The Stream Mini and the Pavilion Mini are both micro-PCs but are two very different machines. The Stream Mini costs around $180 plus a $25 Windows Store Gift Card which is a great starting point for any computer. The Stream Mini packs an Intel Celeron 2957U processor with 2 Gigabytes of Ram, Runs Windows 8.1 and 32 Gigabytes Solid State Drive. While this machine has a lower memory capacity it makes up for it with 200 Gigabytes of OneDrive Storage for two years. The Pavilion Mini on the other hand has a lot more muscle to it with your choice of Intel Pentium or Core i3 processor, 4 to 8 Gigabytes of RAM and 500 Gigabytes to 1 Terabyte of Hard Disk Drive. As this is a more powerful machine you can expect to pay between $320 to $450 depending on the model you choose.
Product Description
As mentioned above the Stream Mini and the Pavilion Mini are both similar and different at the same time. The Stream being a cheaper more streamlined mini PC whereas the Pavilion Mini packs more of a punch. Regardless of which one you pick they both come with 4 USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5-mm audio jack as well as an HDMI port. While they both have similar ports the Pavilion Mini has Quad HD output support in addition to the other ports. As mentioned above the Stream Mini is a more slimed down PC with extra storage capability though OneDrive Storage for 2 years free with purchase. While the Pavilion Mini offers both larger RAM as well as up to 5 times the maximum storage available to the Stream Mini.
Are they any good?
While both micro-PC’s offer you great mobile computing with their smaller size and lighter weight compared to regular PCs and Notebooks. The primary difference is the price. The Stream Mini costing less than $200 with included OneDrive storage as well as the $25 Microsoft Store gift card makes it a perfect computer for people looking for something more than a smartphone to work on the go. The Pavilion Mini does cost almost $500 but you get a powerful machine for that price. This is perfect for anyone that needs more than just a notebook to work with on the go. However, like many micro-PC’s you do not get the attached screen like you do with a notebook making working while in transit a little more difficult for anyone that needs more power in a PC for a lower price, a smaller size and weighing less than your standard notebook the Stream Mini and Pavilion Mini are what you nead.
Conclusion
Overall both machines pack a lot for the lower price range they currently reside at making them a wonderful asset for anyone that needs a computer one the go but needs more than what a standard tablet or notebook can offer for similar prices.
