My dad needed a new desktop PC - here's why this Dell was the smartest choice

pros and cons

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Reliable performance
• Strong speakers

Cons

• 1080p display
• Limited hardware

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A few weeks before writing this review, my dad asked me for a recommendation on a new computer. He's been using an aging Lenovo all-in-one (AiO) still running Windows 10, and it's clearly not as fast as it used to be. I told him I'd get back to him once I found something worthwhile, and I did: Dell's new 2026 24-inch All-in-One desktop.

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I really enjoyed testing this Dell machine. No, it's not the most powerful computer in the world. Plenty of systems will outperform it, but as an accessible all-in-one, it's easy to set up, delivers reliable performance, and comes with solid accessories. For all those reasons, it makes a good fit for anyone who wants a no-fuss office computer.

Space-saving design

I appreciate the AiO's design. It's compact, has a clean physical build, and is especially space-efficient. With a screen measuring 24 inches diagonally, it doesn't take up much desk space, leaving plenty of room for accessories, personal items, or a second monitor. 

It's also lightweight, clocking in just under 15 pounds with the stand attached. You'll be able to easily move the computer from one desk to another or rotate it to access the ports around the back. The input selection includes a couple of HDMI ports, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet port around the back. On the side of the display is a single USB-C port.

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AiOs tend to be heavier in my experience, typically weighing over 20 pounds. A desktop of that weight can be difficult to move. Imagine trying to connect a USB drive or a new accessory to the ports on the back. It's a little tricky. You don't have this issue with Dell's machine. It may seem strange that I'm talking about weight as a positive for an AiO, but it's a practical detail I'm sure people will appreciate.

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Assembly is refreshingly simple. It comes together like a standard monitor: you slide the main arm into the back of the screen, attach the base to the arm, and then tighten it with a single screw. Because the accompanying accessories are wireless (I'll get into this later), there's no real cable management to worry about beyond the power cord.

Understanding limitations

For my review unit, Dell sent over the base model, which housed an Intel Core Ultra 5 322 processor, integrated graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. Performance was solid, and to be honest, right in line with expectations. All-in-one PCs aren't built to be powerhouses. I tested the system across a range of everyday use cases, including web browsing, running multiple apps, and my day-to-day workflow. I even ran several benchmarks to get a clear picture of its capabilities.

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

The result was that it felt snappy in operation. Apps launched quickly, and multitasking worked without issue. I never ran into any noticeable stuttering or slowdown. The Dell 24 excels at handling general office tasks, schoolwork, and casual browsing. However, its does have its limitations. Heavier workloads, such as video editing and 3D rendering, are outside its comfort zone. Not just because of the hardware, but also because of the display's constraints.

Visuals and sound

The display tops out at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Like the hardware, this is fine for casual usage; however, I wouldn't push it past that. Even at normal viewing distance, the display is prone to occasional artifacts. For example, text inside notification bubbles looked a little blurry. The edges of certain UI elements and app icons, such as the Google Chrome logo, appeared jagged, losing their smooth circular shape.

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Also, it's a touchscreen, allowing users to tap and swipe their way through apps and windows. To be blunt, I can't imagine anyone using this feature seriously. The relatively low resolution doesn't make the screen a good candidate for illustration in my eyes. It's a neat trait at most. Where the system does redeem itself, however, is with its audio.

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Beneath the display sits a speaker bar that faces directly toward the user, and it delivers rich, vibrant sound. The audio output has a strong presence. Jazz tracks sounded full and engaging. Rap beats had a nice punch to them, thanks to the weighty bass behind them. I watched a couple Bob Ross painting videos on YouTube during testing. His voice came through with warmth and clarity. For me, the speakers made up for the display's shortcomings.

Key accessories

Dell bundles a Pro 5 mouse and keyboard combo with the AiO. Both accessories are finished in a Light Ash color that matches the system for a nice, cohesive look. The mouse is as basic as a computer mouse can be: lightweight with a couple of buttons and a scroll wheel. Easy to use, but it's not the most ergonomic. Its small size forced my hand into an uncomfortable position, a far cry from the Logitech MX Master 3S I normally use.

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

I did like the keyboard more. In fact, I wrote this review on the Pro 5 keyboard. It utilizes plunger-style switches, which don't deliver the crisp tactility of a mechanical keyboard, but do provide a better typing feel than the average budget keyboard. The keys have a good travel distance, so you're not mashing your fingers against the hard metal. Plus, the key caps are soft and don't make any noise when pressed down. You won't disturb people around you. 

One thing worth noting is that both accessories rely on disposable batteries. Two AAAs for the keyboard and a single AA for the mouse.

ZDNET's buying advice

Dell's 2026 24-inch AiO starts at $1,070 for the base model. You get a few configuration options, including the chance to upgrade the processor to an Intel Core Ultra 7 255. Fully specced out, the PC reaches around $1,900.

I thoroughly enjoyed this AiO. It is a capable midrange desktop that's easy to set up and use, delivers reliable performance, boasts strong speakers, and comes with great accessories. I confidently recommended Dell's device to my dad as his next machine, having firsthand experience with it. 

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If you are looking to save some money, Dell has an older 24-inch model on its online store for around $800. It isn't as powerful, running on a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1334U processor, but it is a decent alternative.