNet said that isn’t the case with the Z2 Mini G3, which it said delivers workstation-level performance in a mini-PC form factor.

The Mini G3 even has the ability to connect six monitors at once–perfect for multi-screen setups.

MSRP: $972.17

ZDNet Review: HP Z2 Mini G3 Workstation review: Power in a pint-sized package

ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10

​Intel Compute Stick Core m3

It might be odd to see the Intel Compute Stick in a list of best desktop workstations, but it deserves a mention, especially for professionals who are on-the-go but want a desktop experience.

The newest version of the Compute Stick has a Core m3 processor, giving it a lot more power than previous versions. Users just need to stick it into a monitor, connect a keyboard and mouse, and they’re ready to do all the (basic) computing they need. Compute Sticks are also great for customer-accessible kiosks and shared workstations.

MSRP: $410

CNET Review: Intel Compute Stick (Core m3) review: The most powerful stick PC yet

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10

​HP Sprout Pro G2

tIf your job entails scanning 2D and 3D objects, the HP Sprout Pro G2 is the desktop computer for you. Not only does it have built-in scanning technology, it also has a projector, a stylus-enabled touch mat for manipulating virtual scanned objects, and cameras.

tAs CNET said, it’s essentially a one-stop shop for 3D printing–just add printer.

tMSRP: $4,439.

Also see

• t
  • Hardware purchasing task list (Tech Pro Research)
  • Microsoft’s got a new plan for managing Windows 10 devices for a monthly fee (ZDNet)
  • The most popular Linux desktop programs are… (ZDNet)

t

• • Tech budgets 2018: A CXO’s guide (PDF) (TechRepublic)

t

• • How to calculate depreciation on computer hardware: A cheat sheet (TechRepublic)

t

• Computer hardware depreciation calculator (Tech Pro Research)
• Desktop Reviews (CNET)

tNote: TechRepublic, CNET, ZDNet, and Tech Pro Research are CBS Interactive properties.