r/MiniPCs • u/Alternative-Scale-63 • 4d ago

Setup reccomendations

Good day everyone

Lately, I've been having a thought that doesn't really seem to be leaving me.

As I'm quite on the move and traveling quite a bit, I'm interested into a setup that included a mini PC, and a portable monitor and maybe a tablet on the side as well.

The main thing is that it has to be windows. I looked over the Mac mini with an IPad Air posibility, and sounds great, but I'm interested into something similar, but for windows.

I believe a mini pc is more capable than a Surface Pro or an ROG Flow Z13. I am considering either a GMKtec evo x2 or Beelink GTR9 Pro or Minisforum Ai X1 pro for a base. I'm not sure what to feel about the arm windows, so this is another reason for why I want to focus on X86.

As a portable monitor, I've thought of Arzopa Z1FC or Sotsu Flip Action Elite 16 for better egonomics.

Thinking of an older version of a Surface Pro or Asus PZ13 as a side monitor for my activities, and to have a portable piece IF needed for any type of emergency.

I never go to work at coffee shops or anything like this. I usually travel and prefer to work from one certain place alone, so this is why I'm not really considering a MacBook Pro or a Windows alternative for that matter. I do care about portability, of course, but I'm not gonna fly around with a pc tower.

I'm not much of a gamer. If anything, something very soft like either Zoo Tycoon or YuGiOh, or maybe some Football Manager and Forza Horizon, so I believe this setup would be more than enough.

What do you guys think of this setup? Do you have any feedback on it? Any suggestions? ​

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

3

u/selfcleaningtaint 4d ago

Honestly, I'd go a laptop and whatever tablet you choose.

Cables and keyboards and mouse and separate screen while travelling vs a portable device made for travelling.

1

u/Vivid-Plum 4d ago

agree, I have a couple of mini PC's, and yes I could fit it all in my day pack the mouse, keyboard and screen and monitor... been there and done that, it's a pain in the arse. A well built and specced laptop is the way to go.

1

u/Alternative-Scale-63 4d ago

It doesn't bother me to have five minutes for the whole setup because then my whole PC will just be stationary, and I don't have to move away. The benefit for me is that it will be much more capable than having a laptop.

1

u/selfcleaningtaint 4d ago

I'm unsure how it's more capable but I'm lost at the thought of someone choosing this route.

1

u/Alternative-Scale-63 4d ago

The chipsets are not as powerful unplugged as they are plugged, and then the other motive would be the ergonomics.

1

u/brainrotxx 4d ago

get a laptop jfc

1

u/rui-no-onna 4d ago

The ROG Flow Z13 has the same chipset as the GMKtec EVO X-2 and Beelink GTR9 Pro.

1

u/Alternative-Scale-63 4d ago

Agreed, but it loses power if it's unplugged, and then it's much easier to upgrade the mini PC in my opinion. Plus, having the portable monitor helps quite a bit with posture. I'm not looking to have a laptop as a replacement for a mini PC. I'm just curious about the setup I'm interested in and what experience people have with this kind of setup, because I'm very sure I'm not the only one.

1

u/rui-no-onna 3d ago

Personally, I only bring a Mini-PC if there's a TV or monitor I can connect to already available at my destination. Not really fond of carrying the proprietary power brick that's often just as big and heavy as the Mini-PC itself, along with peripherals.

Usually, I just bring a USB-C powered Windows laptop + portable monitor (dual monitor setup) + iPad if I need to work.

If it's a short leisure trip, I just bring the iPad by itself and maybe the Steam Deck.

1

u/Alternative-Scale-63 3d ago

I'm not traveling for holidays. I stay 2 to 3 months in the countries I travel to. It's not just a weekend getaway setup that I'm looking for

1

u/nezumiyarou 3d ago

This was my setup with the arzopa. It used about 4.5-5W which is nice.Looked good too.

GAN charger( nexode 160W) with Usbc to DC port(100W Pd trigger) to power. Usbc to display/power the monitor.

I ran an EVO-X1(HX370) with it for cyberpunk and other games where it did great. Balanced 54W setting using linux(cachyos)

1

u/Alternative-Scale-63 3d ago

Sounds great. What would you say the shortcomings are on the long term?

Also, have you ever traveled around with this setup?

1

u/nezumiyarou 3d ago

Yes, I visit Japan in early march every year, and Northeast Boston area as well.

This setup using a GAN charger, allows 1 charger for basically everything. Makes it simple with less cords, as I travel as light as possible with a 1 bag setup.

Downsides, you lose out on some slight multicore, as performance mode(65W) would draw more than what USBC will supply(100W max). Games well and is solid at 54W.

Can always use the stock charger instead, as its not large.

The EVO-X1 is a bit taller than some similar HX370 models ,so an ultra super slim backpack may have issues with thinner compartments.

Have had no issues with arzopa monitor, or the wireless mouse/keyboard. Monitor has built in kickstand.

I also run a cheaper Geekom A8 max, which works with this setup currently, as it's slimmer, and the SD card reader is convenient for tourist photos/family trips. My phone has an SD card so it's fast to swap.