Advantages of mini-towers

I recently wrote an article about the disadvantages of mini-tower computer setups so I figured it was time to explore the advantages of mini-towers. After all more companies are making them and people are clearly buying them, so something must be good about them.

Mini-tower computers are basically smaller versions of a desktop computer, so what are some of the advantages of these smaller cased computers?

Smaller footprint and saved space

One of the biggest and most advertised advantages of mini-towers are that they take up less space in two ways. One their 'footprint' is often far smaller then a standard computer case. The footprint is the amount of surface space that the tower actually takes up when touching the floor or desk. The footprint is made smaller for some mini-towers by mounting the case on a stand or frame that covers less surface area.

The cases of mini-towers themselves are also smaller then standard computer towers which means they can be place on a desk without taking up much space. They can also fit in smaller areas next to or under a desk.

In settings such as dorm rooms or cubicles where every inch of space may be needed, a mini-tower computer is a big advantage.

Portability

While they aren't quite as portable as laptop computers, mini-tower computers are often small and lightweight. Sure you can't actively use a mini-tower computer while on the move, but the fact that they take up less space and weigh less then standard computers means that moving them is quick and easy.

It isn't surprising that mini-towers are popular among college students who often move from dorm to dorm on a yearly basis. College students may also bring their computers home over breaks and a mini-tower makes the task easier.

Aesthetics

Depending on the brand of the mini-tower, the design and look of the tower may be visually pleasing when compared to many standard computer towers. While not the most important selling point for a computer, a tower that matches the decor or looks nice in plain sight can play a part in deciding to purchase the computer. A quick look at some of the popular mini-towers by companies such as Dell shows that colorful mini-towers with sleek designs are attractive to those who want their desk space to look unique and match their tastes.

As you can see, a lot of the advantages to a mini-tower are only skin deep. This isn't to say that mini-towers aren't decent computers, rather that depending on your needs a mini-tower may or may not be the best fit for your home desk or office. Those who need to save space or need to move their computer often will enjoy the small size of mini-towers, while those looking for style in their computer will like the variety of designs and colors of mini-towers available today.