New Delhi, Dec. 23 -- Mini PCs aren't gadgets for hobbyists anymore. They're becoming practical alternatives to bulky towers and laptops, especially for users who want reliable desktop performance without sacrificing desk space, noise levels or power efficiency. As more people settle into hybrid work, study and streaming habits, mini PCs are starting to make sense for a surprising range of users but only if your workflow matches what these compact machines are good at. Here's how to think about it.

If your primary tasks are browsers, online classes, video calls, office apps and streaming, a mini PC often delivers a smoother experience than budget laptops. Compact, quiet and easy to pair with any monitor, these units tick practical boxes....