Best Value Mini PC for Basic Web Browsing?

figarow on 14/06/2024 - 09:34
Last edited 18/06/2024 - 09:50

I've been looking on Aliexpress and Amazon for a mini pc, there are a lot to choose from. Only need it to browse internet, no gaming required. I really want the cheapest solution that will not be laggy so I'm thinking 16Gb of ram is required. Appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you!

The reason for mini pc is space, the desk is fixed part of the wall and very narrow with no floor space for a desktop etc. Considered laptop but mini pc is the better solution for this situation. Was thinking of pairing it with this monitor https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/851132

EDIT…

Thanks for all the advice.
I just purchased this one for $191.55 on the welcome coupon. GMKtec G2 Mini PC

  • Windows 11 Pro
  • Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake N100
  • DDR5 12GB RAM (soldered)
  • 512GB SSD
  • WiFi 6
  • BT5.2
Computing Computer Mini PC

Comments

  • Lord Ra on 14/06/2024 - 09:46
    +1

    KAMRUI AK2 Plus Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake- N100

    16GB DDR4 RAM
    512GB SSD
    Windows 11
    Supports 4K /WiFi 5/BT4.2

    Sometimes it goes down to $159, but even at $260, it's a great price. I bought these for a couple of clients, re-installed windows, using them fine.

  • magic8ballgag on 14/06/2024 - 09:49
    +6

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/846209

    Slap another 8GB RAM in it and off you go.

    • emblurr on 14/06/2024 - 09:53

      Yes this. I added 8gb for $30 to one of these. Now works as an Agent DVR server, media player and web browser with wireless keyboard.

    • pharkurnell on 14/06/2024 - 10:26

      For just web browsing alone, 8g is fine

      • magic8ballgag on 14/06/2024 - 10:27

        I agree, anyting else may require more RAM.

    • figarow on 14/06/2024 - 14:23

      I like the price but am more in favour of the smaller mini pc mentioned above, smaller and more powerful and new, with 16GB at purchase is a win for me.

      • magic8ballgag on 14/06/2024 - 14:54

        Fair enough, I would research what sort of warranty comes with that product, as they are in a different class (in my opinion).

        The mini/micro PC options from a known manufacturer would most likely outlast it as they are designed for business use, but we're still comparing used products to new.

  • jace88 on 14/06/2024 - 09:49

    Are you sure it's a PC that you're looking for if it's purely basic web browsing? ie. no file management, no office/productivity apps locally, etc.?

    I previously wanted something like that and considered various options ranging from the old NUCs, Compute sticks, etc to Chromeboxes (Chromebook but miniature desktop) to even something like a Mac Mini. Beyond the 'what's a computer', if it's really just web browsing, you may find media boxes/Pi-based solutions which achieve this objective or potentially even a Smart TV/monitor (eg Samsung's M8 smart monitor) which have inbuilt web browsers/OSes (but performance will vary and upgradability questionable) too.

    In my case, I bought a small Compute stick but found it was just too underpowered and then I dusted off an old Mac Mini from 2012, chucked in an SSD and more RAM, and it worked perfectly.

    EDIT: Seeing some of the deals above in the <$200 range, they would probably achieve your objectives pretty well and give you flexibility too.

  • jv on 14/06/2024 - 09:56

    Was thinking of pairing it with this monitor https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/851132

    Don't forget to get a keyboard too…

    • figarow on 14/06/2024 - 14:24

      Not small enough, looking for palm size.

  • Discombobulated on 14/06/2024 - 13:06

    We obtained a Trigkey G5 mini pC (NUC) with Win 11 from Amazon last year for just over $250 - works very well for browsing, office tasks, streaming and much more. The only lingering doubt is whether it has spyware - some people commenting online think it is a risk and recommend you do a full wipe and reload with your own separately licensed software.

    • figarow on 14/06/2024 - 14:19

      Interesting I was reading the same about spyware on these, from what I understood the licence is attached to the hardware and you only need to download the new copy of windows and install it? I've likely got that wrong. Is it lag free with multiple tabs and some basic office apps? I'm assuming you got the 16GB version which will handle the bottlenecks imo.

      • Discombobulated on 14/06/2024 - 19:48
        +1

        Not sure whether you have to pay for a new licence if you wipe the machine to get rid of any software-based spyware. Yes, there are no lags even with numerous apps open and in use - at least as fast as other computers in the house,

  • loropy9 on 14/06/2024 - 14:29

    Same here, I got the Trigkey n100 last year $260 from amazon. It does web and video play well, office software too. It feels pretty snappy, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if needed.

  • figarow on 18/06/2024 - 09:50

    Thanks for all the advice.
    I just purchased this one for $191.55 on the welcome coupon. GMKtec G2 Mini PC

    • Windows 11 Pro
    • Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake N100
    • DDR5 12GB RAM (soldered)
    • 512GB SSD
    • WiFi 6
    • BT5.2
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