This is an update to my computer setup current as of January 2013.
The main update to my computer setup over the Christmas holidays is the addition of the Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) to my rig. I purchased the NUC over the holidays so that I would be able to take my laptop to class without having to constantly be unplugging cables. The NUC runs a mobile core i3 3rd generation (Ivy Bridge) clocked at 1.8 GHz, is running 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB mSATA SSD. The NUC has 3 USB 2.0, 2 HDMI, and an Ethernet port. Though the NUC is small it is far from a slouch, it it just as capable as my laptop, and for advanced web-browsing (I’m talking 30+ tabs), word processing, HD video, intermediate gaming (read 720p), and general multitasking (all of the aforementioned at the same time), it works great. The best part is that due to its small size, and the way I have mounted it, it takes up no room on my desk.
Here are a few more short of the NUC and the mount I built for it:
Intel NUC mounted on monitor stand
The mounting bracket with a representative monitor stand pole
A top view of the Intel NUC, connected to the mounting bracket, on the monitor stand
Another side view of the NUC mounted
The NUC in situ beneath my monitors
So all in all quite a compact capable system in my mind, and when compared to the rest of the competition in the nano-computer market (I’m looking at you Zotac), it offers much greater flexibility when it comes to what internal components you put in it. My only complaint is the lack of analog audio in/out. If they had included that it would be the perfect ultra-compact desktop.
