Mini PCs

Computers are hard to imagine in everyday life. They are omnipresent at work and in the private sector and are helpful or even indispensable for an almost endless wealth of tasks. Accordingly, much effort is spent in the development of new computer systems and tries to provide an ideal solution for every need. Thus, a whole new group of computers has emerged, which offers many possibilities due to its unique design, which distinguishes it from all other systems: the mini PCs. They are hardly larger than a hand, offer the computing power of modern notebooks, but they are stationary, thus saving the annoying charging of the battery. At the same time, they offer a variety of ports that equates them to large desktop computers. Thus, you get high performance and high flexibility in a device without having to compromise many. Nevertheless, there are some things that one Mini PC should not be fully recommended and it should be carefully weighed prior to the purchase whether the purchase would be worthwhile or whether rather another system would offer more benefits.

Mini PCcharacteristics

These small calculators differ in the first place by their size of one desktop PC, Since a desktop PC offers much more space for the individual components of the system and at the same time contributes to a better air circulation for the cooling of the partly in full swing running hardware, must in one Mini PC specially designed components for this application are installed. These are usually not just smaller versions of normal desktop PC hardware, but components originally developed for mobile devices. This makes it possible to reduce the heat to such an extent that the mini PCs are not damaged or independently throttled by permanently borderline temperatures their performance. At the same time, such a computer can be taken easily. While the transport of a normal-sized desktop computer can sometimes cause considerable problems due to the weight as well as the sensitivity of many components to shocks, hardware for mobile devices is much more robust. Thus, although the stationary use is preferable, however, a takeover of the entire computer is readily possible. Since mobile hardware has to generate less heat, the flowing currents must not be too large. Therefore, Mini PCs offer a lower performance than comparable desktop computers and are more likely to be equated with notebooks. However, a significant feature in any case is the significantly smaller number of connection options, since the surface offers only limited space for it.

Differences of one Mini PC to deskrop computers and notebooks

In addition to the size of mini PCs, the performance of the individual hardware components plays a decisive role. This is noticed very quickly that one Mini PC can not compete with a classic desktop computer. The built-in processors are designed for mobile devices and therefore have a correspondingly lower performance than the corresponding model series for stationary use. However, this has the advantage that the power consumption is significantly reduced and similar to that of a notebook. Nevertheless, this eliminates the problem of charging batteries and their steadily decreasing performance and capacity until replacement by a specialist must be made. The power supply takes place directly via a power adapterand makes the permanent connection to the mains necessary. Furthermore, there are differences because of the reduced size, which is reflected in a reduction of the hardware components. Since modern processors usually also have a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) integrated in addition to the actual CPU, which can not accomplish complex graphics processing, eliminating the need for space, a separate graphic cardCompleted. This feature also equates to Mini PCs most notebooks, which also very often have no graphics card. Furthermore, compromises are made in the other hardware components in order to be able to design the system in a balanced manner and continue to meet the limited space. For example, savings are made on the hard disk and on the main memory, which both have relatively low capacities. Ultimately, however, that is motherboardwhich must provide the appropriate slots for all other components, the largest single part in one Mini PC , Accordingly, by far the largest savings must be made here. Since the motherboard determines the entire performance of a computer significantly, the use of less powerful motherboards has corresponding effects. In addition to lower performance compared to ordinary desktop computers, the number of sockets for connecting peripheral hardware is particularly noticeable. Since neither the motherboard is very large, nor the surface of the case, a mini PC can not offer the same amount of connections as other computers. Nevertheless, the equipment with several USB sockets, LAN, HDMI, jack and a few other connectivity options to build a complete home office. All in all, mini PCs are more like notebooks than desktop PCs, but they offer advantages in terms of power supply and external hardware, as they are otherwise keyboardwith touchpad and the integrated display is specified. Nevertheless, there is an exception to this rule: Apple Mini PCs are much more expensive than most other models, but here are components installed that are in no way inferior to the performance of a high-quality desktop computer.

For whom is a mini PC (not) recommended?

As already illustrated, the broad mass of mini PCs is not the same as powerful desktop computers. The acquisition is therefore particularly worthwhile if the option for mobile use and the small size play a crucial role, but on integrated peripherals such as keyboard and display, as it is installed in notebooks, can or should be waived. A newly released on the market Mini PC is well in the art and is quite as competition for notebooks. Nevertheless, the requirements for these computers should not be too high. Above all, the not too high processing power of the processor, the missing graphics card and often very happy failing memory make a Mini PC for some tasks conceivably unsuitable. Elaborate image or video editing is certainly not one of the strengths of Mini PCs. Even the latest video games will not be able to cope well with the performance of the system and can hardly be played smoothly. However, anyone who wants to build a home office and comes with an average performance of the computer comes is as well served with such a device as the cheapest desktop PC’s or middle class notebooks. For all the usual office work, simple image editing and surfing the Internet, the performance is more than satisfactory. Who expects a higher performance and is willing to spend well over 1000EUR, for the Mini PCs from Apple are the best choice. Here are significantly more powerful components installed that make the Mini PC quite comparable to a powerful desktop computer. Accordingly, these computers also provide enough computing capacity to instill more demanding applications and to make good use of the programs. In any case it is important to have a close look at the technical data and to choose a model tailored to your own needs. Also the number of sockets is crucial and it should be kept in mind that with keyboard, mouse, monitor, external CD / DVD drives and printers many slots are permanently occupied. For an external hard drive or USB sticks will not always be left a place.