The first 10 apps to install on your brand-new Mac. Or video created or distributed for Windows and Unix variants, VLC is a one-stop shop. GraphicConverter has more in common with Photoshop.
Tom Brant The Best Desktop Computers for 2019 Packing more power and flexibility than laptops, and spiffier designs than ever, desktops (whether hulking towers or space-saving all-in-ones) still have loads of appeal. Check out our recent favorites, along with some in-depth shopping advice and deep-dive reviews.
Desktop PCs: All About the Power Why, given the advanced state of laptops, would you want to buy a desktop PC or Mac nowadays? Simply put: sheer muscle, and computing comfort. Some computing tasks mobile devices like laptops and tablets can't fulfill as well as the stalwart desktop. Desktop-class CPUs and graphics processors are simply more powerful than their mobile counterparts for the same money. They give you the grunt to finish whatever task you're working on in less time.
Your money goes further with desktop components in general, too, so instead of buying a $500 laptop with a competent Intel Core i3 processor, you can buy a $500 desktop with a powerful desktop CPU in it and maybe even squeeze in a dedicated graphics card. You can get desktops with screens that are already built in , or they can be connected externally to a. In either case, you'll get a bigger display than even the largest desktop-replacement, which tops out at about 18 inches in screen size.
Another plus is that expandable desktops can accommodate multiple graphics cards to support sky-high frame rates for competitive gaming or powering through the latest titles on super-fine 4K displays. For some sensitive situations, buying a desktop gives you physical control of the computer and its use. Limiting access to desktop PCs lets you control who sees confidential business data, and the combination of a desktop PC and a large screen means that parents can monitor what their children are doing online via a quick glance across the room.
Which OS: Windows 10, macOS, or 'Other'? Is one of the oldest in modern technology, and we're not going to pick a side here. But if you're of an open mind, not wedded to one or the other by years of habit, and are considering a switch, here's a quick rundown of your choices. Is the latest iteration of Microsoft's operating system. Desktops that use it and previous versions of the OS are what most people typically rely on, so you'll be assured of the best compatibility and widest selection of third-party software. This also applies to browser plug-ins, since some only work with Windows. The current version of Apple's operating system is.
It's an excellent choice if you're already in an Apple-centric household, since it interfaces seamlessly with devices like iPads and iPhones, with all your iTunes purchases and subscriptions, and lets you receive iMessages on any device connected to your iCloud account. Although it's less prevalent than Windows or macOS in desktop PCs, Google also has its own PC operating system, called Chrome OS. Many apps designed for Windows and macOS also have Chrome OS versions now, including the popular Microsoft Office suite. Many Chrome OS-powered PCs can also run any Android-based app available for download from the Google Play store, which means the OS can now run millions of smartphone apps. Laptops running Chrome OS, dubbed are easy to come by, but desktops running the OS ('Chromeboxes') are less common. Most of them are tiny, inexpensive PCs with small amounts of memory and storage. While it has many fans, Linux is more of a do-it-yourself operating system, where you'll have to rely on your own faculties for installation, sourcing programs, and support.
Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows are certainly easier choices if you simply want to buy a desktop and use it right away. You'll find a wide selection of Intel and AMD processors in this category, from the budget Intel Celeron and Pentium CPUs, up to the more expensive (and more powerful) Intel Core i3 or i5 and AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 processors.
You should look for at least 4GB of RAM (almost all desktop-size machines will have at least this much, at 8GB should really be your baseline), though you might have to make do with 2GB if you're limiting your search to very compact, extreme-budget sub-$300 machines. As for storage, a paltry 32GB of eMMC flash storage is found on the absolute least-expensive desktops.
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(These are all compact budget models, usually far smaller than a laptop.) But a 1TB hard drive is more prevalent as a baseline for larger desktops and a better option for most users. Midrange desktops will stay functional longer, thanks to more CPU power and speed, more memory for multitasking, roomier storage, or a larger built-in screen. You will have to make some sacrifices, but even demanding users will be able to find a midrange system that will last them at least five years. Look for a capable Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor in this class of machine, along with 8GB to 16GB of memory, and a 1TB hard drive or 256GB solid-state-drive (SSD) storage.
Some machines will offer both an SSD and a hard drive, with the SSD as the boot/program drive and the hard drive destined for mass storage. This is an ideal arrangement. High-end desktops offer top-of-the-line components, such as the latest CPUs that will give you all the power you need for multimedia projects, loads of storage (a 512GB SSD or a 1TB hard drive, but typically 2TB or more, sometimes in an SSD-and-hard-drive combination), 3D graphics capability for gaming, or a combination of all three. These high-performance machines typically start at $1,500, and can go up to $5,000 and beyond for workstations or gaming rigs with customized paint jobs and multiple GPUs. Expect to see Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPUs in the lower tiers here, and the very highest end populated by systems based on Intel Core X-Series and AMD Threadripper processors. While sticking to one of the three price ranges, we recommend that you buy just a little more than you need for the tasks you do now, if you can.
