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HP introduces powerful, stackable EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini

Another cute modular PC enters the market, but HP's means business

HP has joined the stackable PC fray with its new EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini PCs, introducing a small, modular device with a range of stackable accessories. It comes hot on the heels of Acer’s Revo Build that was first shown off at IFA.

Our sister site IT Pro has been hands-on with the device; reviewer Alan Lu noted: “The Elite Desk 800 G2 mini is similar to the Acer Revo Build consumer mini PC we saw at IFA, with the exception that HP’s demonstration units actually work”.

It’s not quite as impressive as the Revo Build in terms of its stackability; simply placing and clicking the modules on top of one another isn’t enough to connect them; there are USB3 ports at the rear of each module that need to be wired into the main unit. This is rather less charming than the Revo Build, but in a business environment where stuff that “just works” is a priority, using standard USB over a proprietary connector makes absolute sense.

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On launch there will be three expansion modules available: a 500GB hard disk, a legacy port dock including serial, PS2 and USB ports and a pop-open DVD drive. These expansions are somewhat less exciting than the graphics adaptor and wireless charging station availble with Acer’s model, but it makes sense from a business standpoint.

The base unit packs a punch and will be significantly more powerful than the Celeron/Pentium-powered Revo Build. It’ll come equipped with dual-core Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 from the latest Skylake lineup and will run off Intel’s latest integrated HD graphics. Two DisplayPort connectors and a VGA port means you’ll be able to connect multiple monitors to the PC through daisychaining, and there are also a total of six USB3 ports on the device. No Wi-Fi is included with the base model, although the free M.2 slot on the mainboard can be used for a Wi-Fi module if required.

The main unit will include a single 2.5in storage drive, with SSDs hybrid hard disks and regular hard disks all on the options list.

No pricing has been announced for the device, and availability has yet to be announced in the UK. While the expansion modules are a little bit boring, I reckon this PC will have some consumer appeal, not least because it’s looking like by far the most powerful, yet thinnest mini PC on the market. If HP makes review units available, we’ll bring you a full review when the time comes.

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