What are the uses for mini computers. I have a mid tower computer and i wanted to know what the point is to building those mini computers in mini cases
Portability, and hide-ability.
A small system can be useful for a media center, LAN parties, or if you have limited space where you live.
I use an Thinkpad X200 With Windows 7, as a Media Center in the living room. It fits nicely in a drawer in the furniture the TV stands on. I can open the drawer, turn on the laptop, and close the drawer (I use a Logitech DiNovo Edge Rechargeable Bluetooth Keyboard) to control the laptop.
I use it to watch Netflix, Youtube, and ripped DVD's (Yes my own DVD's that I have paid for, and that I do not share with anyone outside of my household) that are on my server.
I regret not building a smaller case. I recently gave my laptop to my parents so they had something newer than a laptop from 2004 and now transporting my 45lb Define Mini with a long ass gpu becomes cumbersome. I will most likely build a small case in the next year or two and give my computer to my parents as a nice gift again.
My ultimate goal is to make a portable pc with integrated monitor like the retina display the gang had mounted on the computer for a while. Get a super thin keyboard and hide the mouse in the case too and all you have to do is pick it up and go.
The micro systems are usually seen within business applications. Many can be vesa mounted (to the back of a monitor) which is great in offices where there may not be room to have a tower sat on or under the desk.
People build what they need and want. I think the idea of a power house tucked away in a corner somewhere is quite cute.