That way, you future-proof your purchase and won't have to shop for a replacement for a while. What Do You Need to Do? General-purpose desktops, which are the kind you typically see in retail stores, are well suited to general office tasks, surfing the internet, video conferencing, and the like. They're designed to be jacks-of-all-trades: good at most tasks, but rarely great at specialized functions such as multimedia creation or gaming.
Performance PCs, which include multimedia machines and workstations, will give you more power for complex creative or math and scientific projects. Faster processors with four, six, or even 18 cores make quick work of your tasks.
More RAM (8GB to 64GB) is installed, so you can keep larger images in memory for fast transformations while editing a video, rendering a 3D model, or processing a gigantic spreadsheet full of numbers you have to graph. You'll also find extra storage in the form of large hard drives and SSDs that will let you hold a multitude of work documents and program library files.
Are specialized machines made to do the heavy lifting of high-end media creation, scientific calculations, and strenuous work tasks that have razor-thin deadlines. You'll find multicore Intel Xeon processors and ISV-certified graphics solutions from AMD and Nvidia in this category, as well as the potential, in some cases, to install enormous amounts of special error-correcting (ECC) memory in excess of 64GB. Are typically utilitarian in appearance, but they offer work-friendly features such as easy serviceability and upgradability, extra security in the form of biometric sensors and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support, software/hardware certification programs such as Intel vPro, and software support. Some come with onsite tech support. Have even faster versions of the multicore processors found in the performance PCs. Plus, they have dedicated graphics cards, so you can smoothly view and interact with the virtual worlds that the game developers create. Flashy design elements like automotive paint, multiple graphics cards viewable through clear plastic or glass case doors, and elaborate liquid-cooling setups are available, for a price.
In earlier years, these kinds of options were typically only available from boutique PC makers such as Digital Storm, Maingear, and Origin PC, but many have filtered down into configurations from the major makers. Also, in gaming PCs, upgradability is almost (but not quite) a must-have.
The most expensive gaming systems can cost upward of $10,000, capable of giving you the ultimate gaming experience possible on a PC with multiple 1080p HD or 4K, or when using a VR headset like the or the. That said, even midrange gaming systems today in the low $1,000s can deliver a very satisfactory gaming experience with a single 1080p monitor or a VR headset. Sizing Up (or Down) the Chassis Desktops are no longer the uniform metal boxes that they used to be. Even certain relatively tiny PCs today can have built-in components that rival high-performance PCs of years past. Choosing one these days is a matter of space constraints and purpose.
If you live or work in truly cramped quarters, an ultra-small-form-factor (USFF) or small-form-factor (SFF) desktop is what you need. USFF (or mini) PCs take up the least amount of room, but don't have much expandability, if any at all. Even so, they contain a processor, memory, storage, and ports to hook up displays,. They are usually the most economical to buy and run, since they use power-saving components and processors.
The total volume of one of these systems is rarely larger than that of a small jewelry box. In recent years, we've seen PCs not much larger than USB flash drives, like the. These have the benefit of disappearing behind an HDMI-equipped monitor or HDTV. You may be limited to one or two configurations and will have to give up expandability and I/O port selection, but stick PCs and slightly larger mini desktops, like those in the Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) series and their ilk, are the most flexible way to play internet streaming media and access cloud computing in your living room or conference room. SFF desktops have more internal space, allowing you to attach additional hard drives and possibly even a gaming-grade graphics card.
You'll also find more powerful CPUs here, with their more strenuous cooling requirements. An will save you some space, since the display is built in. With a few exceptions for business-oriented all-in-ones, you will give up expandability compared with the traditional desktop, however. Most AIO screens come in sizes from 22 to 34 inches, and the top models support up to a 5K (5,120-by-2,880-pixel) native resolution. A 1,920-by-1,080-pixel screen is the mainstream-AIO norm, however, and some outliers have widescreen designs with resolutions that lie between 2,560 by 1,440 pixels and 4K (3,840 by 2,160).
Ready for Our Recommendations? We review hundreds of PCs every year at PC Labs, evaluating their features and testing their performance against peers in their respective categories. That way, you'll know which are best suited for gaming, which is our favorite general-purpose all-in-one, and which is the best if all you need is a small, powerful system you can get up and running quickly. We pull from our full range of desktops reviews for the frequently updated list below, and we include top-rated models from as many categories as possible.
