Not all people need a traditional computer. His system unit takes up a lot of space, and even makes a lot of noise. But sometimes it does not fit the selected criteria and a laptop. In this case, only the third type of computer remains - the nettop. This device has the properties of a traditional system unit, but, unlike it, a nettop requires literally a scrap of free space. But choosing the best model is not as easy as it sounds.
Which company’s nettop
Apple
Apple began producing nettops back in the days when they were not called that way. The main difference between "apple" products from the creations of competitors is the operating system. Instead of Windows, Mac OS X is used here, which is much better suited for professionals - designers, editors, wedding photographers, developers and webmasters. The software here is much more stable, and if the nettop supports the Fusion Drive function, then it also loads very quickly.
ASUS
The Taiwanese company ASUS has made a name for itself in the production of laptops and other computer equipment. Previously, her creations were endowed with a plastic case, because of which the presentation was quickly disappearing. But now in the production of including nettops increasingly used aluminum. This makes the device not only reliable, but also very nice. They are also often not very expensive, since among the components you can find the motherboard of its own production. The company itself creates some other components.
Foxconn
This brand is owned by Taiwanese company Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. The company owns many factories in which it assembles a variety of smartphones, including the well-known "iPhones". Also under the brand name Foxconn produced miniature computers, sharpened under the Internet access - the so-called nettop. Often they can boast of passive cooling, which indicates an almost complete absence of published noise. And still Foxconn nettops have a large number of connectors.
Intel
Most often Intel nettops are the most optimal in terms of price / quality ratio. If other companies order components on the side, the American giant uses home-made chipsets in production, which leads to a slight decrease in the price tag. Most often, the embedded processor can boast of the latest generation of integrated graphics, which allows you to create a gaming computer from a nettop (but there is a possibility that active cooling will be required).
ZOTAC
ZOTAC International Ltd is geographically located in Hong Kong and has existed since 2006. She is engaged in the supply of some computer components. In particular, in the corresponding stores you can easily find its video cards built on the basis of NVIDIA products. But some time ago, it began to produce mini-computers - the so-called nettops. Often, to create their own motherboard is used. Some models can boast the lack of an active cooling system - the main source of noise.
Best nettops
Zotac ZBOX
This small box harbors a tiny motherboard that has an Intel Core i3-5018U processor. This chipset belongs to the fifth generation and is characterized by low power consumption. There is no external video card here - the graphics accelerator is built into the processor. It may seem that such a computer does not have enough power to solve serious problems. But in fact, Zotac ZBOX without any problems plays video in 4K-resolution, and even runs some modern games.
Before buying a nettop, you have to decide how it will be used.The basic equipment does not have at least some amount of permanent and operational memory - it is already purchased, depending on the computer usage scenarios. If you do not want to reflect on which modules are suitable for nettop, then pay attention to the modifications with postscript PLUS - they are already equipped with everything you need.
It should be noted that the composition of the Zotac ZBOX includes two gigabit network cards. With their help, you can turn this miniature computer into an Internet gateway. The external antenna of the Wi-Fi module also contributes to its use. By the way, there is support for the latest version of this protocol.
Advantages:
- The presence of an external antenna;
- Two network cards with high bandwidth;
- Sufficiently high performance;
- A large number of modifications;
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac is supported;
- Not very high cost.
Disadvantages:
- Glossy case, quickly covered with dust and prints.
Intel NUC
The concept of "nettop" was invented by Intel in its time. This manufacturer likes to experiment, creating not only processors. One of the experiments was crowned with success, as a result of which many people now put miniature computers in their apartments and offices. One of the most popular devices of this kind is the Intel NUC. This nettop is both inexpensive and has impressive features (especially when it comes to top-end modification).
The device was created on the platform of the Next Unit of Computer. Its main concept is the absence of moving parts in the storage device. That is why the SSD drive of the M.2 format is used here. However, no one will prohibit the user from supplying a traditional 2.5-inch hard drive with a larger volume if the situation requires it. The connection takes place through the SATA port - the creators have specially allocated one seat.
Intel Core i3-5010U, supplemented with Intel HD Graphics 5500 video accelerator, is used here as a processor. Theoretically, this computer could be the basis for building an entry-level gaming system. Even better, it copes with the playback of media content, including films in 4K-resolution. This includes viewing online content, for which one should thank support for the latest version of the wireless standard.
Advantages:
- There is the ability to install an additional hard drive;
- Very good performance;
- Data transfer via Wi-Fi 802.11ac;
- There is a USB connector with fast charging technology;
- Supports Wireless Display;
- The cost does not go beyond the limits of reasonable.
Disadvantages:
- No USB 3.1 ports;
- The PCIe bus belongs to the second generation.
