Modern laptops are known for their capabilities, but the issue of portability has always been a challenge. Despite being slim and lightweight, they are not exactly pocket-friendly. Ling Long, a start-up based in China, is attempting to address this problem with a unique approach. By eliminating the display and incorporating a hinge in the keyboard, they have designed a PC that can be easily carried around – even fitting in the back pocket. This unconventional design has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and critics alike.
The Ling Long portable PC features two frames connected by a hinge. One frame houses a 60 Wh battery, while the other contains a Ryzen 7 8840U processor, soldered DDR5 RAM, an NVMe M.2 2230 socket, and multiple USB ports. The AMD APU powering the device boasts eight cores, 16 threads, a 5.1 GHz boost clock, and a 30 W TDP – making it a capable performer. Graphics are handled by the integrated Radeon 780M with 768 RDNA 3 shaders, allowing for decent gaming performance at 1080p on low settings.
Contrary to what one might expect, Ling Long’s portable PC is not geared towards gamers. Instead, it aims to cater to office workers who are constantly on the move and prefer not to lug around a traditional laptop. The device relies on external monitors and mice, as it lacks a built-in display and only features a small trackpad. While it may not have the bells and whistles of a gaming rig, it certainly offers a practical solution for professionals who value convenience.
Ling Long plans to offer models with either 16 or 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, along with 512 GB or 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage. These configurations are more than sufficient for everyday office tasks. What sets the portable PC apart, however, are its competitive price points. The 16 GB/512 GB model is priced at CNY 2,999 (approximately $413), while the 32 GB/1 TB version retails for CNY 3,599 (£495). This makes it a more affordable alternative to premium laptops like the Asus ROG Ally, despite the additional accessories needed for full functionality.
While Ling Long’s portable PC has garnered attention in China, its availability in international markets remains uncertain. The company’s expansion plans and partnerships with retailers outside of China are yet to be disclosed. Whether the unique design and competitive pricing will resonate with global consumers is a question that only time will answer. For now, the Ling Long portable PC stands as a bold experiment in redefining the boundaries of portability in the world of computing.
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