Perfect for the office – Review Geek

If you want a full-power PC but don’t like wire management or want to save space, an all-in-one PC is your best option. So how does MSI’s recent effort, the Pro AP241, rank as an all-in-one unit and office PC?

The Pro AP241 is designed as a work-oriented PC and does it very well. However, the device is not flawless and goods are not well outside its comfort zone.

We received the high-end version of the Pro AP241, with 16 GB of RAM, an M.2 SSD and an Intel Core i7 processor. All this is behind a 24″ 1080p full HD display. The device also comes with a keyboard, mouse and Full HD webcam.

We received a high-end version of the Pro, listed on Amazon for $1,099. Several other versions are available, some with i3 or i5 processors and different levels of RAM.

The specifications as reviewed

• CPU: Intel Core i7-11700
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 750
• SSD: 500GB NVMe M.2
• RAM: 16GB (8GB x 2)
• Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home Advanced
• USB: 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
• Display: 24″ IPS Grade Panel LED Backlight (1920×1080 FHD) with MSI Anti-Flicker Technology
• Bluetooth: 5.1 (with Intel AC 9462)/5.2 (with Intel AX201)
• Audio: Realtek® ALC897
• MSI Full HD Webcam

Assembly is easy and only takes a few minutes

I’m exaggerating when I say that the assembly of the AP241 takes about two minutes to start. If your reason for choosing an All-in-One PC over a small desktop is an aversion to cables and complex setups, then the AP241 might be the office computer for you.

The stand consists of two parts that jump or twist into place; instructions are available but it has a level of simplicity that is with putting a square through a square hole. The included keyboard and mouse can be connected with a USB dongle and you can choose from six USB ports when installing, two of which are on the side for access. The included “full” webcam takes up another port if you choose HD to connect it. Then you have the power cable to plug in, and you’re good to go.

The AP241 is good at what it was designed for, office work

For office tasks, the AP241 has everything you need. In the two weeks I had it at my disposal, I wrote a few articles, fiddled with a spreadsheet, used some free online image editing software, and opened as many tabs as possible in my browser.

The intentions eventually caused some problems, but that’s like a scales not working if you end up putting too many stones on them. Hands on heart, I see this computer having no problem with a general business task you throw.

The i7 processor and 16 GB RAM are ideal for handling high workloads; couple this with a dual monitor setup, you have a unit that can multitask without hovering. The M.2 SSD means first boot, reboot, and file access transfers are fast. The USB 3.2 ports on the back are also ideal for large file transfers, such as the type of cable you’re using from the storage device that’s sending/receiving the files.

One thing worth noting is the lack of USB C ports, which isn’t the end of the world, but certainly a noticeable omission. If your Wi-Fi 6 has been used, choosing an MSIAP241 means you can take full advantage of the new standard.

If your basics are off, using the internet, and doing administrative work, this one has more than enough power to get you through it. You can even stream some background music from Netflix on a second monitor.

The minimalist desktop is very nice pleasant

The minimalistic, wafer-thin design is very pleasant to look at. The entire unit is essentially the 24″ screen; clear of the power cable, there are no trailing wires, so running cables through a desk is no problem. If an office wanted to look sleek, modern and uniform, I could see the Pro AP241 passenger.

While there are some minor issues that we will discuss later, passengers that came with the main computer. They follow a corresponding design philosophy. The 24″ anti-glare screen is also a joy to look at, and if 24″ isn’t enough, you can easily add a second monitor via the included HDMI port.

The MSI AP241 is all work not play

The Pro AP241 is designed to work as a work PC, not a gaming PC. MSI important not that people can use as a gaming PC. But if you’re buying one for your home, you might want to know that you and the family can use it for after-hours gaming?

The Intel UHD 750 graphics system that the MSI Pro AP241 uses is not powerful enough to run the most recent games. although don’t starve is not a particularly demanding game graphically; the written system does not meet the requirements you need to use it.

