Xiaomi is the latest Chinese company to introduce a 2.4″ x 2.4″ x 1.7″ mini-desktop computer that’s small enough to carry in a pocket.

The Xiaomi Youpin Ningmei Cube seems to be based on the same reference design as the Chuwi LarkBox, GMK NucBox, and similar devices like the XCY X51.

Xiaomi’s version is up for pre-order through a crowdfunding campaign and sells for Â¥999 ($149) and up.

The base price is for a little computer with an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. But you can also pay extra for a model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Each version has an M.2 solid state drive (most likely M.2 2242), Intel UHD graphics, dual-band WiFi, and RAM that’s soldered to the motherboard.

Ports include:

  • 1 x USB Type-C (for power)
  • 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A
  • HDMI
  • 3.5mm audio
  • microSD card reader

There’s also an optional Marvel-branded version with an Iron Man-inspired red and gold color scheme, in case that’s something you’re looking for in a pocket-sized computer.

Based on my experience, little PCs with similar designs tend to offer decent performance for basic computing tasks such as web browsing or video playback (at up to 1080p resolutions, anyway), but they lack the horsepower for heavy duty gaming or content creation.

They still might not be a bad option for a little PC to place by your TV or in a space-constrained office. Just note that these things may be tiny, but they’re not necessarily silent. There’s a small fan inside the case that will likely emit a quiet, but not inaudible, high-pitched whine when the computer is under heavy load.

It’s unclear if or when this particular 2.4 inch mini PC will be available outside of Xiaomi’s home country of China.

via GizmoChina

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9 replies on “Xiaomi is crowdfunding a 2.4 inch mini PC (that looks just like the other ones)”

  1. I would love it if it could work while connected to a single usb-c cable. Power, video, data … it would be great to come to a usb-c enabled monitor or a usb-c pd hub and bam .. everything works .. one cable .. Unfortunately the J4125 chip does not seem to be capable of that.

  2. Ningmei is not really invested or owned by Xiaomi. It is one of the biggest assembly computer seller in China though

  3. My money will not go to any device without an integrated ethernet port. From my view wifi is a privacy invasion tool.

  4. Can it be powered with a standard 5V3A power supply to the USB-C port? Can the USB-C port do anything other than power (OTG, video)?

    1. Nope and nope. I have the larkbox, which is pretty much the same device.

      1. Thanks. I’m on the lookout for a good low-power PC that can run from 5V3A USB-C and also do data and ideally video over USB-C as well… Something in more of a TV-stick form factor would be ideal, but a little box like this would probably work too….

  5. This “reference design” design I like 🙂
    “M.2 2280” is it a typo ?
    I think they should stretch to M.2 2260.
    And then try fanless with metal case and improved design.

    1. Yep, sorry. The product page just says it’s an M.2 slot, but if it’s anything like the two other models I’ve tested, that’ll be an M.2 2242 slot. I’ll update the article!

      Brad

  6. Genuine question, what are the odds Xaiomi even contacted Disney about the use of that copyrighted imagery?
    I have to ask because 10 years ago I would have said “no chance at all” but, you know, times change.

Comments are closed.