Qualcomm exhibits off coaster-sized mini PC. Meet the ‘UFO.’

At Snapdragon Summit this yr, Qualcomm launched a brand new technology of its flagship laptop processor — the Snapdragon X2 Elite chip. It is a monster powerhouse that may stand as much as the likes of even the mighty Apple M4 processor. On the occasion, Qualcomm introduced some reference units to indicate what these chips might truly do, and one mini PC instantly caught my consideration.

Affectionately known as “the UFO,” it is a round mini PC roughly 5 inches in diameter, and it captured my coronary heart the moment I noticed it. I’ve by no means seen something fairly prefer it earlier than.

What is the goal of reference units like this? They allowed Qualcomm to indicate what its new chipsets can do.

A chip, just like the engine of a automotive, solely goes to date by itself. With out the remainder of the automobile — the wheels, doorways, and seats — you are not going to get very far. However whereas the brand new flagship chips had been alleged to be the primary occasion, I used to be drawn to the UFO’s distinctive design.

The Snapdragon brand on the highest even acts as an influence button, which is a beautiful little contact. Except for the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor inside, the reference design additionally has 16 or 32GB RAM, three USB-C ports across the periphery, an influence port for a barrel plug (boo for not charging with USB-C), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There is not any phrase on storage, however 256GB could be a protected assumption.

Mini PCs are nice for conserving issues minimal in your desk and staying out of the best way. And this mini PC undoubtedly qualifies. You possibly can choose this PC up and slip it right into a backpack, or perhaps a moderately-sized fanny pack, however that is probably not what it is for. Its design permits you to maintain your desktop nearly fully free.

Credit score: Adam Doud / Mashable

The spherical plate, for lack of a greater phrase, may be very skinny. It is formed like a big coaster or wi-fi charging puck. Together with the toes that maintain it from mendacity flush on the desk, it is about 14mm tall, or concerning the peak of eight U.S. quarters, which is enjoyable. You possibly can additionally say it is about as thick as a folded Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Both means, it is tiny, and I like the shape issue.

Credit score: Adam Doud / Mashable

Credit score: Adam Doud / Mashable

In fact, this can be a reference machine that can by no means see retailer cabinets, nevertheless it exhibits you what is doable with the most recent technology of processors. I can solely hope that a pc maker will choose up this design idea and run with it.

What I believe is much more thrilling is the concept of operating Snapdragon chips on wired {hardware}. Up till now, Snapdragon-powered PCs have been completely laptops and portables, which have been nice. However working with a hard-wired idea like a mini PC will enable Qualcomm and laptop makers to push the {hardware} even additional, with out having to fret about battery life.

However within the meantime, this “UFO” is the mini PC of my goals, and I might like to see an organization flip it into actuality.