Yes, the web is for laptops, but a mini computer is also portable, no? 🙂 Knowledge does not take place and lately I have tried some of these miniature jewels that I have loved, so let's get to it.
[alert-success]If you want to directly see the offers available on mini computers, we recommend that you look on this web page.[/alert-success]
Let's say things clearly: desktop computers have lost their place at the top; They are no longer made to show off. They are big, noisy, very cumbersome boxes, surrounded by cables. They have become one of the computers with which we would prefer not to have anything to do if we did not have to take charge of one (our family still uses the old computer, it is what we have been assigned at work, etc.). But the laptop is not always the alternative we were looking for either.
Sometimes we want to work on a monitor that is larger than laptops, but we have limited space. Using a television as a monitor, rather than bringing an additional monitor into the room, would be a more preferable option.
Guide Index
Small computer comparison
If you are looking for a mini computer, here is a comparison that will help you choose more easily:
Best value for money mini computer
I have tried several models and I have been left with four highlights that have surprised me and that I list below, in addition to, as always, linking to the best offers that I have found for you on the internet. We have arranged them from best to "worst" in terms of quality-price.
Nokia Android TV miniPC
The forcefulness personified of what is a mini computer Tv Box. That is, you can connect it to the TV monitor and turn them into a PC with Android operating system. It can run all kinds of applications. It turns on in a matter of seconds and you can watch videos in a multitude of formats.
As you can see in the full review below the offer, it is certainly the mini computer highlights Of all those we have tried, and that here we have only listed four. It is also the one with the best ratings from all users.
Characteristics of which you will put
- Processor: ARM CORTEX-A
- RAM: 2GB
- Total memory: 16GB
- Graphics card: PowerVR
- Operator system:AndroidTV
asus chrome box 4
The Asus Chromebox is not a mini computer for those who need a good battery every day, all day, or even for those who want a multimedia player. It is, even so, perfect for those with modest needs or even a child who only needs a computer for his bedroom, which is quite limited in its use (for example only for school or to surf the net). Doesn't have especially impressive extras that they are going to accelerate your heart, but has the lightweight Chrome OS installed and its performance is genuinely snappy.
Working with documents, loading web pages with space-saving images, and watching online videos is quick and easy, and you will have no problem carrying out all kinds of basic activities that you normally do on a much larger computer. Comes with a keyboard and mouse, But you will need a monitor to use the Chromebox; As I suggested in the introduction, you can use your television as a screen. For what it costs, it's a great buy.
- Processor:Intel Core i7
- RAM: 8GB
- Ports USB: 2 x USB3 (front), 2x USB3 (rear)
- Total memory: 128GB SSD
- Graphics card: Intel UHD Graphics
- Screen: None
- Operator system:Chrome OS
Zotac ZBox
Streaming PCs are better if they are Smaller, subtly decorated y silent, and the Zotac has all those qualities. In fact, it is completely silenta passive cooling system that is possible thanks to incredibly low TDP from your Celeron processor. Of course, so much low power results in a fairly relaxed performance, but as long as your needs are modest, you will not have problems with this computer.
The other benefit of this computer is that it is easily upgradeable: there is a 2.5-inch SSD drive that can be removed very easilyAnd also you can modernize it in terms of RAM. For what it costs it is suitable for anyone who wants to add equipment to their home theater installation but does not want to spend too much.
Features of the Zotac Zbox Nano Ci662 (Plus)
- Processor:Intel Core i3
- RAM: 16 GB
- iGPU
- Storage: 256 GB
- PCI-E x16 slots: 0
- Ports USB: 4xUSB3, 1xUSB
- Video Outputs: HDMI, Display Port
- Hard drive bay: 1 of a maximum of 2.5 inches
Acer ChromeBox
The Acer Chromebook has one of the most well thought out small formats that we have never reviewed. Its small structure has enough space for three hard drives, which means that you can use it especially or exclusively as a PC dedicated to multimedia files for your living room or even install it as a file sharing broker if you want.
Not the fastest mini computer of the planet but its Intel technology with an Intel Celeron dual-core processor and graphics controller are capable of playing HD videos perfectly, which is more than what you usually find in this type of device. Also, depending on the model you buy, it could also include a remote very practical, perfect for those looking for something more flexible than a keyboard and mouse.
Features of the Acer Revo One RL85
- Processor:Intel-Celeron
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- USB ports: 2 x USB, 2 x USB3 (rear)
- Total memory: 64GB hard drive
- Graphics card: IntelHD
- Operator system:Chrome OS
Cheaper Mini PCs
[alert-success]Okay, chances are you were looking for cheaper desktop devices. Above we have presented you the best in relation to quality and priceHowever, if you want to see a complete catalog, we recommend that you look on this web page.[/alert-success]
Why buy a mini computer?
