Tablet PCs are Kind of Amazing [MinisForum V3 Review]
Vložit
- čas přidán 18. 05. 2024
- The new MinisForum V3 is the world's first AMD tablet, and my first experience testing a Windows tablet PC. Let's go over all of its impressive specs and why it's transformed the way I think about tablets AND laptops.
Buy one here: shrsl.com/4hs07
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
02:06 specs and pricing
04:22 comparison with others
07:50 unboxing and impressions
14:30 using it as a laptop
22:03 PC game testing
29:13 emulation testing
34:15 stylus testing
35:14 battery life results
38:01 summary (likes and dislikes)
41:49 conclusion
Ways to support this channel:
YT channel membership: / @retrogamecorps
Patreon: / retrogamecorps
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/retrogamecorps
Find me on Discord! / discord
Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:
ourghosts.bandcamp.com/track/...
More music here: / posts
Keyboard shown in my videos: bit.ly/RGCnuphy
^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order
Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you. You can read more about that here: retrogamecorps.com/about/
This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#minisforum #surfacepro #miniPC #pcgaming #emulation #tabletpc - Hry
I watched this entire video without a snack and drink. I was never reminded to grab them!
So sad.
I only eat and drink when Russ tells me to, I'm wasting away, someone please help
Yeah! :(
Watching multiple videos that are not this henceforth serves as a notarized reminder that certain un-secure liquids and solids exist for more than a hospital cafeteria outside of Peoria.
This slablet is mine once the 2 week shipping (accounts for poor weather) and an ability to enjoy the Sega Neptune at 480 frames like it was meant.
I do not watch your videos. Please make more.
Sven "Soul Calibur II for PSII" OUT!!!!
I found this channel researching about the RP4 Pro that I wanted to buy (and already received by the way), but I can’t stop watching the other videos! Great job.
Same story for me but the GPD Win Max 2.
Same for me as well, but with the Odin 2 Pro.
lol me too i came for the anbernic rg351mp but have watched almost every video since then.
Similar for a different device, but he's great so I stayed
same story with me back with the RP3. Bought it thanks to his coverage and now I just kinda watch the rest of his vids
THANK YOU for doing this full review across all the build, specs and comparisons! It's why I love this channel!
IMO, every device with a display should have the ability to receive a display-in signal. Far too many devices become old by performance standards but still have wonderful displays that can be useful for years and years afterwards.
This is a cool feature to see here.
You can harvest the display, add a control board and some 3d printing, and voila you have essentially one of those Asus portable displays.
@@bobbleczar my understanding is that control boards/driver boards are nontrivial to say the least. Depending on the display being used, it can take weeks or months of trial and error messing with pixel timing and such, especially if it is a display that has little to no documentation or community experience (aka, most).
There very well may be an easy way of doing this, but I have not found it to be so simple.
Anyone have experiences with arbitrary displays working without much fuss?
It’s so expensive, but video-in a killer feature that tablets and laptops SHOULD have!
That makes we want to support it. Maybe $999 I could pull the trigger, but not $1200, and certainly not $1500.
One important note: when using it for DEX or something similar, you cannot control it with touch. As shown by Techtablets CZcams channel.
when you compare with surface pro 9, you will know v3 have good price :)
Agree about the pricing. Many times I almost wanted to pull the trigger on Minisforum mini PCs and even this tablet, but the sticker price (even at the discount) held me back. And the full price is just out there.
havent seen that since alienware used to have that back in early 2010s
agree about the pricing... Its the one that prevents me from purchasing that one
Aaaayyyeee!! To testing at a higher resolution!!
Just adds to the already great content.
OMFG. I'm so glad you got to review it! This tablet seems amazing on all levels, tbh.
The price points stole my soul
Got the flow z13 for around 1500 from Best Buy with the 4060. It was $330 off. Best tablet ever imo for portable gaming. Something about the top exhaust and ability to throw away the keyboard when you don’t need it that makes it amazing. Super convenient to carry around the house and toss in your bag.
