There was a time when the term “MicroPC” meant a computer that did not take up an entire room. Over the years we have seen technology get smaller and smaller. Today, the term microPC can refer to a supercomputer that fits in the palm of your hand. You can even go smaller and get a microPC the size of a USB stick! If space is a concern, you may be thinking about buying a microPC. Here are the top five things to consider when buying a microPC.
What Are You Using It For?
When considering a microPC, you should first think about what you expect to use it for. Your usage will greatly determine your answer to every other category discussed in this post. Think about your daily needs. MicroPCs may not offer all the bells and whistles of a regular device. If you plan to use it only occasionally, know which circumstances you want to use it for. You may find it easier to clean up Mac instead of purchasing an entirely new device. Be sure you know what you are looking for so you can narrow down your options. Decide what your expected use of a microPC will be before buying one.
What Connectivity Options Do You Need?
Depending on your desired usage, you may have specific connectivity needs from a microPC. If you want to transmit data wirelessly, it will need to have built-in WiFi or internet capabilities, like the PSP 2000. If you want to watch movies with your microPC, it will need an HDMI-out port. Most microPCs come standard with at least two USB ports. You must determine if that is enough for you. Look at your input devices and what you hope to use the microPC for. This will help you to determine what sort of connectivity options you require before making a purchase.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
Many of us think with our wallets. Before you decide to purchase a microPC, set yourself a budget, just as you would when buying a 1970 Plymouth. As with most technology devices, your budget may narrow the choices for you. This relates to the first question. If your needs exceed the devices in your budget, perhaps you should reevaluate. Do not just buy whatever microPC you can afford. Knowing what you want to use it for and how much you want to spend are the two most important factors to consider when buying a microPC.
Do You Want A Barebones Machine?
If you want to open up your microPC and use it right out of the box for Outlook pst files, you should buy a pre-built device. If you are prepared to tweak the specifications to your exact liking, consider buying a barebones device. Barebones will include the necessary core parts to get started. However, you will need to buy parts to make it a finished product. This gives you the ability to customize the computer to fit your specific needs. It also affects the price. You would be wise to remember that. A barebones machine will require additional purchases. A pre-built machine may cost more initially, but require no customization. Consider these two options when thinking about buying a microPC.
How Micro Should You Go?
At this point, your options should have been narrowed down significantly. However, you still need to decide just how micro you want your microPC to be. You may start out being intrigued by the USB stick size devices. However, you may realize that your needs require a larger, more powerful machine like the VAX computer. If you are interested in portability but do not want to go quite that small, there are devices that fit in the palm of your hand. You can also look at microPCs the size of hardcover book. Remember your answers to the previous questions and factor in your size requirements. Some technology users may decide to make this question a priority over the other options. In truth, the appeal of a small device may outweigh other concerns. Still, try to consider all of these factors. Consider your size needs when looking at microPCs.
Accessories
As you know, all you get when you buy a microPC is the mini PC itself. You should definitely consider what type of accessories you are going to purchase to supplement you micro PC. You should consider whether or not you can reuse your old keyboards, speakers or computer mouse with a new device you purchase. You may be okay with spending the extra money on the best new keyboards or speakers. However, you may want to instead spend that money on more computing power. Users may also want to think about printer options if they like to print on canvas frequently. Do not forget to consider what accessories you will need to buy to supplement your mini PC.
Top Mini PCs
These micro PCs are considered to be the best mini computers available today. You may want to start your micro PC search with one of these devices.
- Raspberry Pi Zero
- Intel NUC
- Asus Chromebox
These three micro computers are all available at varying price points for those looking for the perfect backup software partner device. Each device has its strong points and areas of weakness, as well. The Raspberry Pi, for example, helped the maker fad that brought us the watchkit reach its height. Consider what you will be using the device for to make your decision.
Intel Compute Stick
The Intel Compute Stick is a micro CPU. This device clocks in at about $130, which is not a bad price for what it offers. The amazingly small Compute Stick offers a fully configured Windows 8.1 system. It can be used as an HDTV streamer or a productivity PC for less rigorous uses. The micro device includes a MicroSD slot as well as USB and micro-USB ports. If you need a fully loaded CPU that can fit in the palm of your hand, check out the Intel Compute Stick.
MicroPCs offer technology users a number of computer options in a small package. If you need to open up space on your desk, you may be looking to purchase a microPC. Before you purchase one, consider what you will use it for and what connectivity ports you will need. Think about the size you want. However, it is important to still be mindful of how much you want to spend. Be sure to decide between a pre-built machine that will work right out of the box, or a barebones device that might require some additional components. Whatever you decide, use this post as a reference to the most important things to consider when buying a microPC.
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