As a joint venture between Lenovo and NEC, it seems that LaVie usually has a little more freedom to have fun with their device designs, and therefore for CES 2021, LaVie created a concept device that looks like someone took a Nintendo switch, added some PC parts, and then gave a Steampunk-finish reminiscent.
Based around a 8-inch screen 1920 x 1200, in normal use, the LaVie Mini concept looks a lot like the netbook of yesteryear. However, when you add its distinctive white and gold color scheme along with its illuminated circular keys, the LaVie Mini starts to look like something that may have been designed in the Bioshock universe.
Although it is only a concept for now, the LaVie Mini is also programmed to have pretty decent components, including an 11th generation Intel Core i7 CPU with Iris Xe graphics, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of SSD storage, Wi-Fi 6 and a 26 WHr battery. And although the system is too small to have a full-size touchpad, there is even a small postage-sized bump and a few thin mouse buttons to help you navigate.
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However, the LaVie Mini’s real party trick is its ability to fold the keyboard and attach an optional game controller, effectively making the LaVie Mini the PC equivalent of a Nintendo switch. With your controller connected, you get the full range of standard control buttons, including a directional pad, two joysticks and a variety of face buttons and some triggers on your shoulders. and just like Nintendo’s portable console, the LaVie Mini also has its own dock that you can use to reload the system or send the video to a nearby monitor.
Following the huge success of NinteOn the Switch, the LaVie Mini is not the first attempt we’ve seen by device manufacturers to create a hybrid PC-based console (see CES 2020 Dell’s Concept UFO), but as no PC manufacturer has managed to get the formula right yet, the LaVie Mini concept remainswe a nice and tempting dream.
Unfortunately, LaVie just create a design. NThen comes the difficult part: taking this concept and turning it into a real production device. Currently, there is nofeasible when the LaVie Mini goes on sale, and if it looks like Dell’s UFO Concept, there’s a good chance that it will never happen. And unfortunately this is kind of downer for what could be a really interesting device.
And if you want to see more new gadgets and devices from CES 2021, click here to read our full coverage.