Mini computers or nettops are compact in size and high performance. They are easy to place on a table or cabinet, as well as behind the monitor, without occupying a separate niche. Transportation can be carried out in a bag or briefcase. Devices have found great popularity with mobile offices of various organizations and individuals. Their cost is lower than that of laptops with similar characteristics, and the extensive interface allows you to connect to monitors and various networks, even from a distance.
Find out from the ranking which mini-computers are the best for accounting activities, working with batches of documents, games, or for viewing graphic images.
The best mini computers economy class
These models are distinguished by an affordable cost in the range of 10,000–14,000 rubles, which budget organizations can allow for the arrangement of departments or educational institutions. Mini computers of this niche have meager performance parameters, but they are quite enough to support workflows.
Gigabyte GB-BACE-3000 - for the teacher's school desk
This tiny mini computer has dimensions of only 56x107x114 mm. This allows you to place it on the table or even in a sliding locker, provided that the holes for the wires are created.
The device is strictly rectangular in black, which is suitable for office style and educational institutions. All connectors are located on the side panels; only the power button is located on the top. Air vents help cool the mini device and its long work.
Pros:
- network adapter Realtek, the driver from which is easy to update on the official website of the manufacturer of computers;
- despite its small size, there is a Kensington lock to prevent theft from the table;
- The device supports the creation of a wired computer network;
- there is an HDMI output for connecting to a monitor or TV (except the main port for the working screen);
- microphone inputs and headphones for quiet operation or video conferencing;
- very economical in electricity consumption, since it has a clock frequency of 1.04 GHz, and accelerates to 2.08 GHz only when necessary;
- RAM 2 GB;
- slot for memory cards;
- transfer of information on Bluetooth and WI-FI;
- 4 USB ports;
- You can install an additional memory card for expanding RAM up to 8 GB;
- Celeron processor for 2 cores.
Minuses:
- the power supply is external and takes up additional space during transportation;
- There is no installed operating system and you need to buy a licensed version of the software for use in educational or work establishments;
- passive cooling;
- The hard drive is only 60 GB.
Shuttle XS35GS - for work with photos and graphics
Such a model is distinguished by the vertical installation of the case, dimensions 251x162x38 mm. A stand is provided for positioning on the table. The unit can be placed next to the monitor or even between books on the shelf. The difference is the possibility of embedding a DVD drive, for which the case already has a place and an exit cover with a button. This expands the connection interface, where you can download and record photos and video files on various media.
Pros:
- the front panel has everything you need for quick use right away: a slot for a card reader and a USB connector;
- You can embed a CD drive to interact with discs;
- over the entire area of the side walls there is a perforation for ventilation;
- vertical installation on a stand from the kit saves space on the table;
- Kensington Castle;
- port for LAN;
- 4 USB connectors allow you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously;
- headphone and microphone input;
- interaction with two monitors via HDMI and VGA;
- RAM 2 GB with the ability to increase up to 4 GB;
- 1.8 GHz processor clock speed.
Minuses:
- the optical drive is additionally installed by the user, although a plug and space in the housing is already provided for it;
- the power supply is external and occupies a separate place in the bag;
- passive cooling (without cooler);
- a lot of dust enters the body through the side openings;
- in the mini computer there is no Bluetooth;
- headphone jack and card reader on the back (inconvenient to reach);
- Winchester memory 60 GB.
Zotac ZBOX-PI330-W3B - a turnkey solution for recreation
This mini computer already has everything you need to work. It installed a licensed Windows 10 and several options for plug the adapter to connect to any type of outlet. The kit comes with a chassis mount on the back of the monitor, so only the owner will know about the existence of the system unit. The processor is endowed with 4 cores with the possibility of overclocking the clock frequency up to 2.24 GHz, which allows you to run most games.
Pros:
- stylish design with blue case lighting during power on;
- compact dimensions 11x76x20 mm;
- the processor saves energy at a frequency of 1.44 GHz, and, if necessary, accelerates to 2.24 GHz;
- HD video card;
- 4 cores;
- Bluetooth and WI-FI wireless networks;
- embedded operating system;
- The combined microphone and headset port allows you to use a regular headset.
Minuses:
- all drivers are provided on the disk, so you need to spend time installing them;
- there is no possibility to increase the RAM;
- external power supply;
- The hard disk is only 32 GB.
The best mini computers of premium class
This is an expensive technique with powerful characteristics to solve many problems, but with the preservation of compact dimensions. Such equipment is acquired by gamers or programmers who wish to transfer their workplace if necessary.
Asrock M8 D45 / Intel Core i5-4460 / 8GB Ram / 120GB SSD - with turbo mode in an iron case
This mini computer has a stylish design with beveled corners and a transparent octagon in the middle of the side panels. The body is completely made of metal and decorated with steel fingers to impart impressiveness. Installation is possible both horizontal and vertical, without additional supports. The model is equipped with a processor i5 with a clock frequency of 3.2 GHz, and the ability to enable the turbo mode up to 3.4 GHz. This is a machine for powerful games.
Pros:
- 4 cores;
- 8 GB RAM;
- optical drive included;
- headphone and microphone inputs on the front panel;
- 120 GB hard drive;
- additional microphone and headphone inputs on the back panel for connecting a second player if necessary;
- 4 USB front and 4 rear;
- power supply built-in and does not occupy a separate place;
- metal case;
- card reader;
- graphics card HD Graphics.
Minuses:
- no operating system installed;
- increased power consumption due to high processor power;
- enlarged case with dimensions of 372x400x123 mm;
- cost over 45,000 rubles.
Gigabyte GB-GZ1DTi7-1080-OK-GW - New for Super Tasks
Such a mini computer is distinguished by a steel case in several tiers with a luminous blue top. Manufacturers gave the new 2017 powerful i7 processor, which makes it suitable for any tasks: vector graphics, video editing, “hard” games, streaming, etc. The RAM has a record 32 GB.
Pros:
- metal case with an interesting design;
- 4 core processor i7 divide tasks into parts and perform instantly;
- 4.0 GHz clock speed and overclocking to 4.2 GHz;
- 32 GB RAM for running more than 200 processes simultaneously;
- built-in video and sound card of the latest generations (5.1-channel sound);
- wireless adapters WI-FI and Bluetooth;
- headphone and microphone jacks on the front panel;
- 2 USB 3.0 front;
- 5 USB at the back;
- 240 GB hard drive expandable up to 1 TB;
- pre-installed operating system Windows 10;
- power supply inside the case.
Minuses:
- the high cost of 150,000 rubles;
- high current consumption;
- there are no card readers.
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