Honestly your point at the end of the video on rethinking how you approach laptops and tablets is exactly what I love about you as a reviewer. For me personally, I love tablets having optional keyboards so I can swap them out for my own personal keyboards compared to the ones laptops usually have built in. Only thing holding me back is the smaller screen that comes with owning a tablet, since I’d absolutely buy a 15.6 inch version in a heartbeat even if it’s slightly less portable
Hear me out here, framework laptop.
I wish the keyboard is optional and the price of tablet-only is cheaper. Those laptop/tablet keyboards are garbage, not to mention the track pads of laptops are also garbage without separate mouse buttons. You know very well that those tablet keyboards are overpriced.
the samsung s8 ultra is close to around that size, but it runs android.
I think at that size I'd want a traditional attached real keyboard like my ROG. Once you get to 15.6", it's big enough that you're not making anything worse by having the typical permanent clamshell.
@@phxrider950 I’d say the clearance is the main reason why I’d like that size point. Having a clean monitor that doubles as a tablet/laptop is a valuable niche at around that size range, but for sure normal laptops around that size would give you a better bang for your buck realistically!
I was literally typing out the comparison to the iPad Pro when your section of comparison came up. It does help put it into perspective. If they had a 10 inch 1080p version for $800-$1000 I'd buy it.
Same! $900 for 1080p I would buy it
agree with this one, if the.price is like that, i will click that pre order link instantly
Brother has done it again the amount of research you do for your vids is awesome man
This thing is exactly what i was looking for. Can game decently and has pen support for my art, in a tablet form factor
I've been running a MinisForum UM773 Lite as my work desktop running Manjaro and have absolutely loved it. It's the second MinisForum mini PC I've owned and can't recommend these enough. Huge fan of MinisForum and cannot wait for my next mini PC upgrade.
Retro Game Corps, Subscribed because your content is fantastic!
Been watching this device since the October 2023 tease. Besides battery life concerns, it fits a specific niche:
1) 12"+ touchscreen suitable for PDFs.
2) Windows for running VTTs (like Foundry).
3) Display input to act as an additional monitor when using a separate desktop.
Seems like a great option for hybrid TTRPG gaming on the go (tablet), while still serving a purpose at home (monitor).
really detailed review, impressive👍
I’ve been waiting for the presale of this device to go up. I’ve been waiting to get this for my mother as she’s an avid tablet user (iPad) but she wishes she had a “computer” meaning something with windows. Especially something with an SD card slot for photos and such.
Although she likely wont take full advantage of every feature on offer for this thing. I think the device will definitely fit her use cases and it will last her a good while.
Thanks for the review.
My dream is gone... I thought I would have this as Wacom pen display plugged into my PC and becoming on the go gaming tablet, and even how much I wanted it it wouldn't shipped to my country lol.
@Retro Game Corps Have you taken a look at the Samsung S9 tablet? My understanding is that it is using the snapdragon gen 2 same as the Odin 2 which you reviewed favorably. I'm wondering how those two compare (active cooling on handheld vs. passive on tablet) either from the get-go or prolonged use. Still it might fill that niche use-case you mention.
This solution is fairly expensive. It is also heavy(ish) if for example you are using it as a tablet and not propped up on a desk.
I have the s8 ultra. Its a great tablet. Light emulation up to about ps2 or gamecube as well as 4k CZcams playback. Best tablet ive ever owned.
@@moralreality7328 If samsung would hurry up and add a video-in port I'd go out and pick one up in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, if I'm on the road I like to have a portable monitor and need something that works without installing software onto a work computer, or that I could pair with something like my Switch.
Honestly, I still maintain that in 2024 - the portable monitor market doesn't need to exist. All tablets should have video-in. Then you can go balls to wall Snapdragon Gen 3/M-powered ipads if it is your primary computing device. Or as low compute as a raspberry pi 4 compute module if all you use it for is youtube/netflix and reading articles.
Thank you. I've been waiting for someone to do a Linux sanity test on the V3... now I'm just waiting for my pre-order to arrive.
Just ordered one! I've been waiting for something like this for years. And I don't mind spending money on good hardware and build quality.
Why didn't you choose a laptop? Honest question, because I see no use case where a laptop wouldn't be better.
