Small PC vendor teases first Windows tablet that doubles as a portable monitor, but it’ll be expensive
The company behind some of the best mini pcs we’ve seen that it’s about to launch a tablet that can be equipped with DisplayPort as an input, meaning it can act as a portable external monitor.
The upcoming device will be a 2-in-1 machine with support for a detachable keyboard and a pressure-sensitive pen, which according to Liliputing uses the Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0. Minisform also told the publication that the device will have a 14-inch 2,560 x 1,600 LCD display with a smooth 165Hz refresh rate.
It will also be powered by an AMD Ryzen chip supplemented with AI capabilities, meaning it’s likely the device will include features to improve the hybrid working experience, such as automatic frame rates during video conferencing and eye contact correction.
On the go with two screens with the next-gen tablet from Minisform
Most baffling, however, is the possible addition of DisplayPort input. While it’s not hard to find a top-of-the-line portable that lets you use two screens on the go, it’s extremely rare to find a fully functioning 2-in-1 that can also function as one.
Although the Chinese manufacturer mainly makes small PCs, it also occasionally develops tablets. In March, for example unveiled a 2-in-1 equipped with an Intel Core i5 CPU and up to 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of NVMe memory.
However, based on information teased by the company, it seems like it’s eager to enter the high-end tablet market with this entry.
The upcoming device will be equipped with the eight-core Ryzen 7 7840U APU chip, alongside a Radeon RX 780M GPU, according to AMD. AnandTechalthough the publication adds the caveat that the manufacturer may be going in a different direction after all – with AMD also set to introduce its next-generation Ryzen 8000 CPUs, dubbed the ‘Strix’ family.
The company expects to launch the device in early 2024 – with more details likely at the next Consumer Electronics Show (CES).