Computing needs are a constant for many in the business world, and for those regularly on the go, modern technology offers several great choices. In particular, those who travel often will require a portable computing option, and will commonly find themselves choosing between a laptop and a mini PC.
At Simply NUC, we’re proud to provide numerous mini PCs that are completely customizable for business, embedded, educational, and gaming needs; and we do carry some laptop options for those who require them. How do mini PCs compare to laptops for those in the business world, and which should you choose based on your needs?
Here’s a quick primer on each of these, plus some areas where mini PCs tend to hold advantages over traditional laptops.
Defining Laptops and Mini PCs
We’re all generally familiar with the standard laptop, which is a category outside tablets for the purposes of this conversation – largely because, while they’re growing in popularity, such devices don’t really match laptops or mini PCs in terms of power and hardware. Laptops have grown much more powerful in the last decade-plus, now much more so than desktops used to be, but they retain their portable nature as well.
Mini PCs are a smaller form factor computer designed to bring the same level of computing in an even smaller package. Mini PCs are available in numerous different configurations and with various additional components, packing huge amounts of power into a small unit that’s easy to pick up and move wherever. These products are very popular in industrial and other commercial areas, but are also growing across larger consumer areas due to their convenience.
Up next are a few advantages of mini PCs for many in the business world.
Portability
To be clear, both laptops and mini PCs are highly portable. In most cases, though, mini PCs hold an edge here. Mini PCs don’t have their own screen and keyboard – they just require unplugging the box, and you can immediately be ready to move. For those who work in multiple areas and require a smaller package to carry, a mini PC is the easy choice, especially if monitors are readily available in all locations.
Additional Costs
Laptops tend to be more expensive to maintain and support. The cost of accessories such as docking stations, laptop cases, and laptop bags can quickly add up. Laptops can require costly maintenance like periodic battery replacements. Additionally, there can be damage due to regular transportation of your laptop like a cracked screen, damaged port, or broken keys. Laptops tend to also have a higher risk of being stolen.
Hardware Limits
One small downside of some laptops is the way they set hardware limits on their systems. Mini PCs, on the other hand, offer a more modular experience that allows for much more variation in devices used, meaning you can upgrade monitors or other input devices much more easily.
Power
Finally, the two products are relatively even when it comes to power capabilities today. Our mini PCs use processors that are of incredibly high quality, and allow for power levels that match the best laptops out there.
For more on the differences between laptops and mini PCs for those in business, or to learn about any of our computers, contact us today.
Simply NUC, Inc. is a systems integrator specializing in mini computers. Simply NUC provides fully configured, warranted, and supported mini PC systems to businesses and consumers, as well as end-to-end NUC project development, custom operating system installations, and NUC accessories.