@fumangus69 I do a lot of reading, and I find that a tablet offers the best reading experience. I wanted a single device that gives me that experience when I want it, but allows me to also do real work when I need it. I don't really want to carry around two devices to do these tasks.
@@arafat464enjoy!
@@fumangus69i will also buy this over a laptop, I am a software developer and travel a lot, many times I want to check some basic coding stuff and don't want open a full keyboard based laptop.
Second ill use it as a mini pc with my external monitor, I don't have too much space on my desktop for a full laptop
Basically this product is targeted at surface pro users
Nice review,thanks for this.
Wow, I didn't know this type of product existed. Next time I buy a gaming pc I'll give minisforum a try, your review was very helpful
I would add Galaxy Tab S9 ultra to the comparison as well. Very competent device.
Excellent review! It seems that MinisForum has found a sweet spot in the portable PC gaming space. I'll be looking into this when I have the cash 🙂
Really tempting as a desktop replacement, I need one. I did just purchase a Surface Pro 9. The SP9 is amazing for what I use it for, it runs Bluebeam Revu extremely well. But the specs of the V3 are very tempting.
I use kdenlive for video editing, and in the settings you can activate "proxy clips". these proxy clips can be any size you choose, like 480p or 720p, but the great thing is that the whole editing process is done in this resolution, however, during export it will utilize the larger 4K clips. This allows the software to run on pretty low end hardware without issue.
Finally. A proper and credible review of this tablet. Not like another CZcamsr who says every device he showcases is the "best ever"
Lemme guess something "Prime" hahahaha
@@iHauntedVince 100%
I haven’t tried this V3 yet but I gotta say, the folio keyboard and built-in kickstand on my Surface Pro 8 is still the best. Not sure if it’s because their design is patented so nobody else can do the same but what I really like SP8’s folio keyboard is to hide the magnetic pen + the tilting of the keyboard, it’s a tiny detail but it helps typing so much. And the built-in kickstand is just perfectly normal in 2021. But I have an Aokzoe A1 Pro and Legion Go, I just love the performance of 7840U and similar series AMD APU chipsets.
I have a SP8 as well. This thing also has the strip on the keyboard that snaps to the bottom bezel. Just no pen storage there. Both reviewers so far I don't think have shown that though.
@@parawizard I know but the keyboard doesn’t tilt right? And the kickstand is not built-in, so feels like not having a peace of mind, it’s just me being paranoid 😅
Wild. I was not expecting to see Minisforum on here. I use them for at home for a small server and NAS.
Awesome vid that switches it up! I'd love to see a Trim UI smart pro follow up video with newer firmware/ different OS options/ emulation deep dive into what it can do- FOR 60 bucks 5 inch 720p screen, wifi (retro achievements), bluetooth, rgb stick lighting, daaaannng. I've been ordering some materials to make my own hand grip for it based off of an aliexpress ps vita grip. just needs a little extra padding I think, and it should hold it. Might need to do some cutting and super gluing in 1 or 2 spots though (where it's held) because it's actually a few mm thicker where the plastic part of the grip is holding the console down over the top of it.
When presenting the external GPU [at 28:05] What controller are you using?
I have one pre-ordered. Can't wait to get my hands on it. I might sell my legion go as this *should* game better with the extra memory.
hey man, thanks for the informative video
is there a way to run the tablet completely silent ?
so lower tdp or powersaving mode or something.
especially in bed i don't want to hear a fan, even if it leads to lower performance.
Magnificent review, thank you
Asus Z13 2023 is packing a 4060. Ordered an open box from BB for about $1400. It's official weight is 1.18kg without it's keyboard. Or about 0.25 pounds heavier than V3. Minisforum is going to have to keep it's price down considering it has no discrete GPU. I like the OneXPlayer X1 with integrated control slots but that has intel 155H.
Yeah but this is a tablet, not a gaming laptop. If you want a gaming laptop and have no need for a tablet... Get a gaming laptop, not a tablet. No matter how much money I spend or save on a gaming laptop.... It will never become a tablet.
