Dell Pro QCM1250 mini PC Core i3 16/512 GB Ubuntu

The Micro chassis is much smaller than a standard tower or a Slim case: the computer fits beside the monitor, on a shelf or in a corner of the desk and needs no space under it. That suits hot-desking workplaces, reception desks, checkouts and meeting rooms where every centimetre of desk space counts. The chassis is black. The manufacturer does not say whether the computer can be mounted behind a monitor.

The computer runs on a four-core Intel Core i3 processor. That is enough performance for office work, web apps, spreadsheets, email and video calls, as well as for a reception, checkout or information desk where the machine stays on all day. The four cores share the load so that background updates and sync do not interfere with the work on screen, and several open programs do not make the system sluggish.

16 GB of DDR5 memory runs at 4800 MHz and is fitted as a single module (1 × 16 GB). Sixteen gigabytes leaves headroom even with many apps and browser tabs open, so the computer does not slow down for lack of memory. The 512 GB SSD boots the system and launches programs in seconds and holds the operating system, applications and working files; large archives are best kept on a network drive or in the cloud. Unlike a hard disk, an SSD has no moving parts, so it is silent and handles knocks better.

The computer has built-in Wi-Fi to the 802.11ax standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6. On a machine this small that is especially handy: you can place it anywhere there is power and a monitor without thinking about running a network cable. Wi-Fi 6 copes well with busy networks where many devices share the same room, and it works with older routers too. The manufacturer gives no information about Bluetooth.

Ubuntu comes preinstalled — a widely used Linux distribution that is free and receives regular security updates. It suits developers, system and network administrators, information kiosks and workplaces where the work happens in a browser or in Linux software. If Windows is the standard in your company, you can install it yourself, but you will need a separate Windows licence.

Developers and IT specialists who work in Linux and want a machine that takes little room on the desk; companies that need compact computers for reception, checkout, the warehouse or an information display; and anyone who prefers open-source software and has no need for Windows. Thanks to Wi-Fi 6 the computer can go where there is no network cable.