A mini pc is a desktop computer of very small size compared to a laptop, but it is ideal for those who have little space but want full functionality.
If you're looking for an inexpensive computer to perform multimedia tasks, such as streaming TV series, surfing the Internet or playing your favorite games, you've certainly heard of mini PCs, extremely small and cheap devices, but very powerful.
Here we're going to make a general overview of their features and their main advantages, giving you, in addition, some tips to buy the most efficient ones. We'll also show you our selection of the best mini PC models currently on the market.
What are mini PCs?
The mini computer is, in fact, a desktop computer, but smaller in size than the classic laptop. Reduced are not only the proportions, they are also the power consumption (no more than 8 watts of power compared to classic PCs that consume up to 100 W), and especially the prices, starting from less than 100 euros.
These devices are designed, as we mentioned in the introduction, to perform basic tasks. Inside them is installed Windows 10, so as to make it quick to boot and be able to use any type of application, software. Certainly, lacking a graphics card, you will not be able to think about playing on mini PCs with the same quality as desktop computers. However, by choosing the best performing and cost-effective ones, you will be able to take home a media center that can let you play on your TV fluidly.
How to choose the best performing portable mini PCs
There are so many models on the market that, for those who do not understand technology, it can be quite complicated to choose. Le varie tipologie di mini pc si differenziano, infatti, in base alle caratteristiche tecniche, tra cui quelle relative al processore, allo storage interno e ad altri dettagli come il numero di porte. Di conseguenza, i prezzi possono essere piuttosto differenti tra un modello e l’altro.
L’acquisto di un mini pc portatile che possa soddisfare le tue aspettative deve tener conto di queste caratteristiche.
- Processore. La maggior parte dei processori dei mini PC monta versioni quali Intel Core i3, i5, i7. Quelli nelle versioni più crescenti offrono prestazioni migliori.
- Memoria. Scegliere un mini PC in base al taglio di memoria dipende dalle proprie esigenze. Tieni conto che è possibile aumentare la memoria con unità esterne.
- Connettività e porte. Ogni mini pc è dotato di uno o più ingressi output, così che possa collegarsi alla televisione ed ai monitor in generale. The most modern ones, are equipped with USB next generation (3.0) and can connect via Bluetooth to major devices.
The best mini PC with Windows 10 operating system
Below we have selected the best mini PC this year, which integrate the top features that a device of this kind should have.
Mini pc Asus PN40-BC100MC
Weighing in at just 700 grams, this mini PC from Asus has compact dimensions, so it can be easily transported from one corner of the house or office to another. Connectivity options include USB 3.1 that allows for fast data transmission. Also present is the VGA/COM port, which allows the connection of legacy devices. Per quanto riguarda i consumi, essi sono più bassi rispetto alla media nonostante le ultime novità in termini di riproduzione foto e video: sono presenti infatti alte risoluzioni, comprese la 4K e la UltraHD.
HP mini PC 260 G2
Tra i mini PC dell’HP più richiesti c’è certamente il 260 G2, un Set-Top-Box dal design elegante ed aggiornato rispetto alle versioni precedenti. Ecco qui di seguito le caratteristiche principali:
- Windows 10 Pro 64;
- Intel® Core™ i3-7130U 2,7 GHz;
- 4 GB di SDRAM;
- SSD da 256 GB;
- scheda grafica Intel® HD 620;
- tastiera e mouse USB inclusi;
- garanzia 1 anno ON-SITE.
Intel Nuc Kit nuc8i3beh
Tra i mini PC più venduti su Amazon, c’è l’Intel Nuc, dotato di un processore Inteli3 di ottava generazione a 3GHz. In particolare, la presenza della GPU Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 e gli 8 Ram di memoria rendono questo dispositivo ideale per un utilizzo di tipo multimediale, ma anche da ufficio. To increase the internal memory there is the M.2 slot, which is located underneath the device. Just unscrew the 4 screws to find the slot location. It also turns out to be a winner in terms of compatibility: you can install Linux in its recent versions.
Beelink M2 Mini Pc
Gifted with Windows 10 Home, this mini PC is perfect for home use and allows you to use the Office suite without problems. THE CPU consists of the Intel Celeron N3350 processor that works together with the Intel HD Graphics 500 graphics card, so as to allow an excellent user experience. Among the possibilities, there is the ability to connect a 4K display or two screens in FULL HD. The storage of the device is sufficient for any multimedia or office use: the RAM is, in fact, 4GB. The eSata memory is, instead, of 64 GB: it is possible to place it side by side to a hard disk, given the possible integration of 2.5" storage systems.