@@dogboy0912 Bro, look at the product page for that
Hi, Which software did you use to run the CPU at 4 watts whilst playing celeste?
Does this also work as an external screen for M1 MacBook Pro? I read in a review somewhere that it doesn't, but I hope it does :)
Would you be able to install the drivers from the Legion and see if you get the options that the Legion has?
@retrogamecorps does the screen support vrr? If yes does the DP in support VRR? Any plans on testing egpu? Would love to see egpu video out being fed into the display in.
Yes vrr plus 165 hz screen.
Watch the vid, he used an eGPU in it
@@washuai I see that now but he doesn't feed the video out from the egpu back into the screen. You get additional latency by having the egpu send data back to the tablet. If he used the tablet as a monitor it removes this penalty. Additionally I want to see if VRR work on the display port input.
Is there any separate mode that, when installed on a dock station or connected to a charger, disables battery usage and powers all hardware directly from the cable?
Maybe I missed it but how did you hook it up to an external monitor? Great review and content!!!!
how do you reckon this would do as a programming + light gaming device?
I dissapoint with "Not a True Tablet Experience". I have an iPad 9Gen and a Surface Pro 8 too, and my SP8 and Windows can do all iPad PRO can do, some things even better by far. I just now dont use iPad, only the SP8. You can do it all in WIndows 11, from read comics to drawing, note taking, gaming... Automatic Tablet mode in Windows 11 works like a dream! I will be waiting next month to the new Surface Pro 10 ARM to get this or MS device. Not wasting money in iPad+Macbook PRO, only one device to do it all! Thanks for this great review!
Yeah hopefully Windows keeps improving. It would be the dream all in one experience. iOS is great at being seamless for all the things it CAN do, but it's like running into a brick wall wishing it could do anything else as well as being subject to Apple holding extra storage and RAM hostage for hundreds of dollars in typical upsell fashion.
This video is amazing, thanks for that
I also have been puzzled with proper usage of those bendable cover/support panels that come nowadays with portable screens and tablets😑. Thanks for review
if i can give you an advice on what to test with the stylus (for your next reviews), just draw slow diagonal (45°) lines to see if they are wavy or not. That's where most cheap pen fail very hard. You can also test if when you apply more and more pressure (regularely), if the line becomes more and more thick without any abrupt jump in thickness...
But the wavy lines is probably the first thing an artist may want to see tested.
$1500 is ridiculous for any 8840u device regardless of separate keyboard case or w/e
$1199 right now
It's $1200 right now, and considering how the main competition for it (the surface pro) is $2300 for a 1355U... really it seems like Windows tablets need more competition here. But if each of the components are as good as RGC claims, they may not be making much money on this right now.
@@godminnette2 nawww zephyrus g13.
As he said, if you compare it to other tablets, its cheaper.
1. You're paying for the form factor, features, and the quality of components. 2. It's priced lower than the competition which in every single case, use less powerful processors and have nowhere near the GPU power for more money. 3. It's $1200 at the moment. If you want much bulkier laptop with a cheap POS 45% NTSC screen, you can certainly get a 7840u for less or about the same (I haven't seen any other 8840u device yet).
One use case scenario for the display in is traveling for work, such as going to a conference or something. This would make a great secondary computer because you can use the device as a portable monitor during the day with a work laptop, then use it for personal uses such as gaming during the evening. Of course you could probably just bring a gaming device and a second monitor and save money overall, but in the professional world function greatly outweighs cost (just look at the target audience for the Apple Vision Pro). Not being able to use the touchscreen during external display mode is a big letdown, however. It would have been amazing to be able to use it as a sort of portable Wacom tablet.
Does the screen support basic HDR? What about in external display mode?
Best buy and other retailers have been consistently dropping the price on the ROG Flow Z13 this year. That can be found for $1,549.99 regularly. $350.99 more for over 2x performance. May or may not be worth it but $/performance value is there IMO.
If you want a gaming laptop.... Don't get a tablet. It's that simple. It's more of a niche use case but these are perfect for some people.
If the Flow Z13 had an AMD APU it would be the ultimate tablet imo because you could run the APU on battery and fire up the discrete Nvidia GPU when plugged on.
