What are Mini-Pcs?

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

What can they do and what else to they need to do it? What are the benefits over a desktop, laptop or tablet, if any?

Example:

https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Windows-Computer-Ethernet-G3/dp/B0CQ4C9ZY1

 

[Brainonska511]

Smaller than a desktop, generally more customizable than a laptop, sometimes they have full fledged desktop processors, and they can preserve desk space if you want a monitor/keyboard/mouse but don't want a full desktop or have a laptop sitting on your desk. Could even use one as a basic HTPC, if you don't need tons of storage or optical drives, and games on your TV aren't your thing.

They're good if you want a simple machine that doesn't take up a lot of space. I replaced my mom's old Haswell desktop with one, and it's been perfect for her use.

At one point, I even considered one for myself as an HTPC, but I'll probably just gut my current HTPC when it comes time to upgrade so I can keep the Blu-ray drive.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Storage? EHDs?

RAM internal?

I've been using a laptop as primary for several years largely due to less power consumption than a desktop.

 

[Brainonska511]

Storage? EHDs?

RAM internal?

I've been using a laptop as primary for several years largely due to less power consumption than a desktop.

Maybe someone just wants something small without the hassle of other components that can stink in cheap laptops (like soldered RAM, bad displays, and bad keyboards). Different people have different needs. If replaced my mom's desktop with a laptop, then that would be something else wasting space on her desk, and potentially a mess of cables coming out of it to support peripherals. A NUC fits nicely under her monitor and the ports are all in the back, which makes for a cleaner setup.

The mini PCs are generally pretty low power too, and many can fit 1-2 NVME drives, a 2.5" SSD, and 2x SO-DIMMs for RAM needs.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

I guess I'm trying to figure out what they're capable of. A Pi doesn't do much without a lot of knowledge and programming ability.

Are these minis more like a laptop without a built in monitor, KB and mouse? Can you load regular programs like Quicken and LibreOffice? You imply the HDD and memory is internal that same as a laptop?

Will one take a backup/restore image of what's on a laptop?

At $300 or so, I need to be relatively certain they'll do what I want.

 

[Brainonska511]

I guess it depends what you're talking about then:

A NUC and the like are full fledged PCs, usually sold like a bare bones kit you'll need to complete and then put Windows or Linux on.

A Pi and similar are cheap, very basic systems that people use for lighter, DIY applications (router, basic embedded system for controlling something customized, etc). I wouldn't use these as a desktop/laptop replacement.