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5 Best HP Mini Desktop PCs for UK Business
Arthur Smalley
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August 16, 2021
Mini desktop PCs no longer sacrifice computing power for size and portability. Small PC desktop computers now offer high-end performance, just in a much smaller package. Even the most intense tasks, don’t require large desktop PCs anymore.
With HP’s offering of mini PCs, most employees at UK businesses can switch to a small desktop computer while getting all the performance they need. In the modern work environment, there is a range of benefits to using the best mini PCs available.
What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a fully-powered, personal computer that offers a reduced footprint compared to a desktop tower. Most weigh little more than 1 kg and some can be affixed to the back of your monitor for even more space savings.
A ready-to-go mini desktop PC typically includes a processor, motherboard, hard drive, and RAM, all housed in a small, lightweight container. They come with a range of ports to connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, or any other accessories you need.
With a laptop, you are bound to the in-built screen and keyboard you chose at purchase, whereas a small PC allows you to pair it with the exact accessories you want and upgrade them as new technology emerges.
Mini desktop PCs are an excellent choice for UK businesses. How much of your professional life is spent using the same handful of software applications?
- Web browsing
- Email services
- Video conferencing
- Word processing
- Presentation tools
Mini desktop PCs are capable of handling all of these and more, plus they allow you to move between workstations using the same small desktop computer seamlessly. At just over a kg, it’s easy to grab your mini PC, toss it in your briefcase, and go.
Advantages of a mini PC
Smaller size
One key advantage when switching to a mini desktop PC is the space you can save. The difference in size compared to a full-size desktop PC – or even a small form factor PC – is impressive. With a small PC installed behind your monitor, you’ll no longer have to worry about fitting everything your job requires onto your desk or losing your legroom to a bulky desktop PC.
Transportability
As well as being small in size a mini desktop PC is incredibly lightweight, allowing you to carry it around with you as you switch between work environments. Work from the office and home on the same small PC, all you need is a display, keyboard, and mouse, and you can set up your mini PC in seconds.
Customisable
With a mini desktop PC, you get to choose the accessories you use. Deck it out with the monitor, keyboard, laptop, or speakers that suit your needs. Whatever makes your job easier, you can customise your mini desktop PC to fit.
Lower price and electricity costs
For many businesses, the most attractive part of switching to small desktop computers is the price point. Their reduced build and streamlined components allow a mini desktop to offer savings compared to traditional full-size desktops. They also use significantly less energy, which lowers your electric bills significantly when applied across your whole business.
Perfect for Hybrid Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic shift in work habits, and many businesses have discovered benefits to having employees work from home at least part of the time.
A survey of 2000 UK businesses by CIPD (professional group for HR staff) found that 71% of employers saw an increase or no change in productivity from home-working. 63% of companies said they are developing new hybrid work models, allowing employees to mix working from home and the office. Hybrid workers are here to stay, and mini desktop PCs are the perfect solution for them.
Workers can seamlessly transition between home and office using the same small PC desktop computer. No longer do workers need to change between machines in different locations, doubling the cost of devices and software. Instead, you rely on one compact desktop PC that contains all your files, software, settings, and resources, then pair it with the accessories you want at your office and home.
Given all the improvised home offices that have sprung up recently, space is at a premium. Mini desktops allow employees to reduce the space taken up by their homework stations.
Top 5 Mini Desktop PCs for UK Businesses
No matter what your business requirements, HP has a mini PC to match. We’ve chosen HP’s 5 best mini desktop PCs to help you find the perfect fit for your UK business. Take a look and begin streamlining your team today.
1. HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini
If you’re looking for a great all-around device that mixes performance and size at a competitive price, look no further than the HP EliteDesk 805 G6 Mini PC. The standard option comes with:
- Windows 10 Pro 64 operating system
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE processor
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD) Storage
But with multiple configurable features, the upgrade options let you decide what you need up to 64GB RAM and 2TB storage, plus you have the option of a dedicated graphics card.
The housing measures 17.7 x 17.5 x 3.4 cm and weighs less than 1.5 kg. Pair it with a range of accessories, including using the bracket that installs your PC mini directly behind your monitor to maximise desk space.