Apple mac mini
A very long time has not been updated computer from the world famous "Apple" corporation. Fortunately, for several years the device specifications have not become outdated at all. This nettop will now be able to cope with the tasks as quickly as it did immediately after its official announcement. Contributes to this operating system Mac OS X, known for the stability of its work. However, she still cannot save components from moral obsolescence. The components installed here are not enough to play 4K video content with a maximum frequency - the frame drop will still be noticeable. Also, some customers will notice that Apple Mac mini consumes slightly more electricity than its competitors.
The device attracts with its appearance. There is nothing superfluous, and on the top cover is a corporate logo. Before acquiring a nettop should think about whether you need a quick load of the operating system and all programs. If the answer is positive, then immediately focus on modifications with support for Fusion Drive, since you will not be able to add such functionality to cheaper computer versions.
In 2016, a new nettop from this series appeared. But on the new generation, he still does not pull.For an additional 15,000 rubles, you will receive a computer based on Intel Core i5 - the clock frequency of this processor reaches 2.6 GHz. Also, there was a modification that carries 8 GB of RAM, which is enough even for most video editors. Pay special attention to this parameter - Apple computers are different in that it is impossible to insert additional slats of RAM into them. Another device has four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt connectors and one card reader. There is also support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac.
Advantages:
- High speed internet access;
- A large number of high-speed USB ports;
- There is a version with a 1 TB hard drive;
- Very pretty appearance;
- Powerful processor;
- The power supply is built into the computer case;
- Easy interaction with other Apple technology.
Disadvantages:
- High power consumption;
- The 2015 version does not do well with 4K video content;
- Frightening cost.
Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190
For a long time, the Chinese company Lenovo lived through the creation and sale of various computers. Its nettops immediately gained popularity - people liked both the compact size and the pretty design. Now one of the freshest models is the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190, which went on sale at the end of 2015. If the device is placed vertically, then it can easily be confused with a book. This is facilitated not only by the appearance, but also by a minimum thickness of 22 mm.
Included with the computer are a variety of accessories. The stand helps to install the device vertically, and the rubber feet will not allow the device to slide in the event that you put it on its side. It is also possible to use a VESA wall mount familiar to many LCD TVs.
The creators recommend using their creation as a basis for a multimedia center. This is facilitated by the S / PDIF optical audio output available here, through which sound is output in the format up to 7.1. It should also be understood that the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 is a whole series of nettops that look similar, but differ in their insides. The budget options have weak characteristics, while the top ones cost money, but they can even be used to launch games.
Advantages:
- Multi-channel audio output is possible;
- Included are stand, legs and VESA mount;
- Very small thickness;
- Many modifications, differing in power components;
- Very low noise.
Disadvantages:
- Not the latest version of the standard Wi-Fi.
ASUS VivoPC VM40B
The insides of this computer are packed in a small aluminum box with a stylish appearance. Such a device will not spoil the interior of your home. At the same time inside this handsome are powerful components, especially if you have an eye on the top configuration. As for the simplest versions, sold for 17-20 thousand rubles, then they are not embroidered. They are able to boast of built-in speakers, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi module. You can control the nettop, including through a tablet or smartphone.
Unlike some competitors, ASUS VivoPC VM40B turned out to be quite thick. Everything from the fact that inside it is a traditional 3.5-inch hard drive. This is a plus for the computer - if you wish to increase the capacity of the drive, you will not have to spend big money on a 2.5-inch HDD.
It is depressing only the fact that there is a hardware limitation that prevents recognition of more than 1 TB of permanent memory. Thus, this device will not be able to use the professionals who need much more space to store video content. Another drawback of this design is the noise made by the hard drive - it is clearly audible.
Otherwise, this model does not cause serious complaints. It consistently plays movies in 4K resolution, and quite a good sound comes from the built-in speakers. Top configurations are suitable even for creating a gaming computer.
Advantages:
- Beautiful design;
- The case can be easily disassembled;
- There are many audio jacks, including S / PDIF;
- Sane price tag;
- There are two slots for RAM.
Disadvantages:
- The hard disk is very well heard;
- Hardware limit of 1 TB of memory;
- Missing VESA mount.
Which nettop to buy
1. The best nettop on the planet is Apple Mac mini. Its operating system in terms of the stability of the functioning is superior to Windows, installed on all other computers. But to pay for the "apple" product you have a lot of money.
2. If you are not ready for such expenses, then take a look at the Intel NUC and Zotac ZBOX. They have about the same components, they can be used for a variety of purposes.
3. Well, ASUS VivoPC VM40B and Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190 are already more budget products designed primarily for creating a multimedia, but not a gaming system.
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