You can get PCs with Linux preinstalled, but the better, more affordable option is probably installing it (or dual-booting) on a used Windows PC. There's a wide world of Linux operating systems out there, many of which are effectively free. Linux PCs: No, Windows, Mac and ChromeOS are not your only operating system options. However, the closer you get to that $500 price point, the more you should consider stepping up to a Chromebook laptop or a basic Windows tower (see above) for just a bit more. But if that's not an option and you want to buy new, expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a Chrome-based desktop. Now, before you spend any money, you should check out the free version of the operating system known as ChromeOS Flex, which you can install on most old PCs (including running it from an attached USB drive). That said, if you need any software beyond browser-based web apps, or if you don't have excellent broadband, you'll want to stick with Windows or Mac options above. Colloquially known as "Chromeboxes" (versus a "Chromebook" laptop), these systems don't have beefy CPUs, RAM or storage requirements. That makes it easy for multiple users (only a Gmail address is needed to log in), and - because there's no heavy operating system beyond the browser - viruses aren't really an issue. This Google operating system effectively is little more than the Chrome web browser. See more bare-bones Mini PCs at Newegg.Ĭhromeboxes: If you're looking for very basic computing - browsing the web, email, social media, YouTube and the like - the Chrome operating system is the most affordable route for home computing. Outside of specialty vendors like Beelink, the best choices in this mini PC size are probably the Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing), most of which are sold as hobbyist options, requiring some BYO additions like user-supplied storage, RAM and other components - including the operating system. In the wake of likable small models like the Acer Revo One and HP Pavilion Mini, we even saw (woefully underpowered) " PC on a stick" offerings starting in 2015, but interest seems to have ebbed since then. Mini PCs: Following the debut of the Mac Mini in 2005, Windows PC makers experimented with similarly tiny designs. The Mac is the only one that's been recently updated. Left to right: The HP Mini, Acer Revo, Intel Compute Stick and Apple Mac Mini. Here are some that fit the bill, offering a great bang for the buck if you don't need a laptop:Īside from a slightly older 10th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, this configuration otherwise includes everything listed above, along with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility and a keyboard and mouse, too. With those specs in mind, you should be able to find a good PC tower from brands like Dell, Acer, Asus or HP for between $500 and $600. Optional: DVD or Blu-ray optical drive (only if you need it for legacy software or media).At least one PCI-E (x16) expansion slot (for adding a video card).Four or more USB 3.1 or 3.2 ports with USB-C and USB-A formats (at least one or two on the front).Default integrated graphics (such as Intel UHD or Iris or baseline AMD Radeon).Intel Core i5 (12th or 13th-gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3000 or 5000 series).The specs we'd suggest for a basic Windows 11 machine: Basic Windows PC tower (starting around $620)
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