This mini desktop PC has a wide range of ports, including:
- USB Type-C
- Multiple SB Type-A (1 fast charging)
- External antenna, power connector
- RJ-45
- DisplayPort 1.4
- Includes two flex option slots to fit your needs, such as serial, VGA, HDMI and others
2. HP Z2 G5 Mini Workstation
With this mini desktop PC, you get high-end performance that matches much larger builds packed, but it’s packed into a small device. The HP Z2 G5 mini is capable of taking on 3D design projects and working in multiple pro apps efficiently. Widely versatile, small, but powerful, the HP Z2 mini is the perfect option for the modern workplace.
Compatible with a range of operating systems, processors, memory, and storage, a typical build comes with:
- Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
- Intel Core i9-10900K
- 32GB RAM
- 1TB HP Z Turbo Drive SATA TLC SSD storage
With the new intel processor options and professional graphics options, the HP Z2 Mini PC offers reliable performance in multi-threaded apps. Engineered to optimise airflow through the system, you don’t have to worry about cooling.
The dimensions of a standard orientation are 21.6 x 21.6 x 5.8 cm with a starting weight of 2.1kg (depending on your configuration). Can be mounted under a desk or behind a monitor, then connected to up to six displays (four native and two via daisy-chaining).
It comes with all the ports you could require, including:
- USB-C
- Multiple USB-A
- Headphone jack
- Ethernet
- DisplayPort connections
- Flex option of your choice (HDMI, VGA, etc.)
3. HP ProDesk 400 G6 Desktop Mini
If you’re looking for something small in size as well as small in price, you can’t go wrong with the HP ProDesk 400 G6. Get powerful everyday performance for your business in a compact package at an economical price.
Comes with:
- Windows 10 Pro 64 operating system
- Intel Core i5-10500T
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB NVMe SSD
But customisable options are available to meet your requirements with multiple expansion slots. The HP ProDesk 400 G6 weighs only 1.25 kg (configuration dependent) with dimensions of 17.7 x 17.7 x 3.4 cm.
Arrives with a range of ports, including:
- Type-C USB
- Multiple Type-A USB
- Headphone jack
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI
4. HP Mini-in-One 24 FHD Monitor including HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini
If you’re more into building a central computer work station than easy transportability, then HP’s Mini-in-One might be just what you’re looking for. It allows you to maximise your workspace with a monitor that fully encloses an HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini PC. Purpose-built to connect, contain, secure, and power your desktop PC seamlessly.
The mini PC is held in place using security screws with extra security from the Cable Lock14. Power on both your display and mini PC with the same button. With different lifecycles for displays and PCs, this option allows you to update individual components on your own timeline.
The HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini’s high performance overcomes demanding challenges. With:
- Windows 10 Pro 64 Operating System
- Intel Core i7-9700
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB NVMe SSD storage
You can seamlessly multitask using your 60.45cm (23.8-inch) diagonal FHD IPS LED-backlit (1920 x 1080) height adjustable screen with an in-built webcam. The monitor has USB ports to connect to external devices.
5. HP Elite Slice G2
With the increase in remote working and the need for people to communicate effectively from separate locations, more and more companies are looking to invest in dedicated conference room hardware. The HP Elite Slice G2 with Microsoft Team Rooms allows your business to simplify videoconferencing and connect easily.
The HP Elite G2 is an ultra-small form factor device (16.5 x 16.5 x 11.2 cm) connected to a 31.2 cm (12.3 inches) diagonal FHD LCD touch screen (1440 x 960) that can handle all your videoconferencing needs. It’s designed for rooms of any size and compatible with 3rd party AV accessories.
This mini PC allows for on-demand calling, dual viewing angles, and flexible accessibility. Add attendees and share content with one touch on the centre of room control. In-room attendees can easily present from their own PCs via HDMI cable to the device’s HP Wired Ingest Module that supports 1080p 60 Hz resolution.
The HP Elite G2 can be installed quickly using the intuitive user operation and requires no assembly or specialised skills.
It comes with:
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 64 operating system
- Intel Core i5-7500T with Intel HD Graphics 630
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB NVMe SSD storage
And Ports include:
- Audio-in/out
- Type-C USB
- DisplayPort
- HDMI
- Power Connector
- RJ-45
- USB 3.1 Gen 1
Summary
Whatever your business, HP can help you find the best mini PC to fit your needs. Plus, all our mini desktop PCs come with a three-year limited warranty and service offering, including three years of on-site repair, parts, and labour.
About the Author: Arthur Smalley is a science and technology writer based in the UK.