These are our current favorites, but for a full feed of all of our very latest desktop reviews, check out our. Pros: Deep connectivity for its size, including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Memory is SO-DIMM, not soldered. Configurable up to six cores/12 threads. New storage (2TB) and RAM (64GB) ceilings. Top-notch pre-installed software.
Cons: RAM not technically a user upgrade. No option for a 2.5-inch hard drive as internal mass storage. Scanty SSD on base model. Bottom Line: Apple's iconic Mac mini compact desktop delivers more core-processing, storage, and memory potential than ever, in a polished box brimming with cutting-edge connectivity.
For a lot of people, the stock text messaging apps that come with their phone might be all they need to get by and communicate with the lot in their address book via text and pictures. The standard call feature might be all they need for talking, and Skype or FaceTime may satisfy their video-call needs. But for millions, and perhaps billions, these applications are not enough, either because of lack of features, weak integration, disagreeable style, or anything else a user can find unsatisfactory. There are plenty of options out there for people who want to get past the limitations or shortcomings of the stock communication apps. Some simply replicate the features but with a slightly different style or better function. Others wrap different communication methods into one system, making it easy to switch from texting to calling to video chat. Still others attempt to offer a novel form of communication.
Here, we’ll take a look at the world’s most popular over-the-top communication apps meant to cover for dull stock apps. Kik Kik is a messaging platform for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Unlike some of its competitors, it doesn’t feature voice calls, which may be one of its greater shortcomings. Still, it does have the ability to message anyone, anywhere, as long as both users have Kik. One special feature it has is a built-in web browser, allowing more seamless sharing of web content with friends. It claims to be the first messenger app with such a feature. Kik has been growing fast, as 50 million users in April of 2013 and 100 million users that same November.
Now it claims to have 120 million users, though RW reports a base of for the app. Whatever the case, the app is doing well for itself and likely to continue doing so. On Google Play, the app has a after over 839,000 votes.
Nimbuzz Founded in India, Nimbuzz is “” according to its app description on the Windows Phone app store, with support for Windows Phone, Windows, iOS, Mac OS, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian, and Java. On top of having text chat — with stickers — and high-definition voice calling, it also has chat rooms and an app-to-phone number calling service called NimbuzzOut. What may be one of the more standout features of Nimbuzz — and an uncommon one — is the support for communicating through other messaging clients within the app. If you want to talk to Facebook friends or Google+ contacts, Nimbuzz is able to do that on top of communicating with other Nimbuzz users.
With over 150 million users, it’s a solid pick for the most popular messaging apps. Tango Tango follows in the same vein as the others on this list, offering an over-the-top messaging service that includes text messaging — also with stickers — voice calls, and video calls. The platform also offers a sort of news feed for sharing content with all of your friends, akin to Facebook, plus it has a feature for finding people you may know.
To round it all out, it includes games that you can play with friends, in case conversation alone isn’t quite cutting it. Tango is available for iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Amazon devices, and Windows PC. It reports not only a large user base, but a fast growing one. In March of 2013, it had 100 million subscribed users, and one year later. It also reports having 70 million monthly active users. At this point, it may be useful to clarify the difference between some of these numbers. The number of subscribed users an app has shows how many people have downloaded and set up an account to use the app.
Some people may choose not to use the app after that. The number of monthly active users shows how many people actually use the app each month. Unfortunately, not all apps make both types of information known and it can be impossible to get a perfect comparison. For that reason, some of these apps may actually rank differently depending on what aspect is compared, though they all can still be regarded as the most popular apps around.
Viber Viber is a multi-platform app available for Windows, Windows Phone, Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Bada, and Nokia. It offers a simple communication through free text messages, photo messages, and calling as well as location sharing between Viber users over data connections. It also has a feature — like NimbuzzOut — for communicating with non-Viber users for a price through the ViberOut tool.
While Viber might not sound like it does much more than the stock suite of communication tools, the app claims, “ than a regular call,” on its FAQ page. Also, the ability to have unlimited calls and messaging to anyone, anywhere in the world as long as they also have Viber is a standout feature — albeit one that is ubiquitous in these popular communication apps. Viber reports having 200 million users in 193 countries, and according to Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers’s, it had 100 million monthly active users in 2013, earning it a high spot on this list. Snapchat This is one most of you will probably have already, or at least have heard about.
Is available for iOS and Android smartphones, but has limited specific version of the app for Android tablets, BlackBerry and Kindle devices, and Windows Phone are not available — though Snapchat is who wants support for what. This app is known for popularizing the ephemeral message, allowing users to send pictures, videos, and now even text messages that will disappear after a short amount of time.
