Lenovo V100q Tiny mini PC Intel N100 8/128 GB

Tiny is the compact chassis type in Lenovo's desktop range: the V100q weighs just 0.89 kg and sits next to the monitor, on a shelf or under the desk. The Eclipse Black finish matches office furniture and dark monitors. There is no optical drive, since software and files arrive over the network or USB anyway. With the keyboard and mouse already in the box, a new workstation is ready in a few minutes.

The Intel N100 is a quad-core processor whose clock rises up to 3.4 GHz under load. That is enough for the browser, email, Office, video calls and company web applications. Graphics are handled by integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which runs office software and video smoothly but is not meant for gaming or 3D modelling. This computer's strength is calm, reliable daily work rather than heavy number crunching.

The 8 GB of DDR5 memory at 5600 MHz is fitted as a single SODIMM module (1 × 8 GB) rather than soldered to the board. If your workload grows, the module can be replaced with a larger one later. The 128 GB SSD holds Windows and your work applications when larger files live on a network drive or in the cloud, and the system boots quickly with apps opening without delay. Exact upgrade options are listed in the Lenovo hardware maintenance manual.

The front panel has two USB-A ports at 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2) and a 3.5 mm headphone and microphone combo jack, so a flash drive or headset plugs straight in. At the back there is another 10 Gbps USB-A port, two USB 2.0 ports for the keyboard and mouse, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.4 and Ethernet RJ-45. One of the rear USB 2.0 ports supports Smart Power On, which lets you start the computer from the keyboard.

In the office the V100q connects by cable through the RJ-45 port; at home or at a temporary desk it can use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which also works with older routers. Bluetooth 5.2 connects a wireless headset, speaker or other accessories. Windows 11 Pro adds BitLocker drive encryption and domain join, exactly the features an IT department needs when setting up workstations.

Companies that want identical, easy-to-manage computers for several desks; reception and service counters with little space; schools and libraries; and home offices where the computer needs to handle email, documents and video calls without taking over the desk. Gaming and video editing call for models with a more powerful processor and graphics.