Buying a laptop? Wait! This alternative could be better for you

For most people, Laptop is the default option When buying a new computer. It can work from home or on the go, and it has everything built in: screen, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, webcam and the computer itself.

While a laptop may be convenient, it may not be the best choice depending on how you’ll be using it. You probably don’t need the whole kit and kaboodle. Additionally, laptop design requires extensive engineering, which increases costs.

If your laptop is going to be used at home all the time, connected to your desk via an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and you choose a laptop simply because you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a bulky, pre-built desktop computer . .. Then consider using a mini PC.

Minis offer several advantages over laptops that are totally worth it if you don’t need the inherent portability of a laptop.

Related: Why you shouldn’t buy a laptop purely based on specs

Mini PCs are more economical

Although there is no guarantee that the mini computer will always Cheaper than comparable laptops, you can often buy a solid mini for less than you would pay for a laptop with similar hardware.

That’s because a mini-computer can forego the cost of other components that aren’t included: monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, batteries, etc. Then you’re wasting money on a laptop.

For a more extreme example, compare the M2 Mac Mini to the M2 MacBook Air. By skipping all other “laptop” elements, the Mac Mini sells for just $599, well below the $999 price of the MacBook Air.

Which means if you’re in the market for a specific range (eg, entry-level, mid-tier, high-end), then you’ll likely pay less for the same options if you go with a mini PC instead of a laptop.

Mini PCs have better performance

Mini PCs have an advantage that can provide higher performance than similar laptops: they are not restricted by the size required for laptops, so mini PCs have greater freedom when it comes to internal components.

The physical design of a laptop determines how air flows through the laptop, affecting cooling. Laptops must balance thermal management with performance. Meanwhile, mini PCs can shape themselves however they want – and with more efficient cooling, they can push their components further and achieve higher performance.

mini computer no battery

Ignoring the cost and performance factors that put minis ahead of laptops, here’s another important factor to consider: Since minis aren’t portable, they don’t have any batteries.

Battery issues can occur, not only in laptops but also in any Portable devices. Continuous charging and discharging generates additional heat, which can damage other internal components if applied with excessive force, and can also shorten the life of the battery.

In terms of longevity, mini computers have fewer parts to worry about, which means they generally last longer.

Related: I traded in a $1,000 desktop for a $300 mini and have no regrets

Mini PCs are easier to upgrade

Most laptops don’t have enough internal space for upgrades. Maybe you can replace a piece here and there, but generally you’ll stick with whatever configuration you purchased.

Mini PCs are another story. Beelink SER5(Amazon link) may be a mini PC, but it’s roomy enough to accommodate an M.2 slot, a 2.5-inch SATA slot, and two SO-DIMM slots. So even though it comes with an M.2 drive, you can upgrade it with an additional SATA drive if needed, and you can upgrade the RAM modules beyond the initial configuration.

In fact, a quick search for “mini PC” on Newegg shows that most available mini PCs explicitly offer user-accessible RAM and support for multiple storage drives (i.e., SATA and M.2 slots).

Meanwhile, modern laptops usually come with an M.2 slot, leaving no room for an additional drive, and they often come with soldered RAM modules. This means you can only upgrade data drives via replace And you can’t upgrade your memory at all.

Further reading: Super cheap PC upgrade

Mini PCs have more ports

As laptops become thinner and smaller, certain aspects have to be sacrificed to achieve this goal, such as ports and connectivity.

These days, you’re lucky if you have two USB ports and a headphone jack. Even better if you also have an HDMI port. Especially high-end laptops have almost given up on ports. For example, the Dell XPS 13 only offers two USB-C ports. This means an extreme reliance on hubs and terminals.

Mini computers have a different style. this The first mini computer in my Newegg search One side includes four USB-A ports, while the other includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, two Ethernet ports, and a headphone jack.

This isn’t even one of the most impressive mini PCs out there. this Mini Forum UM690S There are four 10Gbps USB-A ports, two HDMI ports with 4K@60Hz support, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and a Kensington locking slot – all on the back. There’s also a 10Gbps USB-C port, a USB4 port and a headphone jack on the front.

A mini PC might be just what you need

Simply put, mini PCs are more cost-effective than laptops and get more performance from the same hardware and The cost is lower than laptops in the same class.

Of course, you’re giving up the inherent portability of a laptop by choosing a mini, but if you’re always at home, that’s okay. You’ll also have to provide your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor, but you can buy them cheap and still spend less than buying a laptop.

If you’re in the market for a new device and you think your only options are a laptop, desktop, or tablet, think again. A mini computer might be just the right price for you.

Related: I went from a $1,000 desktop to a $300 mini and have no regrets