Sometimes there is simply just not enough room at a workstation or desk to fit a bulky computer tower, and that’s where Mini PCs from Tangent come in. A mini PC contains all the power one comes to expect from a work computer, but in a compact enclosure usually no bigger than a lunch box. These mini PCs are capable of handling every situation, so whether you are looking for a new system to strap onto your work vehicle or medical cart, install into a tight workstation, or even help automate part of a factory floor, there’s a mini PC built for the task. Here are Tangent’s top ten best mini PCs to buy for any job.
Rugged Mini E3
Great for: In-Vehicle Computer | Video Surveillance
- No moving parts
- Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Powerful Intel processor
- Expandable Mini PCI Express sockets
- Up to 32 gigabytes DDR4 RAM
- Windows operating system
- Multiple I/O ports
The Rugged Mini E3 is the flagship model of the Tangent mini PC lineup, encompassing all aspects of what it means to be a mini PC. The Rugged Mini E3 features no moving parts, using a passive noiseless cooling system in lieu of a fan, and sporting a lightning fast SSD. The Rugged Mini E3 can be customized to feature one of the latest Intel I7 processors for maximum performance. It also comes equipped with two mini PCI Express sockets, ready for virtually any module attachment. With up to 32 gigabytes of RAM, the Rugged Mini E3 can take on multiple tasks at once without lag or errors. Best of all, like all Tangent mini PCs it comes with Windows 7 o 10 built in, making this mini PC a breeze to use.
Rugged Mini I
Great for:Video Display | Signage | Mobile Carts | Multi-Screen Work
- Triple monitor support
- Wide power input
- Multiple I/O ports
- 2x Ethernet ports and Wifi
- Windows operating system
- Up to 32 gigabytes DDR4 RAM
The Rugged Mini I is unique not only for a mini PC, but for PCs at large in that it can support up to 3 monitors at once. This makes the Rugged Mini I an ideal mini PC for situations where multitasking is a regular occurence. On a medical cart, The Rugged Mini I not only has the ability to display three separate readouts, but enough processing power to keep the programs displaying the readouts running in real time. When used at the desk, the Mini I allows workers to run three programs simultaneously without having to switch tabs repeatedly. For digital signage with multiple displays, the Mini I is the mini PC.
Rugged Mini S
Great for: Mobile Carts | Anesthesia Module
- TPM high level security
- Noise free
- Powerful Intel Processor
- 2 Ethernet ports and Wifi
- Windows operating system
- Watchdog Timer
Storing patient data in a secure, HIPAA compliant manner is critical to preventing potentially bankrupting data breaches from occurring. That’s why mini PCs like the Rugged Mini S come integrated with Intel’s TPM security module. TPM security modules help keep your data safe by encrypting it for in network use, drastically reducing the odds of information being skimmed from your network. Not only will this mini PC secure your data, but it can secure itself in the event of a program malfunction utilizing its built in watchdog timer. This module ensures that this mini PC can reboot itself if a glitch occurs, saving workers unnecessary time trying to diagnose a computer problem.
Rugged Mini X
Great for: Mobile Carts | Factory Automation
- Ultra mini PC
- Extreme temperature resistance
- Fanless cooling system
- TPM high level security
- Windows operating system
At Tangent, the label of mini PC isn’t just some marketing term we throw around casually— it is a challenge we constantly work towards. Challenging as it may be to fit an entire computer into a mini PC frame, it’s worth it when we create models like the Rugged Mini X. The Rugged Mini X is an ultra mini PC, weighing a mere 2 pounds, it’s one of our lightest mini PCs available. This lightweight design allows the Rugged Mini X an operating temperature range of 14° to 122° F. A wide operating temperature range coupled with a fanless design makes this mini pc perfect for environments where other computers would be prone to environmental damage. Whether you are working in a frigid lab, or a hot and dusty factory, the Rugged Mini X is capable of performing as if it were in an office.
