Velocity Micro Intros 23.6" AIO Windows 8 PC

Richmond, Virginia-based Velocity Micro revealed the locally designed, assembled and supported Edge AIO, a 23.6-inch all-in-one PC packing the just-launched Windows 8 Pro, a 1920 x 1080 resolution and the latest Intel Core processors. Configurations start at just $799, making it an ideal purchase for the holidays.

"Specifically designed to fit the decor of any kitchen, living room, home office, or bedroom, the Edge AIO is a rare combination of aesthetics and power, and is fully configurable to meet the varying needs of all customers," the company said on Monday. "Available in Pearl White, the Edge AIO combines the craftsmanship, performance, and support of an award-winning Velocity Micro desktop with the convenience and efficiency of an All-in-One."

According to the key list of specs, the new AIO features Ethernet, audio, HDMI, two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports on the back, and two USB 3.0 and one SD card reader along the left side. There's also an integrated 720p webcam, Bluetooth and 802.11 b/g/n wireless connectivity, and options for a solid state drive.

The configuration chart reveals that customers have three CPU options: the Core i3-2120 dual-core CPU clocked at 3.30 GHz (3 MB cache), the Core i5-3470S quad-core CPU clocked at 2.9 GHz (6 MB cache), and the Core i7-3770S quad-core CPU clocked at 3.1 GHz (8 MB cache). Memory options are 4 GB or 8 GB of DDR3-1600 SODIMMs, but the only GPU option is integrated Intel Graphics (no Crysis 3 for you).

On the storage front, customers have a choice of five options: a 500 GB Hitachi 7200RPM HDD, a 1 TB 7200RPM HDD, a 2 TB 7200RPM HDD, a 120 GB Intel 520 Series SSD, or a 240 GB Intel 520 Series SSD. The AIO comes with a default 8x DVD burner with no other options (software is included). Meanwhile, the five OS options that come pre-installed on the AIO's chosen drive range from Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit with SP1 to Windows 8 Pro 64-bit with a separate backup disk.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any touch capabilities offered with this AIO, so customers will still need to rely on the old-school mouse and keyboard setup to navigate the desktop and Windows 8's new tile-based Modern UI. If you're feeling adventurous, there are many new Windows 8 gadgets on the market to help make navigating the new platform a little easier.

"The All-in-One PC market is full of uninspired, underpowered hardware that not only offers a sub-par user experience, but doesn’t even look good doing it," said Randy Copeland, President and CEO of Velocity Micro. "We designed the Edge AIO to be the solution to those low powered, low expectation, chunky looking All-in-Ones."

For consumers looking to buy local, Velocity Micro's new Edge AIO can be configured and purchased here.