Today we have a phenomenon of diminution and expansion at the same time – technology is becoming more compact while becoming more massive in capabilities. Portable computers have been replaced by sub-notebooks also known as mini computer which are to command the utility of the normal towering computers. These are devices meant to fulfill needs of those clients who need mobile, small-form-factor systems, or simply systems with high performance per unit volume. Students, businessmen and women, engineers, employees, home-based business owners, or anyone who simply wants or needs an upgrade in computing capability will find much to appreciate in mini computers.
In this blog, I’ll discuss what mini computers are and how they differ from conventional desktop computers as well as why you should consider getting mini computers the next time around.
What is a Mini Computer?
A mini computer is generally a down-sized version of an ordinary desktop computer that should however provide similar capabilities. Many of these gadgets are small computers that contain all the necessary components of a work station, such as the processors, memory, disk drives and video cards. Even these compact devices provide high performance, offer computing capabilities for basic operations such as web browsing, document creation and even gaming applications.
The most important advantage of a mini computer is the size of the computer. While traditional desktop computers come with huge numbers that makes them occupy a lot of space and may even be placed on easels or carried around, mini computers are as powerful as their bigger-counterparts but come with better form factors that allow them to be placed on a desk, mounted at the back of a monitor or even carried around.
Mini Computers vs. Desktop Computers: Key Differences
Mini computers and desktop computers are nearly the same and the differences are not very apparent but worth looking at before deciding which to purchase.
Size and Portability
The first distinguishing factor we could notice between mini computers and desktop computers is the size. The portable personal computers range in size in width from the thickness of an assortment of thick books, making them very portable and easy to use. They can be put in anyplace, inside a small cubic, living room, or even on the rear side of the monitor. However, they are larger and hence heavier hence cannot be moved around with easily as is the case with laptops.
If this is a problem, or if you plan to transport a computer from one location to another, a mini computer is ideal.
Performance
In the past, desk top computers have been known to out do laptop computers in terms of power and speed. They can support higher clock frequency processors, greater amounts of RAM, as well as superior cooling mechanisms, which is synonymous with enhanced gaming ability, video rendering, and other applications that require high amounts of processing power. But it is such a shame that with evolution of computers, many mini computers today offer comparable performance and can suffice for some simple to rather average usage such as video streaming, light gaming, and office use.
However, if you require a computer for gaming or other intensive operations, it’s still a desktop computer. But, for the majority of users, having a fast and efficient performance is possible with a mini computer rather than to have a large machine occupying much of their space.
Customizability
Another major boon associated with desktop computers is that they are highly customizable as are their components. Many users can even replace specific parts like the processor, RAM, storage and even the graphics card depending on their requirement. Mini computers on the contrary are more standardized in most cases due to the small size of the computer system. In some models, you can upgrade RAM or storage but when it comes to mini computers, the choices are more restrained than with full-sized desktop computers.
Energy Efficiency
Desktop computers are more power hungry than mini computers which require least power to operate. Being less powerful and having smaller casings they, therefore, are using less electricity, which makes them more suitable for single users or companies that may have electricity usage as a concern. Also, mini computers produce relatively low heat and that can be quite interesting for users who have limited space or poor ventilation.
Advantages of Mini Computers
Mini computers also have a number of advantages that will help to choose devices for specific clients. Here are some of the top advantages:
Space-Saving Design
Perhaps, one of the greatest strengths which mini computers boast of is their small size. Mini computers are suitable for anyone with little space or who prefers not having to worry about a larger machines foot print. Owing to their size they can be easily placed at locations where a regular desktop unit cannot be placed, especially in small apartments, dorms, or when a number of persons will share a computer.
Quiet Operation
Mini computers are known to be belong to the class of computers that make less noise than the big ones. The subassemblies give off less heat, and so, in general, mini computers are equipped with slightly less bulky and somewhat less noisy systems for cooling. If you work in a quiet environment or you prefer computer that doesn’t produce much noise in the form of fan noise, then a mini computer should do the trick for you.
Cost-Effective
If you look for much less demanding computer with the features of a full-sized desktop computer, then a mini computer will do it cheaper. These devices tend to be cheaper compared to desktop computers, this devices are ideal for one who just need a basic computer for web browsing, media, or typing.
For which users is a mini computer appropriate?
Mini computers are a great option for a variety of users, including:
Home Users: If you need a device that will be used mainly for web surfing, watching movies, or handling documents, then you might find that a mini computer is going to fulfill all your requirements while occupying very little space.
Small Businesses: Mini computers can be very useful to small businesses that do not have much office space and or a large budget to spend on a desktop computer which can handle all their work.
Students: Our mini computers provide good performance levels and for the students who might require a compact computer to use in their research then mini computers offer a good solution.
Conclusion
Although desktop computers are more efficient in performance, customizable, and can be upgraded easily, the mini Computers have a certain edge that attracts those who value small size, portability along with less power consumption. These small form factor machines have all that is required for normal usage, low range gaming and video editing.
