Should You Buy a Mini PC Or a Laptop?
In this mini PC vs laptop review, we’ll compare the specs, screen size, and price of these two different machines. We’ll also look at the room for upgrade and the cheaper price. The MSI GS63VR has a notebook GTX 1060 and a high-end Skylake CPU. But, for $1,799, you can get a ZOTAC Magnus EN1060 with the same configuration and a better sound solution.
Mini PCs are cheaper
While desktops are the standard PC, there are also a number of mini PCs that are cheaper. Barebone PCs do not include the operating system or memory, but they are a great option if you need a lightweight laptop that can be easily transported. Barebone mini PCs are especially useful for gamers since they can run most games on high settings without lagging. The Asus PN50 mini PC is a good example of a barebone computer. This computer comes with an AMD Ryzen processor and includes all the ports, including a microSD card slot.
Although mini PCs are less expensive than laptops, the performance of these machines is almost identical to that of a laptop. In fact, some mini PCs use desktop-class processors, which outperform those of mobile devices, resulting in higher prices. While mini PCs are capable of handling heavy tasks, such as gaming, a laptop is a better option if you need more processing power on the go.
While some mini PCs have a 2.5-inch drive bay, there are still a number of models that lack this feature. The M70q Tiny, for example, has only one M.2 slot, which feels stingy compared to other models. It does, however, come with a bracket and cable to support a 2.5-inch drive. ProDesk offers a slightly higher-end version of its Mini PC, the ProDesk, which includes a front USB port.
Another advantage of mini PCs over laptops is their low power consumption. This can be a big motivating factor for some people. Using a mini PC instead of a laptop can save you money on electric bills. They are also cheaper to operate than a laptop. The mini PC can be mounted to the back of a monitor. These machines are built with low-power laptop and desktop processors, meaning that they should not draw too much power when working hard.
One of the biggest benefits of a mini PC is its versatility. You can mount it to the back of a monitor, for example, allowing you to use a larger monitor and television set. You can also purchase an inexpensive USB keyboard, or you can get an ergonomically-designed one. A good quality keyboard and monitor are better than the cheap laptops. You’ll probably get more use out of your mini PC than you will out of a laptop.
They have more room for upgrade
A mini PC is a small computer that can perform basic tasks, such as email, web surfing, and running Microsoft Office programs. However, mini PCs often lack the necessary RAM for multitasking. Generally, a mini PC with two or three gigabytes of RAM will run well with Windows 10, but it would be better to choose a model with four or more. A few examples of mini PCs with more memory are the Beelink M1 and N34, which both have six and eight gigabytes of RAM.
Storage is another important feature to consider when choosing a mini PC. Although these devices typically come with a 2.5-inch or M.2 hard drive, you may want to go for a larger size if you’re planning on using them as servers. For instance, if you plan to play music or movies on your mini PC, an SD card with eight gigabytes of capacity would be enough. Depending on how often you watch movies, an SD card with 16GB of space is more than enough. A 2.5-inch drive, on the other hand, is the traditional option.
Another factor that can limit your upgrade options is the processor. While desktop PCs have the benefit of more RAM, mini PCs typically have fewer slots and physical space for upgrades. While the motherboards of mini PCs are small, they’re often made with larger form-factor boards. Consequently, you’ll find it easier to upgrade RAM and hard drive parts if you’re upgrading. However, these components are not compatible with the new mini PC motherboards.
Some mini PCs come with a VESA mount, which allows them to be easily mounted to a monitor. This feature allows you to mount your mini PC on the back of your monitor, which saves space and keeps your PC out of the way. It also helps you avoid having to purchase a separate monitor. This is a great space-saver. There are many options available when choosing a mini PC, so you may want to explore the options that are best suited for your needs.
They are faster than laptops
You may be asking yourself whether mini PCs are faster than laptops. The answer to this is yes. While laptops are typically faster than mini PCs, some of the latter are equipped with high-end technology. Mini PCs are smaller versions of full-sized PCs, and they offer similar amounts of power. However, they do offer a lot more flexibility, especially the Intel NUC series. Whether mini PCs are faster than laptops depends on your specific needs.
When buying a mini PC, make sure to find one with room for upgrading. The recommended minimum specs for a mini PC are four gigabytes of memory, 120GB HDD, and an Intel/AMD i5 core. If you find that the speed of your mini PC is not sufficient, you can always switch to another OS, such as Linux. However, this will increase the preparation time. As with laptops, you can upgrade the hardware and software as needed, but the barebones mini PC may still be cheaper in the long run.
Another advantage of mini PCs is that they have more storage space. They are smaller than laptops and can even be as small as a thumb drive. Unlike laptops, mini PCs come with two different hard drives: the 2.5-inch hard drive and the M.2 SSD. SSDs are faster than HDDs, but the former is better for those who need more storage capacity. If speed is your primary concern, however, then you should go for the SSD. As for RAM, Mini PCs use SODIMM or SDRAM instead of DDR4. They are made with 200-pin storage RAM. The latter is compatible with laptops, but it does not support DDR4 memory.
Some mini PCs have dedicated mobile graphics chips. The 2021 Dell Precision 3240 connect comes with professional-grade graphics. The Intel NUC kit NUC8i7HVK offers AMD Radeon RX Vega M graphics acceleration. Thunderbolt ports also allow you to connect external graphics cards. If you are a gamer, you may be happier with a mini PC. Its price is less expensive than a laptop, but you still need to upgrade to 16 GB of RAM if you want to play any games.
They have a smaller screen
When it comes to size, a MacBook Pro’s screen is only slightly larger than a 16-inch laptop. The Asus ROG Strix M16 has a larger screen than the MSI Creator Z16, but it is still smaller than a 17-inch laptop. It is also only 12.1 percent bigger in total area, or about 80 cm2.
