The Stream Mini by HP is a desktop computer, introduced at CES 2015, that offers a low price point and is focused on cloud storage functionality.
This low-end computing machine is powered by an Intel Celeron 2957U processor with 2 GB RAM. The Windows 8.1-equipped machine offers 200 GB of Microsoft OneDrive Storage for two years, in addition to 32 GB of solid state drive storage. This effectively makes it a competitor for the Google Chrome operating system-powered Chromebox machine.
At $180, the HP Stream Mini is eminently affordable. The price also includes a $25 Windows Store gift card, which will help you get the machine up and running and load it with apps, music and all kinds of other content.
What's Driving This Trend
- Affordable Desktop Computers
- The trend of creating desktop computers with lower price points and cloud storage functionality allows for increased accessibility to technology for those on a budget.
- Increased Cloud Integration
- The incorporation of cloud storage functionality in desktop computers allows for more convenient access and organization of data and files.
- Competition with Chrome OS
- The release of low-cost desktop computers, like the HP Stream Mini, with similar cloud storage functionality to the Google Chrome operating system-powered Chromebox machine, presents a significant disruption to the market.
Who This Affects Most
- Computer Manufacturing
- Manufacturers in the computer industry have an opportunity to target budget-conscious consumers by creating low-priced desktop computers with cloud storage functionality.
- Cloud Storage Services
- Companies that provide cloud storage services have the opportunity to partner with computer manufacturers and integrate their services into low-cost desktop computers to increase accessibility for consumers.
- Operating System Development
- Developers of operating systems, like Google with Chrome OS, have the opportunity to innovate and improve their cloud storage functionality to maintain market share in the face of low-cost desktop computers with similar features.