I'm buying this because it's ultraportable. I already have a gaming laptop that will run circles around it in game performance, for when I don't mind lugging 10 lbs of laptop + bag + 280w power brick + accessories. I get it that some people can only afford one device, in which case if gaming is your primary reason for purchase, this tablet shouldn't be it. It's a great secondary device for people like me who might want to play a real game occasionally on it, but don't want to haul the big beast when all I really need is a good web browser/productivity device, that can also play a game well (albeit on low graphics settings), should I feel like playing one.
Bought it the other day after watching your review! What settings were you using while you were running Destiny 2 on it?
The reason why the back support confused you was probably because of the camera cutout hole which implies that that area should be in contact with the unit during use. Not sure why that cutout even exists.
So you can use the camera with the case on but not needing it to be folded? Like say you wanted to hold it and use the camera to take a pic of something.
@@chronossage It's not a case though? It's just a magnetic flap to be used as a stand. I guess you could be walking around with it attached but I don't see why.
@@chronossage You'd be blocking the vents.
That's a really good point. They probably should have left that covered to discourage people from using it with the vents blocked.
I got my Surface Pro 9 for $1400 as a complete bundle with pen and keyboard from Costco. I'm not sure how great the upcoming ARM chip is for gaming, but the Surface Pro 10 is also slated to release very soon. Figured that was worth mentioning for anyone in the market for a tablet PC.
Hey @RetroGameCorps, in your case specifically, you already have an xg mobile, you can just get a Flow X13 or X16. Not cheap, of course, I had to sell an arm and a leg but it is an unparalleled experience.
Ordered today! Completely blown away by this device and it’s reviews after thinking of upgrading from a Surface Pro 7 i5 to one of the latest ones. For half the price of worse specs and all the accessories, you get EVERYTHING
All the accessories, a super-high spec (especially for a tablet), lots of RAM and even ports!! The stand maybe isn’t at par with the Surface but it looks usable.
Super excited! I’ll be using it for pen art, music production, video editing and game dev. It’s a massive jump over my SP7 (according to benchmarks, about 14x faster 🤣🤣 SP: 204. V3: 2931)
Small ergonomic tip, the top of the keyboard magnetically attaches to the tablet's bottom bezel so the keyboard has a slight angle to make it a little more comfortable.
This thing would be a no-brainer with the kickstand built-in to the device, but between being less secure and much more bulky the attachment just degrades the whole experience. Prioritizing the 'tablet' mode by keeping the kickstand detachable was a bad move in my opinion. There's a reason the Surface started that trend, and even the Legion Go built it in.
Lisa from mobile tech review would be a great channel to check out for a review of the stylus and drawing ability. I don’t think there is a video on this device yet, but I would expect one eventually.
Hey someone said the DP IN doesnt work with Mac, can you test this for us? This is very crucial. Thanks!
I preordered this and was concerned about that back kickstand and man am I thankful you figured that out. I would literally never have used it cause I thought it was a terrible design and would cover the ventilation
I really wish that I could use something like this for work. I love using my ipad mini for most things however there are still some programs we HAVE to use windows for. Would like a more robust battery testing in your videos. How about youtube video playback with a modest screen brightness?
I'd be interested to how you feel about this vs Legion Go + keyboard. Integer scaling, gotcha.
Missed if VRR was in specs, still watching.
The price of something like this is exactly the point the people are missing when complaining about the cost of a handheld with the same APU that is half this price. For what are they charging? A bigger screen, keyboard and trackpad.. There are probably cheaper laptops with 32GB RAM and a 7840U or 8840U (which isn't really a big jump).
If you have a bag, pack that can fit this, you really have to prioritize the weight space difference, compared to all the alternate computing options.
That said, I do know someone who loves a tablet for reading, watching and gaming. That's just an android tablet. They'd probably go this route, but it's no where near their budget. They have a laptop (I don't recall i what is capable of) , but they definitely prefer their tablet.
The arrow keys are not it for pc gaming. I know most games don't use those anymore, but still. Yes, you clocked it for normal keyboarding, 😁
Here is a great use case some people overlook.
