Despite some incidents linked to malware and other strange practices, Mini PCs continue to enjoy an extraordinary moment, with dozens of deals combining all kinds of hardware. The folks at Minisforum have released some striking models lately, and one of them is the S100. At first glance, it reminds us of the old Intel Compute Sticks, but with a USB-C port that supports the so-called 'Alt Mode', it's possible to reduce the total number of cables to one, under the right configuration.
The most direct solution for anyone wanting a compact desktop computer is undoubtedly the All-in-One format. "The computer inside the monitor", a practice much older than we imagine. However, the advancement of new Mini PCs opens up a whole range of possibilities, as they drastically reduce their volume while also incorporating very interesting hardware. With that in mind, we arrive at Minisforum's territory, which presents its new 'Micro PC' S100.
Minisforum S100: 4K, USB-C 'Alt Mode', and a good price?
As always, ETA PRIME on YouTube got access to the new hardware and explored what might be the most notable feature of the Minisforum S100. Its USB-C port supports Alt Mode, meaning it can receive video signal and power with a single cable. Obviously, the configuration requires the monitor to have similar support, but the idea of reducing the classic tangle of cables to one (two, if we consider the monitor's power) is something many users will love to study more closely.
In terms of general specifications, the Minisforum S100 uses an Intel N100 processor with four cores and four threads, running at a TDP of 6 watts in its standard configuration, but the BIOS allows us to raise its power to 9W. The S100 also comes with Windows 11 preinstalled, and beyond the bloatware, the integrated video can play 4K video without hiccups. The available RAM is 8 GB of LPDDR5, and solid-state storage reaches 256 GB. Wireless connectivity is WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, but the S100 manages to include a 2.5G Ethernet port, which also supports PoE.
At an official price of $189, the Minisforum S100 is being positioned for digital advertising and Point of Sale tasks, but it appears as sold out on its official page. Considering the average price of an 8 GB Raspberry Pi 5, we are not surprised.
Official website: Click here
