Owning a mini desktop PC might be a solution for anyone who looks for portability and decent performance at an affordable price rates.
A decade ago, having a desktop PC would be always a step closer for anyone who was willing to settle down and didn’t need to work from any place other than your designed working desk. Desktops were big, heavy, and not very efficient. Now, with the invention of the mini desktop pc, thing have changed, for the better.
Are Mini PCs Worth Buying?
Mini PCs are certainly incredible devices, but they are not intended for everyone. They target specific audiences that have their requirements fulfilled, which normally are all related to portability, while as in terms of performance the mini PCs are still far from a wonder.
The main advantages of the mini PC are: firstly its dimensions, as an example, if we take into consideration the ASUS Chromebox(scroll down to see its specs), it has a weight of just 1.3 pounds. In comparison with laptops thats nothing, as you can see on this post about lightweight laptops here.
As just about any device, mini PCs also have their disadvantages and limitations. The main one is performance, mini PCs have lighter components, which consume less energy, but at the same time deliver less performance, so playing games on a mini PC is definitely not an idea worth trying, unless you are a fan of games released in 1992.
The second disadvantage of a mini desktop PC is related to its storage capacity, they usually have solid state drives with a very limited capacity, often similar to those of a tablet. The good thing about this is that this problem can be easily circumvented by buying and extra external SSD drive, connect it to your mini PC, and your storage limitations are gone.
Mini PCs are price wise just fine. Buying some of the best selling, recently released models is possible for just as low as $100 (and up to much more, as it’s not hard to find some of them around 500$). Mini PCs are also trendy for fans of Netflix, Hulu and other similar apps, since you can access all these apps and stream HD flawlessly from any of these content providers from your Mini desktop PC.
A mini PC is also a good solution if you are a digital nomad taking short trips, if you know that you will have a guaranteed TV with an HDMI port in the location where you are heading to, you can save some luggage weight by bringing just your Mini PC and small USB keyboard, instead of a laptop. But, this is just an idea, I haven’t heard of anyone doing this until now.
Another good thing about mini PCs is that being most of them very light items, worldwide shipping is widely available for all models.
So, let’s have a look at the newest mini desktop PCs available on Amazon on 2016:
HP Pavilion 300-220 Mini Desktop
Intel Pentium 3805U 1.9 GHz Processor
4 GB SDRAM
Windows 10
500 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive, No Optical Drive
This Mini PC is the heaviest from this list with 4.9 pounds, but on the other hand it has an above average storage for mini desktop PCs, with 500GB. It comes already with Windows 10 installed, so it’s a fully ready machine that will not require any further accessories purchases. Another advantage of this machine is the fact that it comes with a nice keyboard and mouse matching its beautiful design. Click here to read more and buy your HP Pavilion 300-220 Mini Desktop PC from Amazon.
Azulle Quantum Byte Fanless Mini Desktop PC
Enjoy all the benefits of Windows in a much slimmer package. The Quantum Byte comes pre-installed with Windows 8.1, sporting new features such as live Windows tiles, metro UI, and access to the Windows Store.
Powered by the powerful trifecta of the elite Intel Atom (Quad-core) processor Z3735F, 2GB of DDR3L RAM, and 32GB of onboard memory, the Quantum Byte is the perfect computer for handling complex spreadsheets, high definition video, and seamless multi-tasking. Never worry about lag when using your Quantum Byte.
Equipped with the Intel HD Graphics Card (gen 7), witness Full HD 1080p video playback with crisp detail and vivid color. Stream your videos to the big screen with the Quantum Byte’s built-in HDMI port. Simply connect it to any TV or monitor using a HDMI cable.
Experience the flexibility of the Quantum Byte and build your workspace the way you want to. At 5.91 x 1.47 x 4.06 inches, the Quantum Byte fits in various places providing you with more versatility for your work space. Add the hardware you desire with the Quantum Byte’s built in VGA, USB, and HDMI ports.
Transferring information has never been easier with the Quantum Byte’s three USB ports. Expand your memory to 128GBs with the Quantum Byte’s microSDHC/SDXC card slot. With the lethal combo of built in Wi-Fi 802.11 a b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0, you will be able to connect to countless networks and devices.
Azulle is an US based company, formerly known as quantum supplies and which is now earning a good fan based thanks to its extremely lightweight mini PCs, this model has just 12.3 ounces, it is truly light for the performance it delivers. Affordable price too. Click and buy your Azulle Mini Desktop PC from Amazon.com or click here to buy this mini PC from Amazon.co.uk
Dell Inspiron i3050-3000BLK Desktop
Intel Dual Core Celeron J1800 2.41 GHz Processor
2 GB DDR3L SDRAM RAM Included; 2 GB Maximum
32 GB SSD Storage; Optical Drive Not included; 3 USB Ports
No Monitor Included
Windows 10 Operating System
This Dell model was released in the second half of 2015 to be an affordable entry level mini desktop PC. It has everything you need if your plan is to watch Netflix and stream other video content on your monitor or TV. Click here to read more and buy your Dell i3050-3000BLK Desktop from Amazon.
Azulle Quantum Access Mini PC Stick
Access Windows 8.1 everywhere you go. The Quantum Access is equipped with the latest full version of Windows 8.1.
The Quantum Access is driven by the all-new Intel Atom (Quad-core) 1.33 GHZ Z3735F processor. To ensure optimal performance, the Quantum Access offers 2GB of DDR3L RAM and a snappy 32GB of onboard memory. This powerful combination of hardware is perfect for heavy word processing, high definition video streaming, and gaming.
This mini PC is perfect for streaming media as it is fueled by a top-of-the-line Intel HD Graphics (Gen 7). With a built in HDMI output, you can simply plug the Quantum Access into any HDMI port and instantly “access” your PC.
Truly take the Quantum Access wherever you desire. Measuring 4.33 X 1.02 X 0.45 inches, the Quantum Access is the perfect size for any office, entertainment center, or bedroom.
Enjoy a device that excels in versatility as this PC stick provides you with a full USB 2.0 port, micro USB port, and micro SD card slot.
This is an incredible mini PC stick. You just connect it to any HDMI device and you are good to go. Light as a feater with an unbeatable weight of 4 ounces. Imagine what would be to travel with a PC that you can just put it in your pocket. Click here to buy your Azulle Quantum Access Mini PC Stick from Amazon.com
ASUS CHROMEBOX 2-G016U Desktop
Intel Celeron 3205U Processor 1.5 GHz( cache)
2GB DDR3
16 GB Solid State Drive
Chrome
This is one of the newest Mini desktop PC releases by Asus, but it is not so impressive in terms of storage. A beautiful machine with a decent price if you will keep a mini PC to watch movies, and do some usual browsing. Click here to buy your ASUS CHROMEBOX2-G016U from Amazon.com
