Mini PCs for On-the-Go Work: A Quick Review

How and where we work are more crucial than ever. A mini PC can be the best choice for freelancers who can work from anywhere, professionals who is figuring out how to do hybrid work, or people who needs to make the most of small office space. These small computers offer the same functionality as their bulkier desktop equivalents, but with the benefits of portability and space-saving design.

Let’s take a look at three of the small PCs that we picked on the market: the Minisforum EM780, Beelink U59 Pro, and Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit.

Minisforum EM780

The EM780 is an update over the previous version, the EM680, and it uses the newer AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU. This upgrade not only makes the CPU run faster, but it also adds a more powerful GPU, so it can be used for both work and light gaming. Minisforum has also confirmed that the EM780 comes with 32GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, though it should be noted that this memory is integrated and not upgradeable.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
• Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Graphics: Supports up to three 4K displays
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Plugging Options:

• 2 x USB4 ports (supporting Power Delivery, DisplayPort)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 port
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
• 1 x TF card slot

Pricing:

• 512GB Model: £549
• 1TB Model: £579

EM780 a solid investment for anyone needing high performance in a portable format. Plus, it perfectly suits for modern work environments where flexibility is key.

Beelink U59 Pro Mini PC

The Beelink U59 Pro is a budget-friendly option, ideal for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The U59 Pro may not be as powerful as high-end models like the Minisforum EM780, but it works well for everyday tasks and is a great option for students, people who need a second PC, home office users, or anyone needing a secondary PC.

• Processor: Intel Celeron N5105
• Memory: 8GB RAM or 16 RAM
• Storage: 256GB SSD, while the base model comes with 256GB of storage, the SSD can be upgraded, allowing you to expand the storage as your needs grow.
• Graphics: Supports dual monitors

Plugging Options:

• 2 x HDMI ports
• 4 x USB 3.0 ports
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1 x Audio jack
• 1 x USB-C port (data only)

Pricing:

• The Beelink U59 Pro costs between £249 and £269 on Amazon, depending on the RAM option.

Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit

The Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit is a powerful mini PC that is an excellent pick for users looking for a reliable computing solution without the bulk of a typical desktop. The NUC 13 Pro Kit, which comes in a variety of configurations with high-end components, is aimed at professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts.

• Processor: Intel 13th Gen Core i5 or i7
• Memory: Up to 64GB RAM
• Storage: Various options, customizable
• Graphics: Supports up to three displays
• Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • Bluetooth 5.2

• Plugging Options:
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports
  • 1 x HDMI port
  • 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
  • 1 x Ethernet port
  • 1 x Audio jack

• Additional Features:
  • The Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit is available in multiple configurations, allowing users to customise the device according to their specific needs. Whether you need more memory, faster storage, or specific connectivity options.

• Pricing:
  • The Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit typically starts from £519 up to £645 with prices increasing depending on the chosen processor, memory, and storage configurations.

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Overall, mini PCs are a great choice if you want a powerful machine like the Minisforum EM780, an affordable one like the Beelink U59 Pro, or a customisable high-performance and powerful mini pc like the Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit. They offer a great balance of power, portability, and space-saving design. These tiny devices are ideal for modern work situations, allow you to seamlessly switch between home and office without losing performance.