7 Uses for Android Mini-PC's Computers have been getting smaller and more powerful for
decades. A device that started out the size of a room and costs millions
of dollars now fits in the palm of your hand. Laptops became smaller
and smaller, eventually morphing into tablets computers and iPads. Your
smartphone has more computing power than the Space Shuttle.
Recently though, PCs have taken another leap forward (
or smaller, depending on your perspective).
Android mini-PCs - about the size of a flash memory stick - have
appeared on the market. They come equipped with an HDMI-port for video,
USB for accessories and a micro-SD slot for additional storage. Several
come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in for even more flexibility.
While
these Android PCs might not be able to completely replace your existing
desktop or laptop computer, they do have some pretty amazing
functionality for a very low cost. If you're thinking about how you
could use a low-cost Android PC, here are some ideas to get you started.
Can you think of any cool options that we missed?
Web Browser
Internet
use is one of the most often used features of our smartphones. It
almost goes without saying that it is one of the most popular requests
for Android mini PCs. Whether it is a simple Google search to settle a
bet, or using IMDB to find out what else that actor has been in,
browsing the internet is the major benefit that these devices offer.
Streaming Video
Netflix
has over 30 million subscribers as of 2013, so there is a great
opportunity for streaming TV and movies to any TV in the house. While
some newer televisions have apps like Netflix, YouTube or Hulu built in,
there are still millions of older TV sets out there that don't. Being
able to plug in a small Android mini PC to any computer's HDMI port will
instantly add this option without the cost of a new TV. What's even
better is that there are wires to clutter up the living room. No big-box
components that need to be placed under the TV, taking up space. Extra
functionality without having to constantly look at it!
Game Console
Sure,
we can sneak in a little "Angry Birds" while we're waiting in the
checkout line or "Temple Run" during lunch. What about during a
commercial, halftime, or that fifteen minutes before American Idol comes
on? Imagine adding kid friendly games to their TV such as "Where's My
Water?" With a low cost Android PC, this becomes easy.
Video Phone
We're
hardly ever without our smartphones, but sometimes it's not convenient,
or cost-effective, to make that call. With services like Skype, an
Android PC equipped TV, and a USB webcam becomes a full-service video
conferencing solution. This is especially good for families that have
relatives in other countries. Even if you don't want to use a webcam,
using Skype or Tango will help you save on the cost of international
calls.
Picture Viewer / Music Player
By
attaching a USB hard drive to your router, or sharing it within Windows,
an Android PC can let you review pictures and documents from any TV in
the house. You can also use it to turn your TV into a streaming music
player for parties, or just anywhere you want your music collection to
be.
For The Kids
You could just sit your child down in front of the TV to watch Sponge-Bob (
please, we beg you... stop the insanity).
Wouldn't it be better for everyone if the kids could do something fun,
educational or creative with their time? The best thing about an Android
PC is that it has thousands of apps available to draw, paint, or
gasp,
learn. On many of these apps, parents can set goals for their children
and review their progress - making learning fun while avoiding the funny
looking sponge.
Actual Work
OK, so we've
been trying to be fun up until now, but you can actually use an Android
PC for real work too. The great thing about having the Google Android
operating system is that you can get free substitutes for Microsoft
Office such as ThinkFree Office or Google Docs and seamlessly link your
productivity documents with your desktop at work. Now, let's be
realistic. Will these apps be as feature-packed as Office? Probably not.
But they will let you review and share documents with ease.
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