Recently, while browsing social media, I stumbled upon what could easily be the most charming mini-PC to date. Its retro design, reminiscent of the Macintosh, immediately caught my eye and won my heart.
Allow me to introduce AYANEO, the Chinese manufacturer behind this delightful creation, named the AM01. Its unique blend of nostalgia and modern computing has created quite a buzz since its IndieGoGo campaign kicked off in early November. Now that the price, specifications, and release date have been unveiled, I can’t help but get excited about the possibilities this device has to offer.
Meet the AM01
The AM01 is all about blending the best of the retro and modern worlds. What’s particularly intriguing is AYANEO’s choice of AMD processors – you can opt for a Ryzen 3 or a Ryzen 7. This decision packs a punch in terms of gaming power, with the manufacturer claiming it’s capable of running games from the PlayStation 3 era. This versatility is a significant plus, especially for those who already own a library of those classic games.
Another standout feature of the AM01 is its customizability. You can choose from memory options ranging from 8GB to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing you to fine-tune its performance to meet your specific needs. The only minor downside is that you’ll need to invest in additional storage, as the AM01 doesn’t come with an SSD drive.
Connectivity and Ports
In terms of connectivity, the AM01 mini-PC doesn’t disappoint. While it lacks Wi-Fi 6, it does come equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 for easy wireless connections to your favorite devices. As for ports, you’ll find 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB-C port, an Ethernet port, a headphone jack, and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for your monitor. It’s a well-rounded selection that covers most connectivity needs.
The Best Part? The Price
Here’s the icing on the cake – when I visited their website, I discovered that it’s now possible to order the AM01, and the price is truly appealing. It’s currently available for $150, listed in dollars as shown on the IndieGoGo website. I can almost hear you thinking, “If Santa Claus is reading this, please bring me one!”
However, keep in mind that when you add a keyboard and a “mouse” or controller, the price increases slightly to $287. Nevertheless, thanks to its versatile connectivity options, you can connect a controller of your choice and any Bluetooth-compatible keyboard you have at home. So, there’s a cost-effective solution for every setup.
For those intrigued by the brand, AYANEO also offers a collection of retro portable consoles in the style of the SteamDeck or Nintendo Switch Lite. Some of these consoles feature the AMD Ryzen 7 processor and offer screen quality that can easily compete with other gaming consoles.
In summary, the AM01 from AYANEO might not be the PC of my dreams, but it’s undoubtedly a gem that I’d love to add to my collection. I’m sure many technology enthusiasts will share this sentiment. With a seemingly perfect balance between power, design, and functionality, this mini-PC is a highly attractive option for fans of the retro-indie style.