This is the first time I’ve heard of this type of personal computer, I didn’t even know that you could get essentially, what is just the tower part of a normal computer system.
This is just that…. But this isn’t a tower, it’s a small, totally portable computer with multiple ports to add your own display monitor, keyboard, mouse etc etc and with wireless connectivity to WiFi and Bluetooth you can add a multitude of wireless devices such as printers/scanners, wireless keyboards and mice etc etc.
Supplied with the computer is a hard drive connection strip (for adding an external hard drive or solid state drive) hdmi cables (1 x short and 1 standard length for hooking up to a TV/display monitor) a mounting bracket and screws and a couple of manuals (1 which explains how to fit an external hard drive and the other covering some basics)
The only things you’ll need to get yourself up and running initially is a monitor (I chose to use my 55inch living room TV, connected with the hdmi lead) a wired keyboard and wired mouse, both connected to a USB port.
This computer has the Windows 11 Pro operating system (which is superbly and simply designed might I add) and is relatively easy and intuitive enough to use with tutorials to walk you through some of its capabilities. The computer can connect wirelessly to your homes WiFi on either 2.4ghz or 5ghz and set up is very easy.
After setting up, I chose to add a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse as I’ll be using this PC permanently with the living room TV and don’t want trailing wires. The addition of the bluetooth keyboard was easy and added in seconds allowing me to disconnect the wired keyboard etc freeing up the USB ports for further additions.
I’ve wall mounted this just behind the TV and used the supplied Hdmi lead which delivers crisp image quality on my HD TV. I did have to manually adjust the display as the computer didn’t seem to automatically recognise the display size. This was just a case of trial and error and eventually got the perfect fit to the screen.
I’ve tested various aspects of this computer out from surfing the Internet to gaming and this has been quick and fluid on everything.
The usual options are in this windows platform to create restore points and a rescue disk etc and is all made easier with a simple search bar for whatever setting you want to adjust or change, so no need to search for a particular option or menu, just type in your request and the computer will bring up nearest matches for you to click on.
Port wise, there is 4 x USB ports, 2 x hdmi ports, a LAN port for wired broadband, a type C port, headphone jack plug socket and of course the power lead socket.
It has a mini cooling system built in with vents either side of the box, although you can add an external set of cooling fans if you feel the need. Tbh I left this on for several hours and it didn’t struggle whatsoever with no signs of over heating.
This is a super little device that cuts down on the space needed for a large tower etc and is even smaller than a laptop. I didn’t even know these existed lol.
If you’re looking for a small, portable, very capable, quick and intuitive computer that you can add your own display to, keyboard etc that you can literally take anywhere with you and connect to TVs/monitors that has quick and easy Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and that can handle multitasking easily as well then you’ll be amazed at this tiny computer.
Where I’ve located this, you wouldn’t even think that I had a fully working computer in the living room lol and as it’s easily moved being a compact size, I can take this anywhere with me.
It has a huge amount of storage at 500Gb (disk C) a very capable graphics card for smoother gaming, a fast processor and a large RAM memory for quicker loading etc.
Combined with Microsoft Edge Internet browser (although you can use Google chrome or any other browser if you like) as well as the Microsoft store for easy purchasing of apps and games, some free this makes the computer feel very complete and professional yet easy to use.
My advice after setting up is create a rescue disk ASAP with an external USB stick of at least 16Gb (this can help to rescue your computer in the event of being hacked or getting a virus or any other stability issues) create yourself a restore point, obtain a decent antivirus and if you want to obtain private Internet browsing then you can use VPN software (virtual private network).
If you’re paying hundreds of pounds for a computer it makes sense to protect your purchase. Also make sure you update the Windows 11 Pro operating system with security updates etc so you’re always running the latest updated Windows 11 Pro with all the support that goes with it.
I have been very impressed with this mini PC and its actually faster and more modern than any of our laptops and tower PC we have indoors and I can move this anywhere I want for playing media onto projector screens outdoors, adding my laser engraver, printer and other peripherals such as webcams, headphones and mic etc etc.
Superb product and well worth the money. You won’t be disappointed.