A Month With a $150 Mini PC — My Desktop Is Collecting Dust Now

I didn't expect much when I ordered a tiny mini PC for around $150. My main desktop is a bulky tower with a liquid cooler, and it's been my daily driver for years. But after a month of using a Leaderhub LP1C as my primary machine for most tasks, I'm honestly surprised at what this little box can do.

It arrived in a package about the size of a sandwich. I almost laughed. But I plugged it into my monitor, connected a keyboard and mouse, and within minutes I was working just like on my big PC. No noise, no heat, no fuss.

The first few days

I started by doing what I do every day: writing, checking email, browsing the web with a dozen tabs open, watching YouTube videos, and hopping on video calls. The experience was smooth and responsive. I didn't notice any lag or slowdowns. The only difference was that my desk suddenly felt cleaner and more open.

Then I got curious. I left it on for three days straight, running Spotify, a browser with 15 tabs, and a simple text editor. No crashes, no stuttering. It just kept going, quiet as a whisper.

I also tried some light photo editing and even a bit of coding in a basic editor. It handled both without complaint. For everyday tasks, it feels like using a brand-new laptop, except it sits tucked away behind my monitor.

Who is this for?

After a month, I can see exactly who would love this machine:

• Home office workers who need a reliable computer for documents, spreadsheets, and video calls. It takes up no space and leaves your desk free for paperwork or a second screen.
• Students who want a quiet, low-cost setup for studying, writing papers, and streaming lectures. It's easy to move between rooms or pack up when moving dorms.
• Anyone with a spare TV or monitor who wants a second computer for browsing, watching shows, or light gaming (think simple games from the app store).
• Digital signage or kiosk operators who need a tiny, always-on device that doesn't overheat or draw much power.

It's also perfect if you're tired of your old desktop's noise or fan constantly spinning up. This thing is practically silent.

What surprised me most

I expected a $150 computer to feel cheap. Instead, I got a well-built little device that feels solid in the hand. The power supply is small, the case is compact, and everything just works. I haven't had a single issue in a month of daily use.

The biggest surprise? I actually prefer it for most tasks now. My big desktop is still there for heavy work, but for 90% of what I do, the mini PC is more than enough.

Final thoughts

If you're looking for a cheap computer that doesn't compromise on everyday performance, this is worth a look. It won't replace a high-end workstation, but it doesn't need to. It just quietly does its job, and that's exactly what I wanted.

Have you tried a mini PC for your daily work? I'd love to hear what you use yours for in the comments.