Single board computers offer a very compact solution to computing needs. They were among the first examples of computers being made into very convenient sizes and they are used in many different applications today.

Single board computers are sometimes purchased as easy ways to get an inexpensive desktop PC system and are sometimes used to make very compact electronic devices. Many mobile computing devices, in fact, have single board computers at the hearts of their designs. They allow a great deal of processing power to be compacted down to a size that makes them mobile enough to be carried wherever one roams.

Single board computers are also used extensively in industry. They make it easy to swap out an entire computer when needed and, because everything needed is included in one package, all that needs to be done is the computer put into place, loaded with the necessary software and the system is ready to go.

These computers differ from desktop systems in that they usually come as an entire unit on one board with some expansion capabilities. Desktop computers oftentimes include a motherboard, video card, network card and so forth, though they are increasingly being built on a single board, as well.