It’s time to look into new small form computers
“She wore an itsy bitsy, teenie weenie, yellow polka dot bikini …” No wait, I’m singing about the wrong tiny item.
I have written about tiny computers the size of a grain of rice before, however, they are not practical for regular users. Tiny form factor computers do exist, and they are ready for the beach, err, desktop now.
According to Bing dictionary, form factor means “the physical size and shape of a piece of computer hardware.” The new small computer offerings are remarkable, and they can compete in performance with standard-sized computer offerings, only without all the bulk.
The large size of desktop computers is why a lot of buyers get laptops. They’re smaller, lighter and easy to transport.
But a laptop isn’t a great replacement for a desktop, because you compromise speed and versatility mainly due to battery power limitations. Laptops can only support modified components like low power CPUs, video, etc., which means a loss of performance.
That’s why Small Form Factor (SFF) computers are migrating into homes and offices. Although much engineering work has gone into making laptops better at mimicking desktops, SFF computers are a superior and less expensive solution.
SFF computers offer desktop workstation performance and use all the larger peripherals (monitors, keyboards, etc.) that desktops typically support, plus they have full-sized, full-performance components like CPUs, RAM and storage. They are full-speed desktop computers that require less space on your desk.
Most major manufacturers and some custom builders offer SFF computers. Dell OptiPlex, Acer Veriton and HP Elite all offer them, and your hometown East Bay manufacturer ComputersUSA has a line called the FireLite.
These itsy bitsy computers have all the power of a standard desktop, provide you with upgrade options and run circles around laptop performance – all at prices you can afford.
Sending your kids off to school? Don’t forget the bikini.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.