What would you get if you combined a portable PC with a Nintendo Switch? Lenovo and NEC seem to have a pretty good idea, as their latest concept product, the LAVIE MINI, was obviously inspired by the Japanese gaming giant’s ingenious hybrid console. This is essentially a pocket-sized convertible PC that can not only be folded and combined with a controller accessory for handheld gaming but slipped into a dock for a bigger experience on television screens.
Specifications-wise, Lenovo and NEC’s LAVIE MINI leverages an Intel 11th Gen Core i7 mobile processor with Iris Xe graphics, 16 GB of LPDDR4 memory, 256 GB of SSD storage, and an 8-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) touch panel display. The tiny, 1.28-pound PC also features Wi-Fi 6 support, an IR camera with Windows Hello for zero-touch login, and a battery capacity of up to 26 WHr.
“To personalize your experience, simply attach the optional Gaming Controller on the super small LAVIE MINI to play high-quality PC games such as battle royale and car racing games—and when your game is paused, just remove the controller and carry the PC only,” Lenovo wrote. “The controller comes with all the functions you’d expect and in a familiar gaming layout, including immersive vibrations, left/right trigger buttons, and analog thumbsticks.”
“You can also throw your smooth gaming experience up on your big television screen for everyone to see your personal victories and winning shots by switching to TV gaming style by placing the PC onto its optional HDMI-connected Dock. Besides an HDMI connection, the Dock provides other input/output extensions too including several USB Type-C and -A ports. The dock can also charge the PC’s battery for a quick power boost.”
Unfortunately, it isn’t clear whether Lenovo actually intends to release the LAVIE MINI to consumers or if it will remain strictly in the concept stage. “Pricing and availability of the LAVIE MINI ultra-portable convertible prototype is not available at this time,” the company wrote.
