A home run to work from home

If you’re looking at a new computer for working from home, you’re probably thinking about the laptop. But why? Laptops were designed for portability, not desk work. They’re ergonomically unhealthy, with small screens that force you to bend over because they’re not at eye level. And if you work from home anyway, why pay for a battery that’s going to die while it’s there? Let me make the case for a mini PC, the modern alternative to the massive desktop towers of the past.

For a very reasonable price, you can get a powerful machine that works with the monitor, mouse and keyboard of your choice – peripherals that provide the comfort that’s so crucial when you’re stuck at your desk. I tested one such system, the Geekom IT11 Mini PC, and let me jump to the verdict: It’s great. I’ll explain why below, but first there’s a deal that needs mentioning: For a limited time, the Geekom IT11 Mini PC drops to $420 when you clip the $40 off coupon on the page and then apply the promo code DN69ISFX Checkout. This is for an Intel Core i5 final configuration with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid state drive (SSD). Regular price: $500. (Note that other configurations are available from the same page, priced slightly higher or lower.)

Design and features of the Geekom IT11 Mini PC

Preloaded with Windows 11 Pro, the IT11 packs a substantial amount of hardware into its 4×6 x 4.4 x 1.8-inch chassis, which, I should mention, can be mounted to the back of most monitors using an included VESA bracket . This is a great option, as it keeps your system out of sight and reduces cable clutter on your desktop. It also makes accessing the ports more difficult, but the IT11 is easy to slide in and out of the holder as needed.

The configuration I tested includes an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and, as noted above, 16GB of RAM and a large SSD. Surprisingly, there’s room inside for additional RAM (up to 32GB total), and even a traditional 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, in case you want more storage. Opening the case is as simple as removing four screws.

While I didn’t benchmark the system (I test using real world situations), the system booted up in a flash and ran my software at a sane clip. If you’re someone who likes to keep over a dozen browser tabs open, the IT11 can get through that without breaking a sweat.

As for graphics, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics subsystem can handle up to 4K display resolution. It might get bogged down if you’re doing really complex image or video editing work, but I found that I was able to play the classic Borderlands PC game in full HD resolution. In other words, this may not be a graphics powerhouse, but it can tackle the basics well. In fact, the system supports up to four separate displays, using a combination of HDMI, mini-DisplayPort and USB-C ports.

I paired it with just one, the excellent 27-inch Innocn 27C1U monitor, along with a wireless mouse/keyboard combo. The latter relies on a tiny USB dongle, but that wasn’t a problem because the IT11 serves three USB Type-A and two USB Type-C ports. It also has an SD memory card slot and a headphone jack.

The IT11 also excels at Wi-Fi: It’s loaded with dual-band Wi-Fi 6, so it should offer the fastest speeds and strongest connectivity home users can get right now. Also on board: Bluetooth 5.2, another newer and better wireless implementation.

The system doesn’t have a built-in speaker, so you’ll have to look for an external option (monitor, headset, Bluetooth speaker, etc.).

Geekom IT11 Mini PC: Is It Worth Buying?

If your job doesn’t require mobility, you probably don’t need a laptop, in which case I highly recommend the Geekom IT11. Yes, you have to BYO monitor and keyboard, but that’s a good thing: you can choose the bigger, more comfortable ones that best suit your work-from-home setup.

Honestly, I’ve been struggling to find anything wrong with this PC. It’s well equipped right out of the box but has room for expansion. It’s powerful enough for everyday computing tasks and even some games. And it’s refreshingly small, no threat to even the busiest desks.

GEEKOM

Geekom Mini IT11 PC Intel Core i5

$420$600

Save $180 with coupon and promotional code

Size doesn’t matter: the Mini IT11 packs a lot of power into its compact case. Unless you’re a gamer, this should handle your every home and office computing need.

Code: DN69ISFX$420 on Amazon

Originally published December 20, 2022, 1:19 pm