Another feature allows users to create a set of images that they share with everyone for a longer amount of time. Though in its nature it may not be the best app for communicating, it offers a fun way to stay in touch with friends that’s a bit different from most of the other popular apps. Though data isn’t available on how many subscribed or active users are on Snapchat, KPCB’s Internet Trends report claims that 1.2 billion messages are sent in Snapchat every day — that figure includes “snaps sent per day and number of stories viewed per day.” More than 1.2 million users on Google Play have given it just over a 4-star rating, and the number of users that vote tends to be just a fraction of the actual number of users, so Snapchat could easily have over 100 million users if only 1 percent of users vote. KakaoTalk This Korean chat app takes messaging to the next level compared to Snapchat’s 1.2 billion messages per day.
KakaoTalk directed 5.2 billion messages per day in 2013, according to KPCB, and it’s been growing. From 2012 to 2013, its traffic grew by 24 percent. On its Google Play page, it claims to have. The service is widely available, running on iOS, Mac OS, Windows Phone, Windows, BlackBerry, Bada, and Asha. It offers a lot of what others do with free chat — again, with stickers, except these ones are animated — voice calls, and video calls. It also has a system to help people schedule events and vote on plans. It even includes games. Its quality stands up against critics, as more than 1.6 million users on Google have given it an average rating of 4.5 stars.
Line Once again, this is a communication app that offers all the typical accouterments of such an app. It has its video calls, its got the voice calls, and it has the text messaging, boasting over 10,000 stickers to round out the experience with thoroughly enjoyable characters display every conceivable emotion. The app also links to games connected games — often featuring the popular sticker characters — so users can enjoy more with their contacts. With the “Shake It” feature and QR codes, it’s also simple to add friends that aren’t already in your contacts. Like some others, it also has a newsfeed for easily updating everyone all at once. Starting in Japan and growing out to the rest of the world, Line has proved an incredibly popular communication app. It’s available on iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Asha, Firefox OS, Windows, and Mac OS — though some available services differ depending on operating system.
It claims over on it’s Google Play page and KPCB reports it had 280 million monthly active users in 2013 sending 10 billion messages per day. Over 3.1 million Android users have given it just over a 4-star rating. Disclaimer: I have used Line for just over 2 years now and vouch for it to my friends left and right.
Not that it matters, since this ranking is based on stats, not personal taste. WeChat It only makes sense that one of the biggest mobile communication apps in the world would be born from the biggest mobile market in the world — China. TenCent’s WeChat had 355 million monthly active users in 2013 according to KPCB. In it’s, TenCent reported that WeChat and Weixin — the Chinese version of the app — had 396 million monthly active users, which amounted to an 87 percent increase year on year, proving the still growing popularity of the app. WeChat is available for iOS, Mac OS, Android, Windows Phone, Nokia (S40 and Symbian), BlackBerry (OS 5.0, 6.0, and BB10), as well as through a browser. The app has chat and video calls that function like the others, though its voice chat is particularly different.
Instead of having a constantly streaming conversation, you send short voice messages — definitely helpful if you have a limited data plan. Like Line, it has a shake feature for easily connecting with new contacts. It also has a GPS-based friend finder for meeting new people nearby.
Also, similar to Nimbuzz, it has the ability to connect to Facebook. WhatsApp Apart from being the most popular app on this list, it may also be the most notorious. For one, its acquisition by for $16 billion drew a lot of attention.
Also, has done something the others haven’t: stopped being free. Though it’s free for the first year, it goes up to 99 cents per year after that. The app is available for Android smartphones, iOS, BlackBerry, Nokia (S40 and Symbian), and Windows Phone. Oddly, WhatsApp suffers from the same shortcoming as Kik — a lack of voice calling — though it does have voice messages. It’s gained great popularity as a chat app that functionally replaces SMS, while also being able to send group messages, pictures and videos, as well as GPS coordinates. WhatsApp knocks it out of the park in terms of usership. KPCB reported 400 million monthly active users and 50 billion messages per day for the app in 2013.
RW suggested 450 million registered users, and WhatsApp claims to have passed 500 million at the end of April, adding that 700 million photos and 100 million videos are sent everyday, not to mention all the chat messages. On Google Play, the app has over 13.2 million votes giving it just shy of a 5-star rating. If you’re looking to communicate with your friends with apps that have a little more to offer than the standard communication suite that came with your phone, look no further than these highly popular apps. You likely already have friends using them.
(This ranking is based on data compiled from the app makers, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers’s, and.) If you liked this story, to get more like it. More From Wall St. Cheat Sheet:.