Minicomputers are multi-user computers offering today's consumers middle range capabilities. The term is largely obsolete in today's world, but it describes computers in the middle of the computing range spectrum, between the mainframe computer options and the micro computer. Today, some micro computers are externally micro computers but architecturally mini computers.

The minicomputer is often sold by minicomputer manufacturers as stand alone computers. They have been sold to small businesses and mid-size businesses for general business use, too. In addition to this, manufacturers of minicomputers may also be sold to large enterprises for operations on a department-level. You can examine and understand pricing and costs of minicomputers when you:

1. Read more to learn about minicomputers on educational sites which explain what minicomputers offer to allow businesses to examine their benefits and whether or not this type of purchase would make sense for the business.

2. Review and compare the costs of new minicomputers.

3. Examine the costs of used minicomputersas compared to new units.

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Learn about Mini PC capabilities from educational and informative websites

In many instances, businesses need to first understand what minicomputers have to offer and how manufacturers of mini computers have designed these devices to work in the world of business. Information about mini computers can be found from a variety of sources online and businesses can easily understand the benefits of minicomputers in their quest to learn whether or not they may want to buy minicomputers.

I recommend: Wisegeek provides an explanation of minicomputers and their common uses in business. This site also discusses the design of such computers and why a hierarchy was once needed to explain portable computers and other computer options. Information on mini computers can also be found at TechTarget.com. This site also offers examples of popular minicomputers used by businesses. These types of websites are important for businesses to examine so that they can understand exactly what it is which they will be investing in when they buy minicomputers. It helps to explain the costs businesses will review later.

Learn the costs which coincide with new minicomputers made available from suppliers of minicomputers

In many cases, suppliers of minicomputers that are new will charge the most. However, there are many businesses which need to utilize new minicomputers and this makes the cost less of a factor in consideration. Still, by shopping online, businesses can often find highly competitive prices, even when it comes to providers of minicomputers which are new.

I recommend: The New York Times discusses IBM's new minicomputers. The minicomputers offered by IBM, according to The NY Times, are set to be priced between $15,000 and one million dollars in their broadest terms. The most popular of IBM's new minicomputers are the AS-400 minicomputers. This represents the highest range of prices when it comes to new minicomputers. However, there are much cheaper minicomputers available, such as those from Dell which, according to EnGadget.com, will cost around $500. Dell's Mini-Ispiron is set to cost under $500, making it one of the less expensive available minicomputers on the market. Backpage.com also offers new minicomputers at just under $250, representing the lower end of the cost spectrum. VR-Zone.com offers a brand new Acer minicomputer for $950.

Compare the costs of used minicomputers available online

Providers of minicomputers which are previously used often offer a lower price to those who choose to buy used minicomputers. As with new minicomputers, the cost of a mini PC is often more competitive when purchased online. By comparing prices before they buy minicomputers, even those which are used, businesses can make the most of what they have to budget for such expenses.

I recommend: GainSaver.com offers a used Mac Mini for under $300. PowerMax.com helps illustrate the price discrepancies online with the same Mac Mini for sale at less than $480. On the more expensive end of used minicomputers, the Sony Vaio mini computer is going for around $1,200 on KiJiJi.com.

Minicomputers range in size from a cube-shaped computer about 12 inches deep to a device so small it attaches to the back of a flat-panel monitor. Due to the ingenuity of various manufacturers and providers of minicomputers, small desktop and portable computers of all shapes and sizes exist for a variety of applications.

Business owners are looking for desktop replacements that take up less space and use less power than standard desktops. More people are seeking information about mini computers that are easy to carry and use on the go. Now that the personal computer has passed its 25th birthday, the time is ripe for innovative small footprint designs of all types. Consider some of the advantages of micro computers:

1. Replace larger models in your office with limited network storage space.

2. Lightweight, portable laptops and personal digital assistants make computing on the road easier for business travelers.

3. Many industries look for special-purpose handheld devices to increase productivity and eliminate paperwork in the field.

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Buy minicomputers for the desktop

Many business owners are upgrading their computer hardware now that Windows Vista has been released. This is a good opportunity to discover the options that suppliers of minicomputers offer.

I recommend: The providers of minicomputers such as TheBookPC.com, CappuccinoPC.com and LittlePC.com can help you find the right product and often save you money at the same time.

Buy an ultraportable laptop minicomputer

Ultraportable laptops are those that weigh less than 4 pounds, are less than 1 inch thick and have a screen that is less than 14 inches. They are ideal for the business traveler but often sacrifice something to achieve that low weight, so are not considered replacements for a desktop PC. Rather they are a second computer, used when portability is important.

I recommend: If you want a smaller mini PC, check out the Asus Eee PC at eeepc.asus.com. Mini computers are extremely popular at shop.lenovo.com, toshibadirect.com and store.apple.com.

Buy a special-purpose handheld computer

Certain industries require special purpose handheld devices for data collection and communication. These devices can be customized for purposes of sales, inventory, and a variety of other uses.

I recommend: Duncansolutions.com and radix-intl.com are suppliers of minicomputers that provide handheld computing solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Smart phones and PDA devices on the market now perform many of the functions of a mini PC. Though all of the products mentioned above will increase productivity, you might consider a smart phone as well before you make your final decision.
• •  These types of computers still require a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse, but take up much less space and frequently use less power than the standard desktop PC.

