[ميزة خاصة]Enjoy your normal working environment even when you are away! What are the tips for using a mini computer as a “mobile” device? – Watch the computer

Modern minicomputers are often equipped with high-performance central processing units (CPUs). In particular, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series has an integrated GPU that can run even the latest PC games, depending on the settings. It has become possible to do light work such as creating documents and gathering information, as well as relaxing activities such as watching videos and playing games. I’m also preparing to use a mini PC as my main computer.

Also, as I wrote at the beginning, minicomputers are small and lightweight. It would also be good to use it in your hotel during a trip or business trip. The first thing that comes to mind for these uses is a laptop, but it requires tasks like installing applications and copying data. However, if you bring with you the small PC that you usually use as your main computer when traveling, you will not need to face such problems.

With that in mind, I brought a bunch of small PCs to my travel destination this summer (2023) to test if I could get them to work, but the results were very difficult. Based on this experience, I will explain how to bring a small computer to a hotel, etc. and use it comfortably, depending on the problem.

It might be better not to be greedy about the size of the LCD screen.

The larger the LCD screen connected to the mini computer, the better the vision and work efficiency. For this reason, I brought the ASUSTeK 15.6-inch Portable LCD Monitor “MB16A”, which is the largest size I have.

However, the table I was camping on was small, like those used for solo camping, so the stand protruded far from the table, making it unstable.

The MB16A can be used as a stand by folding the lid like a triangular prism, so a wide table is required to use it stably.

When using it on a small table like this, I think it would be safer to use a smaller plate size like 13-14 inches. Additionally, models equipped with a kickstand on the back, such as Microsoft’s Surface series, are easier to install stably in tight spaces. So, I bought a new 14-inch portable LCD monitor with a kickstand on the back.

Of course, if you know that the table available in the hotel is large, the 15.6-inch LCD screen you brought with you this time will be no problem. Additionally, there are larger mobile LCD monitors such as 17 inches these days, so you may want to choose one of these models.

VisionOwl 14″ LCD Portable Monitor Purchased from Amazon.co.jp. Not sure what the name of the product is, but it’s cheap at 16,799 yen and it’s an IPS panel, so no problem at the moment.

Equipped with a stepless adjustable backrest

The fact that it is equipped with a 75mm VESA mounting hole and can be used on a small monitor arm was also a deciding factor in my purchase.

Also, depending on the work I was doing at the hotel, I had to focus on writing the script this time. In situations like this, my shoulders get stiff if I keep looking down, so I felt it would be helpful to have a stand that would allow me to adjust the height of the LCD screen to suit my line of sight.

Among the simple stands available for portable LCD monitors, tablets and smartphones, there are some that allow you to adjust the height to some extent. If you combine these things, you will not get tired even if you look at the screen for a long time.

This is also a tablet stand from WAIYAIKA, a manufacturer I don’t know much about, and it was priced at 1899 yen on Amazon.You can adjust the height and angle of the stand where you place your tablet.

I also love that the stand part folds down for compact storage.

We recommend a unique type of wireless keyboard and mouse.

To minimize cable connections, this time I brought a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I previously confirmed that it could be used normally at home, but when I was there there were frequent delays in operation, which was very frustrating. Perhaps because the hotel only had a wireless LAN in the 2.4 GHz band, there was interference between the wireless LAN and Bluetooth. This was unexpected because I only use a 5GHz wireless LAN at home.

What I brought with me was a first generation Lenovo ThinkPad TrackPoint keyboard and a Logitech Ultra Slim Touch Mouse T630. Honestly, I think it’s a bit old.

However, if you use a wired one, it can be quite cumbersome, so if you want to work comfortably on the go, like in a hotel, it would be a good idea to pair it with a wireless mouse and keyboard that supports the manufacturer’s proprietary standards.

For example, Logitech offers a wireless mouse and keyboard called the Logi Bolt. The Logi Bolt is said to be resistant to Bluetooth and WLAN interference, allowing for stable operation.

