Why I Recommend Mini PCs

Mini PCs are a relatively “unique” presence among computer forms. They do not have the robust physique of traditional desktop computers; they can be as small as a USB flash drive for portability or hidden behind a monitor for a tidier desk. While they seem to be an all-in-one product, why have they remained lukewarm?

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It is hard to find when Mini PCs first appeared; they were launched even before I entered the industry. The earliest reliable product found online is the first-generation Mac mini released in 2005, which even had an integrated CD/DVD drive.

Mini PCs are highly integrated devices that retain only essential interfaces and functions, aiming to minimize the body size as much as possible. This imposes high requirements on motherboard design, so most early Mini PC products were launched by motherboard manufacturers, who have more advantages in this field.

↑Compute Stick

Later, Intel released the world’s smallest Windows computer, the Compute Stick, in 2015. It can be directly translated as “computer stick,” with a size comparable to a USB flash drive and a design resembling one, but its interface changed from USB to HDMI, allowing direct connection to monitors, TVs, and projectors.

Since CPUs and GPUs generate a lot of heat under high load, Mini PCs are generally divided into two categories in design: one maintains a certain cooling capability, with the body size designed to be about the size of a Chinese dictionary; the other can be as small as a USB flash drive but lacks a fan for cooling, so the CPU can only use lower-performance models. Although they can meet daily needs, it is indeed challenging to attract consumers in an era that pursues high performance and cost-effectiveness.

In recent years, with the overall improvement in CPU performance, not only do they have strong processing capabilities, but even integrated GPUs can achieve high graphics processing capabilities. At last year’s and this year’s CES, several gaming handhelds were also launched, indicating that performance is no longer a barrier to the development of Mini PCs.

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1) Affordable Price

Compared to most PC products, Mini PCs are much cheaper, with entry-level products priced around 1000 yuan, and those priced between 2000-3000 yuan offering decent overall performance. Of course, there are also higher-performance products available, with prices reaching tens of thousands.

2) Compact Size, Space Saving

The advantage of Mini PCs is their compact size; they do not take up much space no matter where they are placed. When paired with wireless keyboard and mouse, they can be placed almost anywhere.

A Mini PC the size of a USB flash drive can be plugged directly into a monitor, projector, or TV, powering on automatically, allowing it to be completely hidden.

Regardless of the product, they can make the desktop tidier, making Mini PCs more suitable for companies with compact office spaces.

Products tested by PConline in earlier years

3) Portable

Portability is a scenario promoted by Mini PC manufacturers: they can be carried around, allowing unfinished work tasks to be continued in the next setting, also aiding in data security.

This is indeed a feasible scenario, but I personally do not think this is a necessity; it can only be seen as a possible solution. After all, if there is a strong need for portability, wouldn’t buying a laptop be more suitable?

4) Low Carbon and Eco-Friendly

In both home and commercial scenarios, not every user has high performance requirements for PCs. Some ordinary office workers may only use office software and communication tools, which do not require high PC performance. Therefore, choosing a more energy-efficient Mini PC may be more suitable.

Currently, some processors with only a 15w power consumption can already meet daily office needs, saving costs and reducing electricity waste, which is more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Although many advantages of Mini PCs have been mentioned above, they are clearly not suitable for everyone.

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1) Elderly at Home:

Some elderly people may have a need to use a computer for browsing information and watching videos. While laptops are more suitable, their screens are not friendly to seniors, especially those with presbyopia. Mini PCs can meet the performance needs of elderly users and are cost-effective, making them very suitable for connecting to monitors or TVs.

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2) Students:

This mainly refers to junior and senior high school students. Mini PCs do not have strong performance and cannot run large games, but they can meet basic learning and entertainment needs. When paired with low blue light monitors, they are also beneficial for students’ vision health.

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3) Office Needs with Low Performance Requirements

As mentioned above, many jobs do not have high performance requirements for PCs, making Mini PCs very suitable.

4) High Neatness/Desktop Setup

Mini PCs also have high-performance versions that can be equipped with independent graphics cards. Coupled with their compact size, they are suitable for consumers with high requirements for PC size, especially for desktop setups where they can be hidden behind monitors, paired with Bluetooth keyboards and mice, completely eliminating wiring hassles.

This is a recommendation article without product recommendations. The purpose of writing this article is to encourage everyone to take Mini PC products more seriously. Several years ago, their weak performance may have left a bad impression, but many current products can meet daily use needs and are worth considering.