Question Recommendations for a basic reliable web surf/media mini pc

[Falcsy]

Hi, I need help im lost in a sea of mini pcs and Im not sure what to go for.

I have a relative in there 80s who is pretty terrible on computers and I want to get them a mini pc for web browsing and basic media watching I can put on the back of the tv, and perhaps run a printer.
Something windows based as I can set the desktop up on that to make it easy for them to get to what they need.

My budget is around £200 , realistically they will only be checking websites and watching a little youtube, maybe viewing a few movies photos and things off an external hard drive if I choose to add that.

Id like it to have USB 2.0 , Wifi, be VERY reliable, possibly fanless but from what ive read they can run hot?

I did try one small media pc which I returned because it was uselessly slow. Ive been looking at ones like the MeLE Quieter3Q and other but the reviews seem really mixed. So im kinda stuck would be grateful for recommendations and help. Thanks

 

[Lutfij]

Here's a list;

https://www.currys.co.uk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktops/mini-pcs?pmin=100.0&pmax=500.0

but you will need to add storage to the cost of the PC and you will need to have a display, keyboard and mouse prior. You should look at an i3 build as opposed to the Celeron's.

You haven't stated the apps you'd be taxing the system. Which helps specify if the bottom of the barrel mini PC's are your cup of tea.

 

[Falcsy]

Hi, well as i say, in terms of apps literally chrome, youtube, and basic media playback. I build my own pcs for myself I just have no experience with the minis pcs and the comparison of the processors and the market seems to be flooded with cheaply made clones which are prone to failure.

Im also looing at second hand lenovo/dell etc mini workstation style pcs, they seem to offer good value for money.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi, well as i say, in terms of apps literally chrome, youtube, and basic media playback. I build my own pcs for myself I just have no experience with the minis pcs and the comparison of the processors and the market seems to be flooded with cheaply made clones which are prone to failure.

Im also looing at second hand lenovo/dell etc mini workstation style pcs, they seem to offer good value for money.

I have a Bee-Link.

Beelink | Beelink mini PC-Connect to a wonderful life

www.bee-link.com

Absolutely solid little system. Not cheaply made, at all.

The one I have is/was above your budget, but there are some within your wallet resources.

 

[Falcsy]

I was looking at the beelink mini s12 pro, which uses an n100 processor, but theres a lot of reports of failures after a few months etc, the also show crucial ram in there advert for it but have put in other ram in the units, it put me off and it sounds like a bit of a nightmare. About 10 years ago i built a zotac itx pc for my own HTPC and that is still going strong . I thought 10 years on a cheap effective mini pc for the same thing wouldnt be such a hassle to find.

 

[USAFRet]

I was looking at the beelink mini s12 pro, which uses an n100 processor, but theres a lot of reports of failures after a few months etc, the also show crucial ram in there advert for it but have put in other ram in the units, it put me off and it sounds like a bit of a nightmare. About 10 years ago i built a zotac itx pc for my own HTPC and that is still going strong . I thought 10 years on a cheap effective mini pc for the same thing wouldnt be such a hassle to find.

My Bee is 3 yrs old, powered on almost 24/7.
No issues at all.