I’ve already borrowed the Logi Bolt compatible compact keyboard “MX KEYS MINI” and the “M650 SIGNATURE WIRELESS MOUSE” and tried them out. The keyboard doesn’t come with a USB receiver, but you can pair it with the Logi Bolt-compatible USB receiver that comes with the mouse, so no problem.

The MX KEYS MINI keyboard felt soft and comfortable to type on, and even when I typed very quickly, there was no dropout or lag. It is small and easy to store, making it ideal for this purpose.

For the M650 SIGNATURE wireless mouse, we chose the relatively compact M size. For guys like me, the way to use it is to press it lightly from both sides and move it smoothly. It is the perfect size for travel and business trips.

Logitech MX Keys Mini. The frame is small in size and does not take up much space. There is a small indentation in the center of the keys that provides tactile typing assistance.

The keycaps are backlit, making it easy to use even in dark places.

The M650 SIGNATURE wireless mouse features a symmetrical design, a scroll button and two function buttons. It can last up to 24 months on a single AA battery.

In addition, there are wireless mice and keyboards that support the manufacturer’s wireless functions, so try them out in the store to see the size and feel of the keys and choose your favorite model. By the way, I usually use an English layout keyboard, but when it comes to small keyboards for mobile devices, there aren’t any ideal models for me, so I’m kind of on my own.

If you have a model that supports USB PD, you may have less luggage overall.

When working with a laptop, all you need to bring to hotels etc. is the main unit and the AC adapter. However, a mini PC is basically a desktop computer, so in addition to the main unit and AC adapter, it also requires a mobile LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and various cables. On this trip, I had more gear than usual, so I had to rethink the layout inside my pack.

The mini-computer and AC adapter are included with the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS used in this test. Although the main unit is compact, the AC adapter is quite large.

In particular, the AC adapter that comes with a mini PC is larger and heavier because the model has higher performance. If you are considering using a mobile phone in this way, you should also worry about the size of the AC adapter. In this regard, we recommend using a mini PC with a USB PD compatible charger. These chargers are about twice the size of AC adapters, and the minicomputer itself also tends to be smaller.

MINISFORUM’s Mercury EM680 is an ultra-compact PC that can fit in the palm of your hand. It comes with a built-in PD-compatible USB charger to power the main unit.

What these AC adapters look like can often be found on the product front or specifications section. Even if it’s not listed there, it’s a good idea to check those reviews, because it’s a checklist of not only the author, but also most reviewers of that journal’s cover.

Recently, an increasing number of high-performance mini PC models have also become compatible with the USB PD power supply. It’s essential to set up a USB PD compatible charger that can handle the power your mini PC requires, but compared to AC adapters, USB PD compatible chargers tend to be more compact, so it’s an effective way to cut down on your luggage. This is one.

MINISFORUM’s “Venus UN1256” is equipped with a USB 3.1 Type-C port on the back that supports USB PD power supply and DisplayPort Alt mode.

However, since it is intended for use as a main computer, there are situations where you may have no choice but to choose a particular model that matches your purpose depending on the performance and type of interface. Also, if you’re using it in a hotel, the AC adapter won’t be a hindrance, and if it will fit in your bag, I don’t think it will be an issue. This may be something you don’t need to pay much attention to.

If you have a small computer, the lockbox is also easy to use.

The above is a summary of the points I noticed on this trip and how to solve them. I’ve set up the equipment based on this review, and I’m sure I’ll be able to continue working comfortably on my mini PC on my next trip or business trip. I know very well that I have to finish my work before traveling, but when I am busy with work it is difficult to do that…

In fact, another small benefit I gained from using a small laptop this time around is that the lockbox was easy to use.

I remember that in the past, many hotels had security boxes that could fit a 14-15 inch laptop, probably because they were intended for business travelers on business. However, recently, perhaps due to changes in equipment brought into hotels, many security boxes are barely large enough to fit a 10-inch tablet.

In particular, an increasing number of hotels refuse to accept 13- to 14-inch laptops, which is a big problem. However, if it is a small computer, it can be stored in a safe box without any problems. Although it is a small thing, this could be one of the benefits that can be enjoyed by reducing the size of your computer.