Mini PC with Win11 Pro (Less than $500)

coffeemornings on 04/10/2025 - 20:50
Last edited 04/10/2025 - 20:54

Hello! I searched the forum and did find a few recent posts on mini pc. But, I thought I would just start a new post as I’m after something really simple.

My really old dell XPS 13 customised for high spec programming work finally decided it was time. The hard drive failed today.

I don’t really use it for hard core programming work anymore.

It’s been a while since I bought a PC or a laptop, apart from using my work laptop.

I am after the following in a mini PC (budget - less than $500)
- comes with windows 11 pro (need to be able to Remote Desktop therefore pro) and no malware. I’m no expert, so don’t want to be reinstalling stuff
- have a monitor at home
- allows me to browse some websites and work on some R programming (nothing too intense).
- can be purchased and set up in the next few days (was in the middle of something important when my laptop died)

Would love any recommendations and where to get it!

Thanks!

Computing Computer Mini PC

Comments

  • The Salt King on 04/10/2025 - 21:04
    +2

    Someone just link a decent amazon deal on some Kamrui mini pcs one being like 135$ but if you want to spend just under 500$ you can get something pretty decent

  • PixelMango on 04/10/2025 - 21:14
    +1

    If you're after a mini PC you can buy a brand new Beelink from AliExpress for $192.

    If you rather a workstation then HP EliteDesk 800 can bought second for under $500.

    • GordonD on 05/10/2025 - 10:10

      you can buy a brand new Beelink from AliExpress for $192

      Yes, yes, but can you buy it, get it delivered, and set it up in the next few days as the OP wants.

  • scrimshaw on 04/10/2025 - 21:47

    do you have to use Windows Remote Desktop? There are free third party options like Chrome Remote Desktop (free), Rustdesk (Free + Open Source + Self Hostable), dwservice (Free + Open source), to name a few and these work on any type of OS, including Linux and Android.

    I use Chrome Remote desktop almost every day to manage my home server (which used to be a RaspPi3, but it's now a KAMRUI AK1 Plus) and when I'm overseas I remote to my desktop in Australia if I want to get past firewalls and geo-blocks. No need for overpriced Pro version of Windows.

    Bosgame does sell PC's preloaded with Windows 11 Pro
    https://www.amazon.com.au/s?me=A3VOXFIL1PHGP7&marketplaceID=…

  • BoltThrower on 04/10/2025 - 21:51
    +2

    No need to pay for windows https://massgrave.dev/
    https://msguides.com/windows-11
    If you're not able to do this for any reason you can buy a Win10pro key and get a free upgrade to Win11pro. Must be Pro->Pro.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join