Using a budget laptop for streaming and watching movies is affordable.
Using a budget laptop for streaming and watching movies is affordable.
I also bought a Bmax N100, but I use it as a NAS.
You can find unboxing videos on YouTube for both products.
If something has a high rating and appears on Amazon's Choice list, you should generally be fine.
I bought both mini PCs this summer. I’m not sure which brand is larger, but the packaging from GMKtec was really good and the build quality felt very solid.
I don’t play games, but I believe the N100 can handle Sims 4 without issues.
The only downside of the mini PC is that its built-in Wi-Fi range tends to be limited.
Alright Lantis, you look like you know these mini-PCs inside out. If I had around $200, what would you choose? Or which upgraded model would suit you better? Or are you implying I don’t need such a high price for my needs?
I’m using a projector with an Amazon Fire Stick included. It lets me stream and play videos from a USB drive, but it’s quite slow—about a minute to switch from clicking to playing. That’s what bothers me. A slower PC isn’t ideal. (With the Fire Stick too, I dislike having to set up a Google account and sifting through confusing privacy updates.)
I have a Wi-Fi extender in the room near where I use the projector, so I’m comfortable with Wi-Fi. Still, based on your experience, how far would you expect it to work?
I’ll do my research. Just trying to learn as much from you as possible.
Beelink offers a mini PC-Connect that enhances your experience. This product is available at bee-link.com. You might find the model you're interested in listed there: https://www.bee-link.com/collections/min...2-pro-n100. It's worth noting that a more costly version is also offered for use as an HTPC, providing reliable performance for two years.
Beelink has been available on the market for a while and looks like a solid option.
Same Beelink MINI S12 PRO, 16GB + 1TB SSD for $199
https://www.amazon.com/Beelink-3-4Ghz-De...2WVFP?th=1
Slightly above $200, but I’d choose this considering GMKtec’s premium feel—perhaps due to the color.
https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Preinstall...B0CXPNHHNW
It includes 2.5Gbe Ethernet and offers better Wi-Fi coverage within 30ft in the same room.
A colleague at work found this item for her daughter to complete school assignments, assuming she was around 12 or 13 years old. Amazon offers it for $269 with a renewal option. It includes an HP Probook 445 G8 Ryzen 5 5600U processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and runs Windows 10, with the possibility of free upgrades.
GMK indeed has a fan, but it operates very quietly and you're unlikely to detect it.
These mini PCs incorporate laptop parts, yet the fans don't produce the usual spinning sounds like in a typical laptop.
You won't even hear it if it's placed near the project.
Another option available for $158
https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Mini-Intel...B0CCDPDBX6