Rugged Mini L2
Great for: Video Display | Signage| Mobile Carts
- Extreme temperature resistance
- 2 Ethernet ports
- Ultra mini PC
- Easy mounting
- TPM high level security
- Watchdog timer
- Windows operating system
The Rugged Mini L2 is the perfect mini PC for digital signage, having a sleek profile that is a mere 1.3 inches tall. This mini PC can easily fit in the narrowest of digital signages, from bus stops to billboards. The Rugged Mini L2 requires little maintenance once it is setup, featuring a wide operating temperature range and fanless design. It also comes equipped with a watchdog timer, meaning that in the event of an error, the Rugged Mini L2 can reset itself without you having to send out a maintenance crew to reboot it. A TPM module ensures that the Mini L2 remains secure from breaches while on the job, adding to the mini PC’s ability to lack oversight.
Rugged Mini FX
Great for: In Vehicle Computer
- Military grade shock resistance
- Military grade vibration resistance
- 4x GbE RJ45 LAN ports
- Extreme temperature resistance
- Fanless cooling system
- Windows operating system
When you need a mini PC for your vehicle, look no further than the Mini FX from Tangent. This mini PC is built to be used in vehicles, whether that be a forklift in a refrigerated warehouse or a military personnel transport making its way across a scorching desert. The Mini FX meets military standards for shock and vibration, and features an excessive operating temperature range of -4°F – 140°F. This mini PC’s fanless cooling system allows it to maintain an ideal operating temperature for its processor regardless of the outside environment. With four LAN ports built in, the Mini FX is ready to connect to whatever is needed of it.
Rugged Mini G
Great for: Video Display | Signage | Mobile Carts
- Flexible mounting
- Versatility
- Fanless cooling system
- Wide power input range
- Extreme temperature resistance
- Windows operating system
The Rugged Mini G is a versatile mini PC built to be a multipurpose computer. The Mini G is customizable to your needs, and can be fitted with a wall mount, VESA 75/100 mounting, or DIN rail. This allows the Mini G to easily mesh into your current computing system without the hassle of trying to figure out how to mount it. To go along with this, the Mini G can handle a wide range of power input options, allowing for it to operate in a variety of powering situations. This versatility makes it a great choice for when you need a mini PC that handles digital displays today, but may need to be behind the desk tomorrow.
Rugged Mini Tank
Great for: In Vehicle Computer
- Extreme temperature range
- Military standard shock resistance
- Fanless cooling system
- Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Powerful Intel Processor
- Built like a tank
For when the job takes place in the scorching desert, on uneven terrain, in a dustorm, there’s the Rugged Mini Tank. We’ve already gone over how seriously Tangent takes the labeling of computers, and make no mistake here: The Rugged Mini Tank is exactly what it sounds like. Able to withstand temperatures from -4° to 158°F, meeting military standards for shock resistance, fanless cooling, the Rugged Mini tank is the mini PC that has it all. This mini PC is ready to be mounted in vehicles that take a regular beating, sporting a SSD that won’t lose data because of a bump in the road. Featuring a powerful Intel I7 processor, the Rugged Mini Tank is as powerful as it is durable.
Rugged Mini Q1
Great for: Video Display | Signage | Mobile Carts
- Ultra mini PC
- Flexible mounting
- TPM high level security
- 4K support
- Extreme temperature range
- Windows operating system
At Tangent, we’re not fans of the practice of saving the best for last, all of our mini PCs have features that make them stand out. So instead, we’ve saved the smallest for last. Meet the smallest mini PC in the lineup: The Rugged Mini Q1. At only 1.29 pounds, the Rugged Mini Q1 weighs less than 2 cans of soda, and is just about the size of them too. The Mini Q1 comes in at 4.33 inches 4.56 inches by 1.93 inches, making it small enough to fit behind your computer monitor. With a range of customizable mounting options, you can mount this mini PC behind your monitor and completely forget it’s even there. But don’t let this mini PC’s extremely small size fool you, the Q1 is powerful and able to support 4K imaging.