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.
My setup requires Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet.
Also, please note the noise level is important. Your GMKs are quite loud when not in use and browsing the internet. I’d avoid any model that’s too noisy, especially since these compact units tend to get hot quickly.
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