Testing the latest in PC hardware, such as NVIDIA’s ,000 GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card, can be exhilarating. However, the experience of writing articles on the same gaming computer I use for leisure is less appealing. My Windows 11 setup is meticulously organized, with files and folders neatly arranged, yet there’s a certain tranquility that comes with the shutdown process at the end of the workday.
In my view, the “ultimate” Windows 11 experience often resides in laptops rather than desktop PCs. Laptops provide access to touchscreens, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a genuine application for power-saving plans that can sometimes struggle with sleep and hibernate modes. While Microsoft has room for improvement in this area, I recently discovered a third option that had previously eluded me: mini PCs, specifically the Beelink SER9 and Geekom A8|A7 models.
Despite having tested previous Geekom models, I held a preconceived notion that they lacked the power to meet my needs or replace my ingrained desktop habits. Much of this resistance stemmed from a reluctance to embrace change, but a recent experience prompted a significant realization.
Mini PCs vs. laptops and docking stations
Having explored numerous Windows laptops, I found some high-end options entertaining but ultimately excessive for my daily workflow. Surprisingly, Lenovo’s Slim 7i 14 (Gen 9) captured my attention more than any other device, despite its unassuming design. It offered an OLED touchscreen, Windows Hello for facial recognition logins, and a well-rounded selection of USB-A, USB-C, and full-size HDMI-out ports, alongside a side-mounted power button—a feature that has sparked debate among colleagues, yet I appreciate it.
This laptop accompanied me on various press events and quickly became my go-to machine for home office tasks, as everything was configured to my liking. The best part? My personal documents, photos, and games didn’t clutter the desktop or Start menu; it was a pure work-centric device. So, with two monitors and ample space for a dedicated mouse and keyboard, why not integrate the laptop into my desk setup?
However, Lenovo’s Slim laptops present a challenge: the external power button remains inactive when the lid is closed. While I can utilize it with an external monitor via HDMI or multiple displays with a Thunderbolt 4 docking station, waking it from sleep or powering it on requires physically opening the laptop. This inconvenience, particularly as I prefer using UGREEN’s basic laptop stand to keep it vertical and save space, often discourages me from making it a permanent fixture on my desk. Consequently, I find myself reverting to my powerful gaming desktop, as the hassle of managing cables and connections disrupts my workflow.
Geekom’s high-spec but miniature solutions
Amidst my musings, I realized that a mini Windows PC could resolve most of my challenges, especially one equipped with at least two HDMI-out ports and sufficient RAM to handle Google Chrome without faltering. While the Geekom A6, priced around 9, is a viable option, the A8 Max stands out with its AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and 32GB of RAM, providing additional USB ports that would enhance my setup.
Don’t sleep on mini PCs. They’re an unappreciated third option between desktops and laptops, and I’m extremely happy with mine.
The Geekom A8 Max, priced just under ,000, is not a necessity for everyone, but it meets my requirements and ensures I won’t have to worry about storage space or RAM for years to come. Most Windows users can find satisfaction in one of the best mini PCs, including the more budget-friendly Geekom A6, which offers a wealth of I/O options, including dual HDMI-out ports for external displays.
With my peripherals connected through a USB hub integrated into Alienware’s AW2723DF monitor and the rear USB-C ports of the A8 Max, I have two displays linked to the HDMI-out ports and an Ethernet cable for wired networking. What more could I desire? Perhaps just a dedicated power button that functions reliably.
In short, don’t overlook mini PCs. They serve as an underappreciated alternative between desktops and laptops, and I find immense satisfaction in mine. An internal fan keeps the components cool, and for the most part, this compact Geekom unit operates silently as I navigate my work, often with an overwhelming number of Chrome tabs open.
