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The Chuwi MiniBook X is a convertible mini-laptop computer with an 10.51 inch touchscreen display, a 360-degree hinge, 12GB of RAM 512GB of storage, and a low-power Intel processor.
Chuwi launched the first version of the mini-laptop in early 2022, but now the company has quietly released an updated model with an faster processor and a slightly updated design. The new Chuwi MiniBook X with an Intel N100 chip is now available from AliExpress for $369.
While the previous-gen MiniBook X had an Intel Celeron N5100 processor based on Intel’s Jasper Lake architecture, the new version has an Intel Processor N100 chip based on Alder Lake-N architecture.
Both chips are 6-watt, 4-core, 4-thread processors with Intel UHD integrated graphics, but the newer chip typically scores around 30% to 40% higher in CPU performance, according to PassMark. And it should bring even bigger gains in graphics performance.
The 2023 model also has a slightly smaller screen (10.51 inches, vs 10.8 inches) and faster memory (LPDDR5 vs LPDDR4x). But it’s also a downgrade in a few respects: last year’s MiniBook X had a 2560 x 1600 pixel screen, while the new model has a 1920 x 1200 pixel display. The Celeron N5100 model also supported an optional pressure-sensitive pen, but I don’t see any mention of that feature for the N100 model.
The good news is that the new model is also cheaper: the original MiniBook X sold for $559 at launch, while the new model is going for $369.
Other features for the MiniBook X (2023) include a PCIe NVMe SSD, an aluminum alloy body, a 26.6 Wh battery and 45W USB-C power adapter, and a rather small number of ports that includes a 3.5mm audio jack and two USB Type-C ports (both with support for charging, data, and video output). The laptop has a 2MP webcam above the display and a fan inside the case for active cooling.
I’m taking some of the specs listed on the AliExpress product page with a grain of salt since there’s mention of a mini HDMI port, for example, but it’s not shown in any of the pictures. And there may or may not be a microSD card reader. And while it’s certainly plausible that it has a WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 4.2 wireless card, that would be a little disappointing for a new computer in 2023, even one that’s fairly inexpensive.
There are also some inconsistent details about pricing and physical dimensions, but it does look like the little convertible notebook most likely weighs about 899 grams, or about 2 pounds.
One other thing to keep in mind is that Chuwi is a Chinese company that sells its low-cost computers globally through its own website and third-party marketplaces like AliExpress and Amazon. But the company doesn’t have a great track record for offering global support and customer service, so it’s often best to proceed with caution.
That said, a $369 MiniBook X with an Intel Processor N100 does look a little more attractive than last year’s version thanks to the processor and memory upgrades, along with the price drop.
sChity quality overall, bios, build quality, and what else
6H? You’re dreaming. A 40WH steam deck manages 6H tops at 6-7W tdp. This will get 3 hours idling.
Is that the company claim? N series chips are definitely getting better, but I think you’re right. I could see Windows being the source of the problem though. Maybe if you turned off all the background BS.
I am left wondering what the purpose of this is at that price.
An EOL Samsung Chromebook 3 can be had for $40, linux installed, and aside from the convertible part, will fill the same role this does.
Not an option for most people, but even my Panasonic Let Note CF-RZ4, that I grabbed in Japan for $100 has all the features this does (including convertible), but with a ton more IO and better battery. Based on performance specs it is pretty close in capability too.
To be fair, the purpose is exactly that of the Panasonic that you have. But it’s new. While it’s a 6W processor, the processor can scale better than the older Y cpu, which should reduce TDP on idle, right? But then you have the power of the most recent iGPU in the N100, to crunch some 4k video. 12GB ram to keep a couple heavy apps open all the time, alongside your browser tabs.
It’s really not that ridiculous. Too bad it’s not a Let’s Note though!
That Panasonic gets 12 hours of battery life, and has far better IO. But that is neither here nor there. Except the battery part.
I guess it would be more interesting to me at the price if it had even a lower powered Ryzen in it. It is too expensive to be entry level, but the CPU isn’t powerful enough to be anything but entry level, the battery life sucks and intel’s iGPU has never been anything even decent. 12GB of ram is ok, but nothing special.
So I guess the price premium is basically for the convertible. I guess some folks really want that.
Yeah, you’re right. It’s really about the conversion to tablet. Based on the track record of these companies releasing them, the experience will be terrible.
I’ve honestly never used one of the N processors for anything but as a server. I have a headless beelink with N5095 and it transcodes video really well, and runs a multitude of other services including home assistant. But none of this requires the immediacy of touching a screen and expecting instant feedback.
I have one of these let’s note CF-RZ4’s as well. I’m not sure where you got one for $100 that isn’t trash.
The battery on mine lasts 5-6 hours in normal use, it has 8GB of memory / 128GB of storage, and the screen rot is not too bad on it.
These displays used some experimental layers and a lot of the screens (almost all as far as I’ve found) have either started getting dead/stuck pixels or getting a heavy yellowish hue that expands over time.
These Let’s Note! laptops are very nice, but they’re not perfect, and the CPU is A LOT slower than the Chuwi (the N5095 is 2x faster, the N100 is almost 3x faster for most multi-core workloads). Single core the gap is not as big, but on the N100 it’s also close to 2x faster.
The specs are all over the place depending on the website. It’s up on Amazon now as well, but still lists the old N5100 there, not the N100. Gone is the hole punch webcam with the new screen, and it does mention WiFi 6 (on Chuwi’s site as well). The Amazon listing also states this: “support for expansion through M.2 2280 x 2 (up to 512GB)”. The original MiniBook X had the header for a second SSD slot, but the slot was not installed. It will be interesting to see what the actual specifications of this version are when reviewers start to get their hands on it. N100, WiFi 6, and dual M2s would make for a handy little travel laptop.
Anecdotally, battery life in these Chuwi laptops has been pretty terrible, and if they’re only promising 8 hours, I’d be surprised if it managed 6. Though that could be due to the camera, which in the specs is listed as “Front camera: 200W”, so I imagine disabling that could lead to serious power gains (/s).