Slim Computer Options

Smaller footprint computers (Even desktops!) seem to be growing in popularity here that past year or two. I've kept an eye on development on the field, due interests in computers in general.

I'm not sure how many people here are inclined to the more deep levels of computing, as such this article will not touch on too much of the nitty gritty, unless I am asked to.

These "Computers" Do not come with a screen, you the end consumer have to buy some additional parts to get the most out of these systems.

The lineup

• Apple's Mac Mini  |  Jump to Information


• Gigabyte's Brix Pro  |  Jump to Information


• Intel's Edison  |  Jump to Information


• Intel's NUC  |  Jump to Information


• SolidRun's Cubox  |  Jump to Information

Apple's Mac Mini

Ooooh, Ahhhh, Apple product!  Believe it or not, the Mac Mini is the poorest of contenders on the lineup.  Being of the oldest on the lineup, and having the largest footprint (Size).  Rumors have it that a new Mac Mini is going to be hitting the market soon!

Stats At a glance

OS

OS X Mavericks

CPU

2.5GHz Core i5-3230M

RAM

4GB DDR3

HHD

500GB

Size

36 x 197 x 197mm

Gigabyte's Brix Pro

I must admit, from a spec and price standpoint, this is my favorite on the list for higher-end.  Inspired by Intel's NUC, the Brix Pro is a max out on performance, at the cost of a little space in height.

Stats At a glance

OS

Windows 8.1 x64

CPU

3.2GHz Core i7-4770R

RAM

8GB 1600MHz DDR3

HHD

256GB Intel 525 series mSATA SSD

Size

114.3 x 111.8 x 61.0mm

Intel's Edison

The newest on the list!  When I saw this at CES 2014 I was fascinated!  The application they used to show potential not so much an attention grabber, regardless it interested me.  An SD card sized computer would be useful in so many applications. For me, I want to carry one in my wallet!

Stats At a glance

OS

Embedded (Custom)

CPU

400 MHz Core Quark SoC X1000

RAM

Unknown

HHD

Unknown

Size

24 x 32 x 2.1mm

Intel's NUC

The first of Intel's offerings for a slim computer.  This is one of the first large consumer corporations pushing into the market of windows based systems.  The NUC was noted as getting computer manufacture to the idea of the slimmest options.

Stats At a glance

OS

Windows 8.1 x64

CPU

1.3GHz Core i5-4250U

RAM

8GB 1600MHz DDR3

HHD

128GB Crucial M500 mSATA SSD

Size

16.8 x 111.8 x 35.6mm

SolidRun's Cubox

A smaller player in the manufacture of tiny computers, SolidRun's offering the "CuBox" is to serve as a home media center, or as a tiny computational infrastructure. (Think locking doors, shape recognition from camera feed, ect.)  The second smallest option on the list, the CuBox is only recently outclassed in size by Intel's Edison.

Stats At a glance

OS

Freescale kernel

CPU

1GHz Core i.MX6 Dual

RAM

1GB DDR3

HHD

(Requires separate SD card)

Size

55mm x 55mm x 42mm

i suppose i would get the mac mini

basically heres what you have got to do is pick the computer with the best specs

sold on Cubox , safety , security , open kernel ... sounds great to me .

KarmaChameleon wrote:...mac mini..

Just due to brand? Or do you have other reasons other than popularity and "Apple" ?

Tacois1 wrote:...pick the computer with the best specs

If you're in the power market.  This field is "Slim" Computer options.  Form-factor is of high importance.  Specs are not necessarily the highest priority here.

LigerMan007 wrote:...Cubox , safety , security , open kernel...

What do you think of the CuBox not having any internal memory?  SD cards (Secure Digital for those who don't know)  Have been found to not be as labeled on the tin.  They have been "Hacked" if that is what you would call it.  

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Out of Everything listed, Intel's Edison has me most intrigued. Such a small solution. Sure it lacks muscle, but how can you argue with a computer that can fit in your wallet?  I will agree with Mr. LigerMan007 about openness; an open solution needs to be made as well.  Open and secure are two extremely desirable features.