Mini desktop computers

[kygreg]

I'm looking at mini desktop computers like the one linked below. Does anyone have any experience with this type of computer or have a better suggestion for computers? (I don't want a laptop or tablet) Thanks
https://smile.amazon.com/ACEPC-Cele...x=compact+desk,aps,164&sr=1-5#customerReviews

 

[B and C]

I have a MINISFORUM that is similar to that but it doesn't even work for streaming Netflix.  I have three HP Micro PC's with three different CPUs, i3, i5 and an i7.  I paid more than the linked one for my i3.  Prices must be coming down.  I have the i5 in my van hooked to my 24" TV and a wireless one piece keyboard and mouse.  The MINISFORUM is relegated to security and a file server for movies and such on the LAN in my van (poet and don't know it).  All have Win 10 Pro 64 bit so that I can remote desktop into them.

Hp Intel

All work great.  I am going to try another one with an AMD processor and it will be here toward the end of the month:


HP AMD

I didn't see the cheaper price for the i3 intel one until this morning or I would have got that, I prefer intel.

EDIT to add: These will require a Display port to HDMI adapter if you want to use HDMI.

 

[mpruet]

I will honor your comment about not wanting a tablet — but ...

Before I retired I was a laptop freak as I was a software developer for IBM.  Additionally I had two desktop MS machines which I used to create VMware systems to test my software.  So I was doing a lot of Microsoft and Linux work. 

When I retired I wanted to travel around in my rig - class-B van built on a Promaster 3500 high top. Because of the limited space and the need to keep my power consumption down, I decided to switch to a good sized iPad Air.  I attached a keyboard so that I could type easily and also got a stylus to replace the functionality of the mouse.  The iPad has all of the functionality that the laptop had plus much that it didn’t.  I have books, spread sheets, budget, Hulu, YouTube, email, video editing, etc. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was evaluation my need for the laptop and whether I really needed it any more.  About the only thing that I needed the laptop for was my taxes and I discovered that I could get the same tax packages on my iPad that I have been using on my laptop.  I’m looking at getting a wireless printer which will work with my iPad.  At that point, I could let my laptop go because all of the functionality exists on my iPad. 

The beauty of using an iPad rather than laptop or other computer is that it is small and can be recharged from a DC USB port.  It uses much less power than the laptop so is not nearly the drain on my house battery.  At this time I’m rather doubtful that I would ever go back to a laptop or any other type of computer. 

But - to each his own.  Just saying - it really works for me.   ;-)

 

[maki2]

The first step to take is to look at the software you want to run and see what the minimum recommendations are for what your computer system must be capable of. In a way it is not all that different for the type of situation for figuring out what size of battery and solar panels are needed. You start with what your demand needs are and then shop for a computer that exceeds those demands by at least 10%. Or for figuring out what vehicle you need to tow a trailer given the trailer weight. So start with your power needs from a computer and then match a computer to it.

 

[kygreg]

I will honor your comment about not wanting a tablet — but ... 

I have plenty of room and power in my converted step van, I'll be using a 42" TV for my computer screen with a wireless keyboard and mouse. A compact desktop computer seems the right thing for this arraangement but I'm not a computer expert. If you have any insight on the linked computer or ones like it that would be great.

 

[kygreg]

The first step to take is to look at the software you want to run and see what the minimum recommendations are for what your computer system must be capable of.  

The difference is that I understand the terminology and units being used in my solar system, not so much in computing systems. I've been told that I need at least 8GB of ram for Windows 10 and any of its future upgrades. I have no idea if that's right. I don't run any special software, no video editing or gaming needs, just the very basics, internet, and streaming movies. Any capacity specs that I need to stay within would be very helpful.

 

[rruff]

I've been told that I need at least 8GB of ram for Windows 10 and any of its future upgrades. I have no idea if that's right. I don't run any special software, no video editing or gaming needs, just the very basics, internet, and streaming movies. Any capacity specs that I need to stay within would be very helpful.

8GB with room for more sounds good. I'd strongly advise getting one with an SSD drive, as they are much faster and more durable... unless you can change that yourself. A backup drive is also a good idea but that can be plugged into a USB port. You won't be storing videos and movies on your computer? I'm wondering how much capacity you need.

In my workroom I have an ancient Dell mini running XP that has 2GB ram, and it works great for just basic stuff (playing videos and audios and occasional internet). So you really don't *need* a lot. The above is all "nice to have" stuff.

The main advantage of a laptop for vagabonding is lower power consumption and easy portability. Most of them will also run directly on 12v which saves power and complexity vs using an adapter. Most will allow you to plug in an external monitor and keyboard if you wish.

 

[rruff]

EDIT: I didn't realize you were looking at super tiny palm of your hand PCs. I probably should have looked at the unit you linked before I replied, doh!  

