Consumer Technology & Gadgets / Personal computing

Mini PCs offer several key advantages, including their compact and space-saving design, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and adequate performance for typical office tasks such as word processing and web browsing.

Mini PCs support productivity by allowing multi-monitor setups, which enhance employee efficiency. They are also portable and energy-efficient, making them suitable for both office and remote work environments.

Smart notebooks are digital or hybrid notebooks that allow users to write manually but then digitize their notes for easy editing, searching, and sharing. They improve productivity by enabling quick retrieval of information, facilitating collaboration on group projects, and reducing paper use, which also benefits the environment. Some smart notebooks come with features like OCR text recognition and real-time synchronization with mobile devices.

Notebook whiteboards combine the portability and permanence of traditional notebooks with the reusability of whiteboards. Unlike permanent paper notebooks, they offer erasable pages that can be rewritten endlessly, reducing paper waste. Compared to bulky wall whiteboards, they are compact and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go study sessions. They help students organize thoughts visually, boost creativity, and improve focus by providing a screen-free space for brainstorming and planning.

'Face computing' refers to a new computing platform where screens connected to CPUs evolve into wearable technology, specifically smart glasses. Unlike traditional personal computing that relies on separate screens like monitors or smartphones, face computing integrates digital interaction directly into wearable devices, potentially transforming how users engage with digital content by making computing more immediate, hands-free, and context-aware.

Smart glasses, as part of the face computing platform, could redefine user interaction by providing a seamless, always-available interface that overlays digital information onto the real world. This could enable more natural, intuitive interactions such as voice commands, gesture controls, and augmented reality experiences, reducing reliance on traditional input devices like keyboards and touchscreens.

Mini PCs offer a compact and powerful solution that combines versatility and portability, making them ideal for users who need efficient performance in a small form factor. They can handle various computing tasks while saving space and often consume less power than traditional desktops.

Some mini PCs allow for hardware upgrades such as GPU replacements, provided the new components meet size and power draw limitations. For example, certain models showcased at Computex 2025 support GPU upgrades, enabling users to enhance performance over time.

ZDNET readers are purchasing a variety of innovative gadgets in 2025, including Bluetooth finder tags like the Chipolo One Point, USB-C magnetic adapters, mini projectors such as the DotterPod Mini, and advanced devices like robot vacuums with mechanical arms and rollable laptops from Lenovo. These gadgets are designed to enhance productivity and convenience both at home and in the office.

The new robot vacuums, such as the Roborock Saros Z70, include a mechanical arm with OmniGrip technology that can pick up small obstacles weighing under 8 ounces while vacuuming and mopping. This innovation eliminates the need for users to clear floors of clothes, toys, or other items before cleaning, making the process more autonomous and efficient.

Smartphones have driven innovation in desktops and laptops by pushing for more portable, powerful, and user-friendly designs. Features like touchscreens and enhanced mobility have become more prevalent in newer laptop models, while smartphones' processing power has inspired improvements in laptop performance. Additionally, smartphones' influence on user interface design has led to more intuitive and accessible computing experiences across all devices.

While smartphones have become incredibly powerful and can perform many tasks traditionally done on PCs, they still have limitations. For tasks requiring extensive processing power, such as video editing or gaming, desktops remain superior. However, for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and document editing, smartphones can be sufficient. The choice between a smartphone and a PC depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.

Trends such as adding LCD screens to every component and the overuse of RGB lighting are becoming less popular. These trends were initially appealing but have become overly commercialized and expensive for consumers. Additionally, the use of proprietary connectors and cheap motherboards with questionable features is also losing favor[5].

Advancements in technology, such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, are revolutionizing PC hardware by introducing more efficient processors, faster SSDs, and advanced GPUs. These changes are enhancing performance while reducing power consumption and improving heat management[3].