Lenovo has created a mini laptop similar to the Nintendo Switch that can be turned into a portable game console.
The prototype is called Lavie Mini, and comes from a joint venture between Lenovo and Japan’s NEC Corporation. The product looks like an old school netbook with an 8 inch screen. However, it is also a convertible laptop, which means that you can turn it into a tablet with a touchscreen, thanks to a 360-degree hinge.
In tablet mode, you can connect an optional game controller and turn the Lavie Mini into a portable PC gaming console. “The controller comes with all the functions you would expect and in a familiar game layout, including immersive vibrations, left / right trigger buttons and analog buttons,” said Lenovo.
(Credit: Lenovo)
Although the laptop is small, the product has some power. The prototype can be configured with up to the 11th generation of Intel’s Core i7 mobile processor, which contains an integrated GPU via the Iris Xe video card. The hardware was also equipped with an infrared camera to enable Windows Hello, 16 GB of RAM, up to 256 GB of SSD storage and a Wi-Fi 6 modem.
In addition, the Lavie Mini has a 1,920 by 1,200 WUXGA panel and an HDMI port. The product itself comes with 1.28 pounds, which is almost twice the weight of a Nintendo Switch without the Joy-Con controls attached.
It is not known whether the Lavie Mini will become a real product. But we expect the company to show this during next week’s CES. Stay tuned on our coverage.