A mini computer can be an ideal solution in many cases. Being based on small components - which, therefore, they use little battery -, takes up a fraction of the space of a traditional computer or laptop, and does not require unnecessary parts like a screen, battery or keyboard.
Many are so small that you can mount them behind a monitor and create your own all-in-one PC. This has the advantage that you can update your screen without haste, without having to replace the entire system, as happens with laptops and many computers.
The low battery drain also means that the mini PC requires less technology when it comes to cooling and that it will operate in a much quieter wayso you can use it as a multimedia center without the distraction of fans.
There are also downsides, of course. A mini computer does not have enough internal space for a powerful graphics card or a 3.5-inch desktop hard drive (although some are supported). You will have to rely on the graphics already integrated and, in most cases, a 2.5-inch laptop hard drive (it is best to opt for an SSD in these cases, so your mini computer will go very very fast)
Normally, all other expansions and updates will be easy to apply externally. For example, in the case of really small computers, such as the Zotac Nano XS, the space is so limited that you will only be able to use a mSATA SSD that is plugged in.
With this in mind, you will need to pay attention to the connectivity options that your mini PC supports, particularly. If you want to plug in an external storage method, look for USB 3.0 ports. Chillblast's Fusion NUC gives you Thunderbolt connectivity instead, but compatible hard drives are much harder to find and simple ones haven't been born yet. thunderbolt adapters to USB 3.0.
To connect the PC to a standard LCD monitor you can use HDMI, but if you are thinking of creating a home all-in-one computer you will need a DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, HDMI 1.3 (or higher) or dual channel DVI connection. to connect a display that has a higher resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. If you are creating a mini hub for media files, you can use your HDMI connection for audio, but if you have an external stereo with digital inputs you may also want an S / PDIF connector on your mini computer.
Going back to the idea of making your own home system, mini computers are usually sold without a keyboard or mouse, and many times they come without an operator system. This leaves you free to make your own decisions as to which options are best for you. Yes indeed, take this factor into account when calculating expenses from your new PC.
The performance of a mini PC can be very good, especially when using an SSD as a boot disk. A wide range of processors are available, from more modest Intel and Celeron chips to Core i7s with state-of-the-art Hyperthreading. AMD processors are also at your fingertips, with versions that they use little battery and therefore help to keep your new computer cool and quiet.
Whatever your choice of CPU, this component will also help to get the best graphics (and this is where you will probably find limitations in its performance). None of the mini computers reviewed here have separate graphics cards. The fastest Intel processors come with integrated HD Graphics 4000, which is good enough for the more modest Windows games, but the less expensive models offer you even less graphics capacity.
AMD processors tend to provide faster graphics. A good example is the A8-4555M chip, like the one found in the Sapphire's Edge VS8. East incorporates Radeon 7600G graphics and it is capable of much higher performance when it comes to games, although obviously it falls short compared to a PC designed for video games properly.
Conclusion and recommendations
Each mini computer reviewed in this article are small, but there are big differences between them. The most obvious is the price, but in this conclusion we would also like to talk about other models that we have tested but that have not had a place in this comparison of computers, basically for a price that is too high considering that our website is of cheap laptops. More expensive options like the Mac mini or the Chillblast Fusion NUC give you considerably better performance. Alternatively, you could be paying for quality in build and power. The Rikomagic MK80 is the one that we have considered the best in quality price although the other options are not far behind.
Alternatively, some users will not require high performance or a flawless build. For casual computer use, the less expensive models - from the MSI, Sapphire or Zotac - will offer you enough performance for tasks such as playing multimedia, surfing the web or a little office work.. Consider storage and expandability options, that's why.
Each of these mini computers has some other flaws, from somewhat too high prices to somewhat too low performance or limited connectivity. Which is the best will be decided according to your specific and personal needs.
To fully understand the mini PC concept, we have recommended the Zotac Nano XS AD13 Plus. If design, superior performance, and a bulletproof OS are important to you, then the Mac mini is also a great option, available at a lower price when in a more modest configuration than the one we reviewed here; For an overall excellent system with especially good gaming performance, the Sapphire's Edge VS8 is a sensible option at a decent price.. It should meet the needs of most users, but if you have more demanding performance requirements, you will have to look for something more powerful.
Telecommunications Engineer closely linked to the world of computing. I complement my daily work with a suitable laptop for my tasks and I help you to achieve the same adapted to your needs.
