10 Benefits of Using a Mini PC in Schools

While many people are still skeptical about the practicability of mini PCs, their popularity is on the rise. To explain, the use of mini PCs extends beyond the office to healthcare and education. Statistics show that Lenovo, one of the famous mini PC brands, made 84.02 million shipments of the gadgets in 2021. HP closely followed it, with around 74.18 million shipments. The figures are just the tip of the iceberg to demonstrate the growing demand for mini PCs.

Users of mini PCs enjoy several benefits across the board. Specifically, this post will discuss the benefits of mini PCs in schools. Before then, take a look at the basics of mini PCs.

What is a Mini PC?

Also known as minicomputers or mid-range computers, mini PCs are computer variants with the features and capabilities of a standard computer. However, they’re a lot smaller in physical size than desktop PC.

Like a desktop computer, a mini PC features a central processing unit (CPU) and memory. Thus, it operates similarly to a laptop or computer. The CPU executes instructions by fetching them from memory. Additionally, it uses the ALU to carry out operations and store the outcome in memory.

Popular mini PC brands available on the market include:

• Intel Celeron and NUC
• MSI
• Lenovo
• HP
• DELL
• Samsung Chromebook
• Apple Mac Mini

While their specifications may differ, they generally provide users with numerous benefits.

What are the Benefits of Mini PCs for Digital Signage in Schools?

Mini PCs and schools are a perfect match because they fit well in settings without intense video tasks. Here’s how mini PCs in schools benefit students and tutors alike:

1.  Mini PCs Occupy Less Space

Traditionally, computer labs in schools were home to many bulky CPUs. On the contrary, the labs now have better legroom, thanks to mini computers. Indeed, users can tack the minicomputers away where they’re essentially invisible to save space.

For example, they can place the mini PCs on the back of a large display or monitor or DIN rails with VESA mounting. These support the mini PCs on a wall below a large format display. Thus, educators can have more flexibility in placing the mini PCs in the lecture rooms. Further, mounting the mini machines eliminates the need for cables that run across tables.

2.  Easy to Use Mini PCs for Video and Content Streaming

Tutors can use mini PCs to stream teaching content on digital displays in lecture rooms and other teaching environments. The machines work well with digital display screens with HDMI and USB ports. In fact, digital signage statistics show that digital signage displays attract 96% of students.

As such, teachers can easily mount the mini PCs behind the digital screen sets to play high-definition videos in a browser. This works best for models with SSD, a graphics card, and a processor with the capability to handle HD videos.

With a Wi-Fi, mouse, and Bluetooth keyboard, teachers can easily display their teaching materials and run programs like Excel and Microsoft office programs to make presentations. At the same time, it’s possible to use Windows 10’s or Linux touch-based apps and enjoy all the services not available on streaming sticks.

3.  Mini-PCs Allow for Better Display for the Students

While teachers can use mini PCs to stream teaching content, students can benefit from better displays. Despite their small size, they’re compatible with large-size digital screens. Therefore, students can read more clearly from large displays instead of chalkboards. Their versatility is a feature that schools should leverage to use their screens of choice, whether a regular monitor, TV screen, or open-frame display.

4.  Better Information Retention Among Students

People forget more than 70% of the information they obtain through training. Forgetting isn’t just the learner’s fault, as the way a tutor presents the information can hinder or spur memory. Notably, mini PCs in schools help address this problem. Teachers can connect the minicomputers to interactive whiteboards for an engaging learning experience for the students. Consequently, they enhance the learning process and enable students to understand and retain information better.

5.  Remote Management of Mini PCs Enhances Productivity

Since mini PCs are easy to manage remotely, a school’s IT department can remotely handle images and security standards. Furthermore, they can troubleshoot the PCs despite their location. Teachers can focus on teaching, while a professional IT team handles the mechanical aspects. At the same time, students can focus on learning without worrying about technical issues.

6.  Cool and Quiet Operation

In addition to being ideal for classroom use, mini PCs in schools are suitable for use in libraries and labs. The reason is that their operation is calm and quiet. Moreover, they have a compact size that allows them to stay away from sight. They enable users to handle most of their computing needs and provide enough performance. In addition to their high performance, they run quietly and eliminate the heat and noise in many school labs.

7.  Easy Scheduling of Updates

Mini PCs in schools can serve as entry-level servers for school infrastructure. For example, staff members can use them to create and schedule school updates on digital signage displays. With remote access and management features, staff can control digital signage content from any location and ensure the students stay informed. Therefore, they’re an excellent choice for various educational applications and needs.

8.  Mini Computers Have Low Power Consumption

Compared to laptops, mini PCs offer uncompromised performance yet have surprisingly small packages. Their energy consumption is much lower, hence can maintain a school’s infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of having servers or tower PCs. They can go a long way in saving electric bills in the long run.

9.  Ease of Portability

Minicomputers are the best bet for students who often commute between their school and home when looking for portable devices. They’re lightweight and allow users to perform various tasks while traveling. More importantly, they feature the latest energy-saving technology to run on less power; hence the battery lasts longer.

10. Mini PCs are Versatile

When students aren’t using mini PCs for school work, they can use them for entertainment, especially gamers. Mini computers have impressive specs that most large models lack. For example, you’ll find models with most of these features:

• High processing speed like i3 processor, Intel Core i7, or the speedy AMD Ryzen processors with micro SD card slot
• Power adapters
• Bluetooth connectivity
• A large memory capacity, for example, some have 4GB DDR4 RAM and 1 TB HDD storage
• Integrated graphics card, for example, the NVidia GeForce RTX 3070 or the discreet Radeon RX 6600 XT
• SD Card
• Chrome OS
• Docztorm data hub
• All-in-one desktop design with sustainable materials
• Solid-state hard drive
• Ethernet port
• GPU support
• Built-in webcam
• Custom or pre-installed operating systems
• Manufacturer warranty

As you can see, some high-quality min PCs act as a laptop and tablet hybrid, offering smooth touch screen surfaces and various folding configurations.

Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of Mini PCs in School?

Technology keeps improving, bringing more advanced products into the market. Among them are mini PCs that provide a lot of versatility in various environments. For example, mini PCs for schools enhance learning and help improve teachers’ productivity. If you’ve not upgraded from traditional desktop computers to mini PCs, it’s high time to do so and enjoy the benefits they offer.