We have seen portable computers, ten models of tablets, and several monitors for our desk. Slowly we are completing the tech combo before the Christmas season explodes, and this time we decided to make room for the most popular Mini PC models so far this year. Five high-profile brands, which in turn symbolize five different budgets, allowing the user to adapt and make the smartest purchase.
For many users, a laptop can take on the role of a desktop system without major issues. Beyond the restrictions related to the trackpad and keyboard, on more than one occasion I have seen people very happy to have removed their old towers in favor of a portable PC. Needless to say, that formula does not work everywhere, and no matter how compact it is, there is an important group of users who prefer a 'real' desktop terminal. That is how we enter the territory of Mini PCs. Increasingly powerful and efficient, Mini PCs are proof that it is possible to access a productive environment without being forced to install a monolith next to the screen, or under the desk (typical position on many tables). In short: Do you want a Mini PC? If the answer is yes, maybe you want to see these models:
HP Pavilion Mini 300-020ns
Hewlett-Packard is today a shadow of what it once was in the computer market, but some of its latest compact models are very interesting, and one of them is the Pavilion Mini 300-020ns. The most accessible configuration delivers a Pentium 3558U processor with 500 GB of hard disk space, accompanied by 4 GB of RAM, and Windows 8.1 as the operating system (upgradable to Windows 10). (307-442 euros)
Gigabyte BRIX GB-BXBT-2807
Do you prefer that the investment not be so strong? Do you have some compatible pieces that you would like to reuse? In that case, it is likely that buying a barebone platform will be more convenient, and being honest, it is difficult to go wrong with a Gigabyte BRIX. The fact that it is based on a Celeron N2807 places it in a slightly more humble position, but I insist: If there is a spare disk, RAM, and you need to watch your pocket, this model should appear on the radar. (116 euros)
Mac Mini (A1347 - Late 2014)
The most expensive on our list, and for a couple of reasons. The first is that we will never be able to completely avoid a certain “premium factor” in the price of an Apple product, and the second is directly related to its hardware. Inside we find an Intel Core i5 processor with Haswell architecture (dual-core, 1.4 GHz), 4 GB of RAM, a 500 gigabyte hard drive, and a healthy amount of ports. Is it worth it? For many buyers, the answer was yes. (495 euros)
Intel NUC D34010WYK2
Good time for an option located 'in the middle' of our budget. The movement of Mini PCs was revitalized with the launch of the Intel NUC platform, and the D34010WYK2 is one of the most sold official models. The Core i3-4010U chip consumes just 15 watts, and its memory support rises to a not inconsiderable 16 gigabytes. Of course, similar to other NUCs, this system is barebone, and you will need to add both disk and RAM. (296 euros)
MSI DC111-027XEU
And to close, something that will surely be in the minds of very few. MSI is a brand well known for its graphics cards and motherboards, but it also does its share of Mini PCs, and a model with the backing of users is the DC111-027XEU. The Celeron 1037U is a bit small if we compare it to chips in other similar systems, but it comes ready to use with 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive. (225 euros)
That's all for now. Do you think some model is missing here? Have you recently bought a Mini PC and want to share your experience? Don't hesitate: The comments are open. Good luck!
