2 weeks ago
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PCs have been through a number of evolutions in terms of form factor -- a fancy word for size. The once bulky and ugly beige boxes that devoured desk real estate are now the size of a hardback book but can still handle the most demanding workload.
Say hello to the mini PC! This compact powerhouse is just as comfortable tucked behind your TV, perched on a shelf, or hidden away in a cupboard as it is sitting on your desk. Mini PCs pack a punch, offering everything you could want from a modern computer while taking up the least amount of space possible. They're perfect for today's busy lifestyles and can also serve as a fantastic foundation for your next project. Whether you're streaming your favorite shows, working from home, or diving into creative endeavors, a mini PC is a versatile companion that fits seamlessly into any environment.
I've tested and researched the current mini PC offerings on the market, examining specs and paying close attention to user reviews, and my top pick for the best mini PC is the Intel NUC 13 Pro Arena Canyon. Whether you want a mini PC for the home, office, or meeting room, this is a solid choice. But I understand that this might not be for everyone, so I've picked a handful more mini PCs, each aimed at a specific use case.
And there's never been a better time to buy, because at the time of update, prices have come down dramatically opretty much across the board.
Just when you thought this list would only include Windows systems, we've got the Mac Mini. This was one of the original mini PCs, and with the switch to Apple Silicon processors, it has seen a new lease of life.
Considered at one point the gateway Mac that got people over to MacOS from Windows (because they could replace their Windows PC with the Mac Mini and keep using their existing keyboard, mouse, and monitor with their new Mac), it's now a staple of the Mac lineup, and the perfect choice for those who want a compact system.
I've owned a few different Mac Mini systems over the years, and I've been more than satisfied by them. They're reliable, well-built, and run cool and quiet.
The biggest downside to this system is upgrading -- bottom line, this Mac will live and die with the same processor, RAM, and storage that it left the factory with. If you want to give it a storage boost, Satechi makes a hub/stand for it that adds a bunch of ports and a port for an M.2 SSD.
As I'd expect from an Apple product, the reviews are strongly positive, with users reporting that they are happy with the performance and overall reliability of the system.
Apple 2023 Mac mini tech specs: Apple Silicon M4 processor with 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores | 16GB RAM | 256GB storage | 2x USB-C, 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack | MacOS
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