- GDP MicroPC 2 packs efficiency upgrades into one of many lightest laptops with full Home windows
- Full-size ports and PCIe 3.0 storage make this mini-PC surprisingly versatile for fieldwork
- 7-inch display screen is sharp, shiny, and folds flat for versatile use, however not for lengthy classes or multitasking
Whereas most trendy ultraportables chase skinny bezels and all-day battery life, GPD’s new MicroPC 2, the comply with as much as the unique MicroPC (first launched in 2018 and refreshed in 2021), takes a unique route.
It brings again the netbook format with up to date internals and rugged, field-ready sturdiness, aimed toward particular use instances like IT upkeep, networking, and cell diagnostics.
Weighing round 490 grams and measuring 171.2 x 110.8 x 23.5 mm, it is among the lightest laptops with full x86 compatibility.
Efficiency in a tiny shell
At its core, the MicroPC 2 runs Intel’s N250 processor, constructed on the newer Intel 7 course of.
Whereas nonetheless a low-power chip, it affords clear enhancements in base and increase clock speeds, cache dimension, and built-in graphics efficiency.
Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 reminiscence and a 512GB M.2 SSD with PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth, the system delivers surprisingly succesful efficiency for gentle workloads.
Benchmark scores present giant beneficial properties in each CPU and GPU efficiency in comparison with the unique MicroPC.
Even with these upgrades, it’s laborious to see this compact gadget – now accessible for backing on Indiegogo – gaining broad enchantment, particularly with an early-backer value near $500.
Its 7-inch 1080p show affords 500 nits of brightness, making it readable and usable regardless of the compact type issue.
The display screen folds flat for added flexibility in tight environments. Nonetheless, the scale and format make it uncomfortable for prolonged typing or multitasking.
For engineers or cell professionals who want command-line entry, it could function a compact problem-solver. However it’s best seen as a backup terminal, not a major machine.
The MicroPC 2 does make sensible use of its rear I/O format. With twin USB-C and USB-A Gen 2 ports, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and microSD assist, it affords extra connectivity than most tablets.
Nonetheless, the removing of legacy ports like RS-232, accessible on the unique MicroPC, could possibly be a downside for technicians working with older techniques.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have been upgraded, however their worth is determined by whether or not customers see the advantage of these options in a 7-inch type issue.
For IT directors, subject testers, or cell groups who want a bodily keyboard on the go, it may perform as an environment friendly, task-specific enterprise PC.
However most customers will discover the cramped keyboard, restricted efficiency, and slender software program assist too restrictive for basic use.
The 512GB model of the MicroPC 2 is presently priced at $495 for backers, with retail pricing set at $607.
On the time of writing, it has raised HKD 754,620 (about $96,131.80) in crowdfunding and is scheduled to start delivery in September 2025.