Whether you’re in the market for a minicomputer to use in the office or resell to customers, checking minicomputers advice and ratings will help you choose dependable models with key features and reliable customer service. Because you can also use minicomputers as part of a larger computer network, it’s essential to determine which brands and types are compatible with existing equipment.

Gather information on mini computers and suppliers of minicomputers from a variety of reliable sources to get the complete picture on the models you’re considering. Even if you’re just planning to use or market mini computers as single function computers to handle word processing, for example, getting the best model will minimize returns or the necessity for troubleshooting down the road. Obtain reliable information by trying to:

1. Check objective product review websites and magazines before attempting to buy minicomputers to discover dependable models with useful functions and features.
2. Rely on computer-related publications and websites to get in-depth specifications and information on mini computers, as well as background information on manufacturers of mini computers.
3. Find consumer reviews of mini computers and manufacturers of minicomputers through websites that encourage first-hand user reviews.
   

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Get micro computer ratings from websites that focus on product reviews to help consumers

Product review publications and websites provide objective opinions on the best minicomputer models and manufacturers based on factors such as price, features and dependability. Consider these sources to find basic information on mini computers to guide your selection.

I recommend: Get reviews and ratings on mini laptop computers through ConsumerSearch, a website that compiles reviews from reputable websites to determine the top rated products in a variety of categories. Get advice on choosing the right mini PC to suit your needs through Consumer Reports. In addition to ratings and recommendations for minicomputers, also find reviews of desktop and laptop models by signing up on the website.

Read computer-focused publications and websites to find the best mini computers

For more in-depth, technical breakdowns on minicomputer or micro computer models, look to computer-related publications that can help you answer function, compatibility and reliability issues when it comes to specific product releases and manufacturers of minicomputers.

I recommend: Discover advice on the best features, models and brands of minicomputers through Geek.com. PC Magazine offers articles and discussions on minicomputer models and providers of minicomputers, as well as reviews of new products.

Obtain first-hand information about mini computers through consumer review sites

Determine which portable computers are the best under real-world conditions by reading user reviews. The information may also tell you which minicomputer manufacturers are the most reliable in terms of customer service and warranties.

I recommend: Read reviews on a variety of popular mini computer and laptop models through Epinions. Review information covers price, pros and cons and each model’s best features. Get user and objective editor ratings on minicomputers through CNET. Product reviews covers the computer specifications, features and performance in detail.

Minicomputer used to be a term that referred to a small computer, about the size of a two-drawer filing cabinet. It originated back when full-sized computers took up entire large rooms. Modern computers take up much less space, so the term minicomputer is changing its meaning, as well.

Today's minicomputers are small and getting smaller. Ultraportable laptops used to be the smallest computers you could get, unless you wanted a handheld computer with no keyboard, but now they have netbooks that are even smaller. Desktop computers can be smaller, too, though sometimes you get less performance from smaller computers.

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Netbook

Netbook is the recently-coined term for very small laptops with less robust specifications than full-sized laptops or desktop computers, and a lower price tag to match. These mini-laptops have smaller screens and sometimes an alternate operating system. They generally don't do everything a full-sized computer can do, but are a portable alternative for those on the go.

I recommend: Read an explanation of the term netbook at NotebookNotes.com.

Ultraportable laptops

Ultraportable laptops are generally one step larger and more powerful than a netbook. This class of laptops usually has most of the features and specifications of a full-sized laptop, a screen that measures 11 or 12 inches, and a much higher price tag than a netbook.

I recommend: Find out more about ultraportable laptops, including a definition and examples, at CNET.

Small form factor PC

Any type of computer can have a small form factor, but generally this term refers to a desktop PC that is much smaller than a full-sized desktop computer. Some of these computers have all of the features of a regular desktop PC, while others may be missing a CD/DVD drive or other features. Many businesses use small form factor PCs if they network to a robust network that provides some of the functions left out of the smaller computers.

I recommend: Read about small form factor PCs at HotHardware.com.

Personal digital assistant, handheld computer, or smartphone

A personal digital assistant, or PDA, is one of the most common terms for the new kind of small handheld devices. They perform many tasks more complicated than those the first generation of desktop computers could perform. Some of these devices you can use just for computing, and others are also a cell phone, making them a smartphone.

I recommend: Read a glossary of terms related to handheld computers at "Smartphone & Pocket PC" magazine, a division of Thaddeus Computing.

Optical drive

An optical drive is a feature of regular-sized computers that is often missing from their smaller cousins. Netbooks and handheld computers often have no optical drive, so they can't play or record to CDs or DVDs. With the increasing amount of video content on the Internet, users of these smaller computers find the trade-off of portability and lower price an acceptable compromise.

I recommend: Find the definition of optical drive at Sharpened Productions.

Intel Atom processor

Intel designed the Atom processor for smaller mobile computers. This processor, aside from being small, produces less heat. This means it doesn't need a fan, which is a feature that makes other processors take up much more space and power.

I recommend: Read all about Intel's Atom processor at the Intel website.