The Minisforum V3 introduces a groundbreaking concept by combining the functionalities of a laptop, tablet, and monitor into a single device. This innovative design allows the V3 to act as a portable monitor for external devices such as game consoles or smartphones. Despite not matching the battery life of the Microsoft Surface Pro (2024), the V3 shines in terms of performance and versatility.
Minisforum, a renowned brand in the mini PC industry, has pleasantly surprised the tech community with the V3. Departing from the tradition of focusing solely on mini PCs, Minisforum has crafted an exceptional piece of technology with the V3. Alongside other impressive releases like the EliteMini AI370 and AtomMan G7 Ti, Minisforum is establishing itself as a leading brand in the mini PC market.
The Competition: V3 vs. Surface Pro 11
The V3 directly rivals the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with its powerful hardware and competitive pricing. Priced at $949 (including a keyboard case), the V3 offers 32GB of DDR5 memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor. In contrast, obtaining similar specs from Microsoft would cost around $2,000.
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Performance and Gaming
The V3 is equipped with a high-performance AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, offering ample power for various tasks, including gaming. While it may not deliver the same ultra-settings experience as high-end gaming laptops, the V3 is capable of providing satisfactory gaming performance, especially when coupled with services like GeForce Now.
The V3’s battery life, however, is a trade-off for its robust performance. With a powerful processor and high energy consumption, the V3’s battery drains relatively quickly, necessitating frequent recharging, especially during gaming sessions.
Display and Design
The V3 boasts a vibrant touchscreen display with a resolution of 2,800 x 1,600 and a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz, ensuring sharp visuals and smooth performance. While the anti-glare screen may not appeal to everyone due to its texture, the display quality is impressive, catering well to creative and entertainment needs.
In terms of design, the V3 may appear slightly bulky, but the build quality is solid and durable. The inclusion of multiple USB ports, a headphone jack, and a dedicated power button further enhances the device’s usability and connectivity options.
Accessories and Connectivity
The V3 comes bundled with a keyboard case and offers additional accessories like a pen attachment for enhanced functionality, albeit at an extra cost. While the keyboard case and accessories augment the overall user experience, the limited connectivity options, primarily due to the lack of USB ports, can be a hindrance, especially for gamers requiring multiple peripherals.
Software and Performance Modes
The V3 is equipped with the Minisforum Center software utility, allowing users to optimize performance through different power modes. With options like Power Balance, Power Save, and Power Premium, users can tailor the device’s performance based on their needs, striking a balance between power consumption and efficiency.