It looks good to me! Has a bay included for easily adding an extra SSD, it runs on 12v, and has very low power consumption (4W idle). I think it will work fine for you needs. The only negative is a saw some mention of fan noise. Don't know if that would bother you.

 

[Trebor English]

I have a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, 1 Gb ram, a wireless USB keyboard with track pad and a 19 inch TV.  The HDMI can plug into as huge a monitor (TV) as you want to get away from the tiny phone or tablet. 

If you must have Windows or Apple it will not work for you.  The transition to Linux might be out of reach for some.  I find that it is adequate.

 

[wayne49]

The fan noise is probably from a hard working, tiny fan trying to dissipate heat from the closely packed electronics. The very small form factor would restrict heat dissipation.

Laptops can have hot spots on the underside, which can be uncomfortable, if actually placed on a lap. One major brand actually caused minor burns a few years back. Search http://theregister.co.uk/ for articles on laptop and burns. Search reveals this still an ongoing issue.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/07/10/asus_gaming_settlement_overheating/

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/06/28/recalled_macbook_injuries/

Another source for fires?

 

[tx2sturgis]

I'm a big fan of fanless PCs....see what I did there?

I've been using a FitPC for many years:

https://www.fit-pc.com/web/products/

Are they the cheapest mini PC? No...are fanless PCs worth spending the extra money on?

Yep.

 

[broken ed]

If you're using your TV and wireless keyboard anyway; have you considered a stick computer. These are not powerful computers, but if it meets your computing needs, they run Windows 10 (this link is Windows 10 Pro) and plug into the HDMI port on your TV. It's powered by the TV's USB port. If it would work for you; no one would even know there was a computer on your TV. They have WiFi, Bluetooth and a slot for a micro SD card.

Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Fanless-Inte...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

But just search stick computer.

 

[B and C]

The stick computer with a small portable HDD the size of your choosing added to it would work.

I am using one of these : Minis Forum  with Win 10 Pro as a file server for my lan in the van     No less than 4 gig of ram and 64 gig storage for those massive windows updates.  All storage should be on a portable HDD with these small computers.


If you want to step it up a notch, HP makes a nice small computer: [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]HP 600 G1 with Win 10 Pro.  This has a 256 Gb SSD so you wouldn't need an external drive unless you have a lot of files.  I run mine with a car power supply: 12V power adapter.  It is made for laptops but works on these micro computers too.  This is the PC that I have connected to my TV.[/font]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Good luck, a lot of choices.[/font]

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[Riverman]

I've tried two or three mini computers and they were all very sluggish, even on a forum like this. I won't buy another one until you guys highly recommend one that is fast enough.

 

[B and C]

Intel core I-3 not fast enough?  Here is an intel core i5  with 8Gb ram and a 256Gb SSD.  My i7 desktop here at the house is about 7 inches square.  These are what businesses use and are not the low end stuff.  They just started coming off lease and are available refurbished.  These do have 2 display ports and a vga port.  If you want to use HDMI, they make adapters.  All three of these are snappy with the SSD's.

Edit to add: Look at the processor, ram and if they had an SSD on those you tried. Low end processors give low end performance. I was going for the lowest power I could get away with for a file server and is what I use the MINISFORUM for.

 

[Riverman]

Three poor reviews plus just a 2.0 GHz on that one.

 

[B and C]

If you want a high spec system, you will have to pay a LOT more.

So what are your minimum specs?

I have used HP computers for the last 10 years with no complaints. I got rid of all my big HP desktops in favor of these little ones. I used to build my own.

 

[Riverman]

I buy DELL

 

[t3chN0Mad]

As one person mentioned already, CompuLab Fitlets work well. I work for a company that uses them in 1000+ kiosks around the US and they have been reliable. That said, I am currently testing some units from this seller (xcy X30) and they seem to work well too. https://xcyminipc.aliexpress.com/store

Both the fitlets and the xcy mini PCs have 12vdc power input, so they are perfect for on the road. 4GB RAM and the Celeron processor in the lowest priced X30 should be plenty for basic use, but they have much more powerful options available as well.

 

[Trebor English]

Both the fitlets and the xcy mini PCs have 12vdc power input, so they are perfect for on the road.

Check the input power specification of any "12 volt" item you connect to your mobile power system. 

 A lead acid battery system is not exactly 12 volts.  Most 12 volt computer equipment wants 12 volts plus or minus a half volt or maybe 10%.  My van goes above 14 volts almost every day with normal solar charging.  Even alternator charging stays over 13.2 volts (+10%) for extended periods.  LED lights that are only on at night don't get the 14 volt solar charge but my battery stays over 13 volts for quite a while after the sun goes down.