TechRadar Verdict
The MSI Pro AP242 is far from the best Windows all-in-one desktop out there but potential buyers desperately in need of a simple budget PC for general usage such as web browsing and watching videos should consider it, but only if your budget is absolutely ironclad.
Affordable
Easy set up
Three year warranty
Underwhelming performance
Below average audio/visual package
Very cheap build
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MSI Pro AP242: One minute review
TheMSIPro AP242 is an all-in-one PC for users in need of a simple and inexpensive desktop. Beyond simple general task from secretarial leaning work to media consumption or web browsing, there isn’t much else to do with the all-in-one.
Spec-wise, the Pro AP242 doesn’t have much going on, and everything about the all-in-one is completely no-frills, including the plastic build itself. Those who don’t care about playing any remotely complex games or using something likeAdobeSuite and who intend to spend more time checking emails and usingGoogleDocs, will get something out of this PC.
Those that try to push it even remotely hard will find sluggish performance that’ll even sometimes crash certain software, and it falls behind many of thebest all-in-one computerson several performance fronts, including some that are more competitive in price.
The full-HD display does feature Tobii software for privacy alongside MSI’s Eye Care technology to reduce eye strain but that’s about it. Even the speakers sound sub-par so headphones are going to be a better option. Thankfully, the 1080p webcam (with decent lighting) and microphone works well enough for video conferencing.
Besides affordability, setting up the Pro AP242 is relatively a simple experience and the solid wireless keyboard and mouse combo get the job done, too. Add a three-year warranty into the mix and there’s some value in the MSI Pro AP242 for those who can manage expectations.
MSI Pro AP242: Price and availability
Here is theMSI Pro AP242configuration sent to TechRadar for review:
CPU:Intel Core i5-12400Graphics:Intel UHD GraphicsRAM:8GB DDR4Screen:23.8" FHD IPS-Grade 1920x1080, LED, MatteStorage:250GB M.2 NVMe SSDPorts:2x USB-A 2.0 / 2X USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 / USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 / USB-C 3.2 / HDMI out 2.0 / DP out 1.4 / RJ45 / Mic-in / Line-out / Kensington lock / DC JackConnectivity:WiFi 6 (802.11ax) 2.4Gbps, Dual Band 2.4GHz, 5GHz / Bluetooth 5.2Camera:Built in 1080p (FHD) w/Dual-array MicWeight:10.21 lbs (4.63 kg)Size:21.34 x 8.97 x 16.79 inch (541.93 x 227.93 x 426.45mm)
The MSI Pro AP242 is available now exlcusively through Office Debot in six configurations, with additional retailers coming soon. At $943, the configuration provided for review (specs to the right) comes in a black colorway only.
Interestingly enough, the same specs with 500GB SSD storage come in at a lower $843 in both black and white, but with only a one-year warranty.
Potential buyers looking for something a bit more powerful can get the all-in-one with anIntelCore i7, 16GB RAM, 250GB SSD and three-year warranty for $1,192, in Black only.
There’s also a similar spec package with 500GB of SSD and one-year warranty in white for $1092.99. According to MSI’s site, a black color version is set to come soon.
Citizens of both UK and Australia are going to have to wait a while for the PRO AP242. Speaking with a representative of MSI, we were told that the all-in-one will be available in both of those markets “down the line” since the previous AP241 were released there.
MSI Pro AP242: Design
Functionality at all costs is the best way to describe the MSI Pro AP242. A bland plastic black design that looks made for public high school libraries and reception desks, but it assembles easily enough. Just snap the base to the stand’s neck and connect some small clamps to all-in-one’s rear.
The included keyboard and mouse connect wirelessly through a USB-A transmitter so getting to the initialWindows 11start-up screen isn’t much of an issue. Input on the keyboard and mouse isn’t special but gets the job done. Expect crisp enough keyboard strokes for sessions of Mavis Beacon and smooth cursor work when navigatingGoogle maps.
There are a respectable number of input ports as well. Two USB-A ports sits on the right side on the rear of the screen while the rest face downward. The other three USB-A ports hang downward for the circular desk hole cable management.
Since two 3W external speakers are fairly low volume in even a quiet room and a bit hollow sounding, users will be better off with some headphones through the Mic-in / Line-out ports.
Multi-taskers can also connect to multiple screens through the HDMI and Display Port 1.4, but that is likely going to strain the integrated graphics here. Screen adjustment is a problem since the screen can only be lifted up and down. Don’t expect to pivot up and down or anything like that. Connectivity is fairly standard as well with the RJ45 ethernet port, Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
The Matte LED HD display won’t wow cinephiles or content curators but it’s comfortable to look at for long lengths of time.
MSI Pro AP242: Performance
Here is how theMSI Pro AP242performed in oursuite of benchmark tests:
Cinebench R23 Multi-core:87933DMark Time Spy:695Fire Strike:1954Night Raid:9037GeekBench 5:1677 (single-core) 6193 (multi-core)PCMark 10 (Home Test):2766
The standard 1080p display on the MSI PRO AP242 is passable since it can only handle so much. If using it for word processing and checking emails with the occasional Twitter rant, you’ll be fine. That said, this is an expensive machine for what is effectively a cheapUltrabook’s level of performance.
Opening standard Windows apps such asMicrosoftStore and Office was a breeze. Just pay a bit of attention to the amount of Google Chrome tabs opened at once.
About the most someone can do creatively is edit short 1080p videos or fix-up mid-resolution photos, and watching standard HD videos onYouTubewasn’t a problem either.
Between the Intel UHD graphics and low RAM, playing thebest PC gamesof the past five to ten years on this is definitely a no-no. Outside some simpler CPU-focused games that don’t have high visual fidelity, anything remotely demanding is going to run terribly, if it even runs at all.
We couldn’t even benchmark anything like Total War: Warhammer III on the lowest settings without the game simply crashing to the desktop.
Should you buy an MSI Pro AP242?
Buy it if…
You need an affordable all-in-one desktopStarting at $843, the MSI PRO AP242 is an inexpensive all-in-one Windows desktop good for everyday and productivity task.
You don’t want to think much about the set-upAssembling the computer is a simple process in addition to connecting the included the wireless keyboard and mouse.
You want a good warrantyA three-year warranty for the lowest spec configuration of the all-in-one means there’s some cushion just in case something goes wrong.
Don’t buy it if…
You need actual performance from your PCGeneral computing tasks are about all the all-in-one MSI Pro AP242 can do. You might want to look elsewhere if needing to do gaming and creatively focused functions.
You want something with more styleDespite the easy setup, the plastic black design is a bore to look at.
You require a better display and speaker qualityThe full HD display isn’t the boldest or most colorful but doesn’t strain the eyes if looking for too long. Meanwhile, the speakers honestly aren’t very useful, so headphones might be required.
Also consider
Apple iMac (24-inch)If you’re able to stretch your budget about $400 dollars more, those who need an all-in-one with better performance for creating content or should give Apple’s iMac 24-inch a try.
Read our fulliMac (24-inch, 2021) review
HP Envy 34Those with more of a budget who want a Windows all-in-one will love the HP Envy 34 for its blending of style and significantly better(but not earthshattering) performance.
Read our fullHP Envy 34 review
Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5Performance is on par with the MSI PRO AP242 but the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5 features better speakers and extras including a wireless charging pad.
Read our fullLenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5 review
MSI Pro AP242: Report card
How We Test
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Ural Garrett is an Inglewood, CA-based journalist and content curator. His byline has been featured in outlets including CNN, MTVNews, Complex, TechRadar, BET, The Hollywood Reporter and more.
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