5 Ways to Use Mini PC’s Around the Office

Once upon a time, desktop PCs were great hulking machines that whizzed and whirled all day and night. And while we might have called them desktop computers, we invariably stowed them underneath the desk. Because – let’s face it – they were anything but desktop friendly. 

Desktop computers might have had the specs and the functionality, but they’ve never been particularly aesthetically pleasing. This is why mini computers have increased in popularity over the years, replacing old-school hard drives with super-quick SSDs, and running all of the operating systems from Windows 10 and 11 to Linux. Even Apple has a mini-PC in the guise of the Mac Mini. 

This article explores the rise of the mini-PC while highlighting the versatility that this bijoux technology could bring to your office.

Can a Mini-PC really replace a desktop computer?

Mini-PCs were initially known as Nettops (Network Desktops) when they first appeared on the market in the early 2000s. They were generally low-powered PCs designed for browsing and basic office functions such as word processing, spreadsheeting, and email.

Nettops offered low CPU functionality and minimal power consumption. They were designed to be used with USB peripherals such as monitors and keyboard/mouses. Additionally, they’re remarkably affordable, with entry-level models coming in at less than $100. 

But early mini PCs were no match for desktop power. They were not fast enough for gamers and certainly not powerful enough for video streaming or running pro CAD software. 

Their small size made them convenient, but the barebones kit inside these machines was no match for a PC or Mac’s processing power. 

However, a lot has changed in twenty years. Modern mini-PCs are often as capable as their desktop counterparts, with 

• Hefty 256+ GB SSDs 
• SD card compatibility 
• USB (including Type-C) connectivity
• HDMI, Bluetooth, and WiFi-enabled 
• Lightning speed quad-core CPUs 

So, while a mini-PC might not quite stand up to the demands of the next-gen gamer, it offers plenty of processing power for HD graphics and sound. 

Add a massive range of apps, and mini PCs become the ideal choice for all-in-one multimedia machines suitable for both home and business. 

5 Ways to Use a Mini PC Around the Office

Mini PCs make perfect home entertainment servers, offering access to a range of streaming services. For example, Amazon Prime and Netflix. Additionally, they provide cost-effective TiVo-style systems with sizeable hard drives. 

The best mini PCs are fanless, using Solid State hard drives. They offer near-silent operation, so no more whirring of hard drives to distract you at your desk or keep you awake at night. 

And while mini PCs are excellent for home entertainment, they come into their own in the office, especially when paired with digital signage technology. 

1. Digital Signs

A digital sign offers an excellent way to communicate with staff and customers in offices, stores, and factories… In fact, digital signs are likely to be found in practically every workspace these days. 

Mini PCs are ideal power-ups for digital signs because they’re small enough to install behind the digital screen, offering ultimate wireless control over your digital signage content. 

Hook your mini PC to a digital sign for:

• Interactive training sessions, incorporating touchscreen technology for hands-on learning in seminars and boardroom presentations. 
• Online collaboration, allowing multiple users to access and interact with a central display via their own smart devices or laptops.
• HD video conferencing, providing blistering streaming speeds with access to any browser from Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox to in-house intranets. 
• Presentation tools powered by high-quality animations and multimedia to really bring your message alive.
• Advertising, providing HD video and sound to deliver an eye-catching message in large public spaces.

2. Streamlining the office

Mini desktop PCs provide the computing power you need to run your regular office applications without taking up desk space. And with way more power and versatility than tablets, mini desktop PCs offer excellent connectivity, with plenty of USB, ethernet, and HDMI ports, making them ready-to-go business machines.

Mini PCs are versatile enough to meet the processing requirements of most industries, offering a range of chips from AMD and Intel core technologies to run processor-hungry apps that once required desktop power. 

All without hogging desk space. 

3. Media production

Most businesses require a degree of media production expertise these days to remain competitive on online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

And what was once the sole domain of super-powered desktop leviathans, mini PCs now offer ample power to produce and render high-quality video for advertising campaigns. 

One of the most attractive aspects of mini PCs is affordability. And – just like desktop PCs – you’re in control of the components within your mini PC setup. This means that you can build a DIY machine that satisfies the demands you require to run your business. 

It’s possible to boost CPU and RAM for demanding media production projects or spend way less money on lower-spec components if you’re just going to use the machine for simple office operations. 

4. Backup machines and servers

You might not feel comfortable relying solely on mini PCs to run your business, but you might need backup machines that operate as servers or shared hard drives. 

Entry-level mini PCs generally have quad-core Intel Atom processors, which are found in low-end laptops, but they offer plenty of speed and reliability as storage units. These processors are plenty for basic operations such as emailing, web surfing, and running Microsoft Office applications. 

The trick is to max up the size of your RAM for faster running speeds – that way, a low-cost processor will perform amply.

5. Media server

Mini PCs make excellent media servers when combined with Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick devices. 

Simply plug in a Fire Stick to the HDMI connector on your mini PC for access to a vast library of entertainment. And while you might not want your employees watching movies and TV shows in the office, they make excellent entertainment zones for break-out areas. 

Alternatively, you may wish to stream live business news on digital signs around the office, keeping your sales teams up to date with business-sensitive current affairs. 

Use a mini PC in your business

Bigger isn’t always more beautiful – there’s distinct value in technology that can’t be seen (but CAN be heard). Mini PCs are way more than just space-saving devices and have many uses for businesses and offices. So, if you’re considering updating your IT equipment, consider how you might incorporate mini PC technology, built by a wide range of trusted manufacturers, including Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Intel, Apple, and even Raspberry Pi. Get the power of the desktop without desktop prices.