Mini-PC

Back in July, a Chinese startup combined a mini-PC and a folding keyboard into one device and entered beta testing. Now the Lunar 2-in-1 foldable keyboard computer is funding on Kickstarter.

Not everyone has the room for a bulky desktop computer at home, which makes a mini-PC a desirable option. Startup Miniproca has launched a model on Kickstarter that features octa-core processing brains, Radeon graphics, and a multi-touch display.

Lenovo has announced its first Chromebox to boast a micro form factor. Coming in at about the same size as two stacked iPhone 15 Pro Max handsets, it's has been designed for 24/7 operation in digital signage and kiosk displays.

Chinese compact computer maker SoonNooz has launched an interesting model called the Mini, which has a stunning retro vibe but features a front section that can be removed from the main body to serve as a Bluetooth speaker.

Back in late 2022, Frore Systems emerged from stealth with two solid-state active cooling chips for computers called the AirJet Pro and AirJet Mini. Now Chinese multinational Zotac has announced the rollout of the first mini-PC built around the latter.

The last generation of the popular fruity board for tinkerers landed in 2021, though its creators did double the system memory the following year. Now the Raspberry Pi 5 has launched rocking in-house silicon for much-improved performance.

You don’t always need a big desktop rig covered in RGB LEDs – decent specs can come in tiny packages. The Pix Nii is one of the smallest and lightest mini PCs we’ve seen, which along with its dual 4K HDMI ports could make it a great media center.

Lenovo has launched an interesting addition to its ThinkStation line of desktop workstations, which offers the kind of tower-like performance needed to run CAD and BIM modeling applications but in a space-saving compact form factor.

We've seen a number of fanless mini computers from Israel's Compulab over the years, aimed at the Internet of Things, AI edge computing or industrial automation applications, and now the company has updated its modular fitlet model with Intel's latest Atom processor.

Though notebook-like devices tend to get most of the attention in the Chrome OS space, mini computers are also available where space is a premium. The latest Chromebox from Asus should also be a quiet runner thanks to its fanless design.

This year's all-digital CES doesn't officially kick off until next week, but Lenovo has partnered with NEC Personal Computers to break early with a small-factor portable PC concept called the Lavie Mini that has an interesting gaming twist.

Back in 2017, Asus leveraged its motherboard know-how to throw down the single-board computer gauntlet to the Raspberry Pi Foundation with the Tinker Board. There have been a few variations since, but now the second gen boards have been revealed.