I need a tiny Windows computer to mount to the back of a TV.

[thecomputerguy]

I have an auto repair client that uses a cloud based shop management system. That shop management has a status page for all of the cars with the techs who are working on them.

Currently they update status via a white board.

The plan is to get a large TV, 50-60 inches and then mount it replacing their whiteboard then mounting a tiny PC behind it then connecting it to the TV via HDMI, and then connecting it to their WiFi for internet. The tiny PC must run W10, and have WiFi built in. Any management that needs to take place will initially require USB then I will setup RDP for future management (restarts etc.) by one of their guys there.

Other than that, the smaller the better, and performance isn't necessarily important as it's purpose will be extremely minimal, and the cloud software auto-updates.

We are hoping it would be as simple as just vel-cro'ing something super tiny.

 

[Sky-Knight]

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-mini-NUC7i5BNK-Core-version/dp/B01N4EP1N0/

 

[thecomputerguy]

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-mini-NUC7i5BNK-Core-version/dp/B01N4EP1N0/

I was thinking about those but they end up being a bit pricey because they are barebones ...

This look interesting ...

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Comput...550596752&sr=1-4&keywords=intel+compute+stick

 

[14049752]

I was going to mention the compute stick, since you said that performance isn't a big deal. You can find older models (with Windows licenses included) for under $100

 

[nerd2u]

Computestick all the way or you could try win 10 IoT on a raspberry Pi

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

 

[14049752]

or you could try win 10 IoT on a raspberry Pi

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

That's not something that anyone should be putting in a client's location. Beyond being almost unusable as a "real" pc replacement, imagine trying to support it

Also, just realized that you said "IoT". You probably mean "Windows 10 for ARM"... IoT is even less of a desktop.

 

[frase]

I did the the other week for a client, wanted something so they could see their webpage to see where the workers where.
I used that Computestick for the task.

 

[Diggs]

We use NUCs. They come in many price points. No need to choose one of the most expensive when others will do -

https://www.amazon.com/INTEL-NUC-Ki...intel+nuc&qid=1550666911&s=electronics&sr=1-3

 

[Moltuae]

I prefer Shuttle's products:

http://www.shuttle.eu
https://us.shuttle.com

Good build quality and relatively inexpensive.

UK supplier I use: https://www.icubes.co.uk/computers/mini-pcs/shuttle-pcs

 

[Diggs]

Shuttle goes way back and I used to use some of their stuff long ago. Not sure why I've strayed. Thanks for the reminder @Moltuae .

 

[HCHTech]

The NUC is a good answer, but be sure you get one with >32GB OS drive. I have one out there that is 32GB and there is no way to make enough room for updates to load. Other than that, it's been a good little unit.

 

[MichaelBits]

Not a solution for a client... but for my own personal use at home we had a laptop with a broken screen here at the shop that the customer didn't want to fix and was put in recycle.

So I took the screen off and attached the laptop to the back of a TV. Makes a great little PC box for a TV!

 

[alexsmith2709]

I got an Intel NUC from Intel as a demo a few years ago, they never wanted it back so i still use it as a media PC. I dont have it mounted to the TV but its light enough to do if i wanted. It only has 120GB SSD but any SSD can be installed.

 

[Markverhyden]

Those compute sticks are really poor performers. If they customer really can't handle 200-300 then do the pi with IOT as @nerd2u said. Also, while searching on Amazon for a NC look down below at "Customers also shopped for". There are literally hundreds of choices for machines of this type.

 

[Sky-Knight]

I won't install anything less than a dual core 3ghz CPU, 8gb of RAM, and 250gb SSD anywhere for any purpose. I don't care what it is, I don't care how cheap the client wants it. If you want Windows 10, the above is the minimum. Because support... and I expect the thing to be able to work for 3-5 years.

Tiny + good = expensive... so there's that too.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

A little Intel NUC...or one of the clones like from Zotac. We reuse the old Datto Alto devices...I typically have like a dozen retired ones kicking around as we renew clients Datto plans, we end up with a big pile of Altos and a few smaller Siris's. Already got 8 gigs, I stick an SSD in there and BOOM, all set..for my remote management tools like for Ubiquiti point to point locations, or other oddball spots I want to plop a PC to put my RMM stuff on.

For clients...I'd just have them purchase an Intel NUC..and yeah I'd not want less than an i3 and 8 gigs and a 128 gig SSD.
If you use something smaller and less powerful...I hope you're being honest in charging for your time....and after 2 or 3 remote sessions, where did the clients savings go cuz they didn't want to spend on a NUC with decent specs...but you had to spend so much time remoted in because things were slow and you billed your hourly rate?

 

[nerd2u]

I have one of those small Zotac clones thing runs hotter than my oven

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[Galdorf]

A really cheap android tv box works as well or firestick there are signage apps 100's of them you can pick up a cheap box for 20 bucks and mount it to back of tv.
Some signage software allows you to send data to it from other software similar to streaming and web based data if it creates html web content all you need is an open web browser.
or
Just get an android smart tv and not worry about getting a box unless you already have one i have played with quite a few android signage software it can be controlled via cellphone and you can do some creative stuff as having that satus page you want with rss news scrolling along bottom with say a picture in picture live video news feed or advertising goods and services in rss feed scrolling along bottom.

 

[Moltuae]

Here's another good brand for anyone looking for a compact PC that's a bit more industrial:

https://www.logicsupply.com/eu-en/products/industrial-computers/