HP Stream Mini Review: A Deceptively Capable Tiny Desktop for Just $180

▤ Summary

Its super easy, and gives you access to twin RAM slots (1.35v DDR3 laptop memory) and a Micro SATA (read: extra tiny) SSD. HPs little machine fits perfectly in my entertainment center, but it doesnt do anything to change the awkwardness: theres no IR port, no Windows remote and its wired keyboard and mouse are ill-suited to life on the couch. Between its 1.4GHz Intel Celeron processor and a paltry 2GB of RAM, the Stream is no powerhouse, but it easily juggled my favorite chat clients, email windows and dozen-or-so Chrome tabs I keep open throughout the work day. Indie games and older titles run great, naturally, but I was surprised to find I could play Fallout: New Vegas at a respectable clip at 1080p if I kept the graphics settings dialed all the way down. Newer games work too, but its probably not worth it: Tomb Raider 2013 is perfectly playable with muddy, ugly textures and a horrifically low 800 x 600 resolution.

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