You could increase in BIOS, but it’s a far from ideal solution. The Intel 750UHD can also run some games at 720p and 30fps and older titles at higher resolutions. The Intel website has an extensive list, MSI also an overview of the gaming capabilities of the Intel 750UHD chip.

The limited graphics capabilities are bad news for powerful work that includes photo or video editing software; the lack of a dedicated GPU makes anything beyond simple image editing impossible.

So you won’t be playing Elden Ring or editing hours of 4K video on your All-in-One PC, but if one of those things would be deal breakers, chances are you’re looking for a completely different system.

The speakers are terrible

You can of course buy better speakers and plug in or connect via bluetooth. But I view this as an all-in-one unit and the built-in speakers are terrible. The sound is very tinny and having the speakers pointing out from the back of the computer doesn’t help. Having the speakers on the back is a broad basic design choice, but on a much more basic design choice it’s nice to have pointing in the direction that person wants to hear it.

The performance is better if you place your PC close to a wall; the sound waves then have less distance to travel before bouncing back at you. 90% of the time, the MSI Pro was on a desk with four feet of free space and an open door behind it. This contained in a terrible audio experience for me and many cries of “turn that off” from my wife in the room.

The accessories may vary

The keyboard is very light and not brilliant for long writing sessions. At first glance, it seems to be a passenger with the rest of the PC: it is sleek, white and minimalist. But upon closer inspection, there are some very minor quality control issues. The keys seem to move a bit instead of sitting flat. The mouse is completely fine.

In contrast, the included webcam has good picture and audio quality and a physical privacy shield. It’s not great; it lacks features like its own lighting. In terms of functionality, it’s enough for office activities like Zoom meetings, but not what you’d want if your profession revolves around appearing in front of a webcam anymore.

Upgradability is an important feature, but it’s not as easy as MSI intended

One of the main selling points that MSI has mentioned is the easy upgradeability of the Pro AP241. According to the manufacturer, the derivative of RAM, storage and CPU is more accessible in their machine than in the All-in-One voltages of other companies. They even bundle a SATA cable with the Pro AP241, so if you want to expand the device’s 500GB of internal storage, all you need to do is purchase a new SSD.

After I installed the device myself, I recorded that ‘easy’ is a concept. Is it normal than most other All-in-One PCs to upgrade? possible. I can definitely say that this is much harder to get into than a desktop. You will need to remove ten screws and slide the plastic back panel down. There is another intermediate panel you and the good stuff, so you have to carefully unscrew and remove that. Next to a desktop PC where you open the case, and it’s all just there.

Replacing the main components is no different than on a standard desktop or laptop. Some components, such as storage drives and RAM, can be swapped in or out just like that, but changing the CPU requires a steady hand and thermal paste. There is nothing about this device that makes installing any of these parts more upgradeable than on a normal PC. MSI aims to upgrade this All-in-One than any other company’s All-in-One, but doesn’t make the process “”.

You might get something even functional for a lot less money

The MSI Pro AP241 is a highly capable All-in-One business desktop; I can’t fault it when it comes to usage in use. But the question to ask yourself is, why are you buying an All-in-One? Priced at over $1,000, the Pro AP has a lot of competition. If you want a functional PC, small spec units are available for about half the price. You don’t even need an i7 processor and 16GB of RAM for the most day-to-day tasks. Some mini computers are even small enough to attach to the back of a monitor. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to set up, there are plenty of laptops in the same price range. However, it’s all about some kind of compromise. A desktop requires more space, a laptop has a smaller monitor, and an all-in-one requires a premium.

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If you’re on an All-in-One work PC and have the budget available, you really won’t be sad with an MSI Pro AP241. None of the mistakes I picked affect functionality as a work PC. You can easily replace a mediocre Sound System from a substandard one.

This unit is great if you want something stylish and functional that saves a lot of space. If you need an All-in-One PC, this might be the All-in-One for you, but if you’ve got extra space, you’ll need to weigh the alternatives.