Don't call them 'small', mini PCs are back to stay

The personal computing landscape is undergoing a silent but profound transformation. Far from being relegated to specific niches, mini PCs are emerging as major players in several market segments, riding the wave of miniaturisation, energy efficiency and a renewed focus on essentiality. In this dynamic context, the evolution of models such as the Mac mini, powered by Apple's proprietary Silicon technology, is a beacon for the entire industry. According to the IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Small Form Factor PC Forecast, Q1 2025 report, the global mini PC market has grown at an average annual rate of 7.5 per cent over the past three years. An expansion fuelled by several key factors. Firstly, the growing adoption of hybrid working models, which has stimulated demand for compact and easily portable solutions (albeit requiring external peripherals). Secondly, the continuous evolution of low-power processors, such as Apple's M-series and the latest generations from Intel and AMD for the mobile segment, which has made it possible to pack significant computing power into small volumes. The Mac mini, in particular, played a crucial role in this trend. The switch to ARM architecture with the M-series chips not only offered a significant performance leap over previous Intel-based models, but also redefined the standards for energy efficiency and quietness.

In 2024, Apple successfully completed the transition to ARM architecture with its M-series chips, which offer an excellent balance of performance, power consumption and versatility. The Mac Mini M4, with a starting price of EUR 729, made Apple's ecosystem affordable, revolutionising the Mini PC market. Even the basic 256 GB configuration, which is sufficient for basic use, can give great satisfaction for professional tasks. The Mac Mini M4 is in fact a powerful machine for tasks such as graphics and video editing (even 4K), with good SSD speed. Lots of connectivity options and the possibility to hook up an external physical medium to overcome Apple's storage limits.

The Geekom Mini IT13 is a compact mini PC equipped with a powerful Intel Core i9-13900H processor, usually found in high-end laptops. Despite its small size and a simple but solid design, the dissipation system limits the processor's maximum performance. It even comes with a VESA mount for discreet installation behind a monitor. It remains an attractive option at EUR 749 for its power in such a small format, plus the possibility of increasing the RAM to 64 GB in total. There is even an additional slot for an SSD. Its full potential is held back by cooling and the absence of an NPU. In times when AI is everywhere, buying a computer today that cannot perform GenAI tasks locally is not a great shame but something to think about.

The Dell OptiFlex MicroPlus 7020 (€602) is an efficient and compact solution, with the average choice falling on an Intel Core i5 14500 processor, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512 GB SSD. Connectivity includes Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as USB-A and USB-C ports for greater flexibility. Designed for energy efficiency and with a good cooling system, it supports expansion up to 64 GB of RAM and the addition of an M.2 SSD up to 2 TB for greater longevity. The integrated graphics handles up to two 4K monitors at 60 Hz, making it a practical and durable solution for small businesses. At the rear, it has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs for up to three 4K monitors at 60 Hz, a key feature for multitasking.

The Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (€606) is designed to smoothly handle everyday digital tasks: email, documents, web browsing and multimedia playback. Configured with an Intel i5 13420H processor, 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD drive, it offers fast performance and ample storage space. The integrated graphics card is an Intel UHD Graphics 630, which guarantees good video and content display, although it is not suitable for professional graphics or CAD software requiring more 3D power. In short, an efficient and discreet solution for those looking for a high-performance computer for everyday use without taking up space.