With its DP in port, just build a small form factor gaming PC (the size of an egpu enclosure or even smaller). Tbat way you can use the tablet and get zero performance loss with the external system connected
why not buy a much cheaper monitor then?
@@_Digitalguy sure you could. But that portable monitor wouldn't function as a laptop/tablet on its own
@@jwolfe12777 yes, but then you could also get a laptop/tablet if you don't have that, since you cannot use the 2 at the same time (personally I use some apps that turn Android tablets into wireless monitors, with the advantage of having touch and pen, using it all around the house, no cable of even wifi need, sound supported and no latency). And I can still use them as Android tablets without losing the connection to my desktop. Just as if Windows was app.
This one can be either one or the other, no pen or touch support and linked to a cable.
Even at $1200, it would need to be Apple/Microsoft in terms of hardware quality or it's DOA, personally. I can't see myself buying this unless it's to replace my laptop I think. I'm still watching though.
Macbook display ribbon cable would like a word. Nvidia powered MacBooks would also like a word.
Lastly windows update as well
So you want shit hardware other than a custom CPU? And poorly put together at that?
@@Dracossaintribbon cables and laptops can’t talk, silly
Most important thing would be to have Apple/Microsoft level customer service globally, because if this thing dies or is DOA you're either kinda screwed or you won't get to play with your expensive device for several weeks or months.
As far as my usecase, there is really almost zero value add for this tabelt vs the $500 orange pi handheld with the 7840u... I don't need extra NPU cores to assist government AI spying on me.
Apart of Intel drivers issues, One X Player X1 beats this in nearly every way, it's smaller + lighter + bigger battery + cheape + can attach controller
One this one beats it in 8840U and Screen
However at this price and size I will rather get Asus Z13
Intel chips have a very poor track record when it comes to low power use cases. Also, I don't think being smaller is necessarily a good thing when it comes to tablets.
@@HunterTracks Nope Intel infact have best Idle and low performance tasks like browsing energy consumption...
The reason it's not doing well in X1 or Claw due to Bios drivers issues which Intel addressing soon as they releasing new AI powered tasking algorithms for the CPU to correctly provide ultra low and low power cores the correct tasks...
The one who beats both in efficiency is Qualcomm new chip
@@TRX25EX Citation needed. Ryzen laptops have had consistently better battery life, both in productivity and while idle, for a good while now.
Also, if you think AI will somehow fix Intel drivers, then I have a bridge to sell you.
@@HunterTracks You making things up, go watch Games Nexus, he made Intel latest chips + AMD chips consumption comparisons, Intel was better at normal loads and idle... AMD was better when both stressed and doing max load
Intel known for better idle since they brought E-Cores, you are just judging due to Claw and X1 testings who both have unusual idle power consumption which Intel said it will be addressed soon in coming updates and they will introduce AI feature as well, if you don't know how good that feature is then you are just in denial, go research about it and why Apple trying to accomplish it
Compared to the steam deck (for pc games) and a decent monitor, does this really hold a candle to it? For the higher end gaming alone, I'm looking at.
Ive been looking at buying one of these, but things that concern me are, repair-ability, how hard will spare parts be to buy?, how hard is it to disassembly? Is anyone going to produce a rugged case or rugged case/keyboard combo? These are really important topics these days, I'm looking at a Framework Laptop or one of these, and I'm thinking the Framework might be the better choice.
Super interesting! Russ, could I request you to test the DP-in with your MacBook? It would be very interesting if I could travel with this as my second screen for work, and then be able to use it for gaming once I am off the clock.
I bought one, can't wait to see it in person.
Did you end up getting it? How is it?
This is great but what would make it greater is to have a solid case, one with a hinge that you can actually use on your lap. Bummer about no upgradability though, lots of storage and ram so that takes the edge off. But at that price, I dunno... I personally would prefer to go with an actual laptop, but that's me. I wonder how easy it is to open up, if I owned one I'd like to give it a cleanout once in a while. I just wonder, who is this for? We can get RTX 3000 series laptops for around that price, we can buy a cheap external monitor and hook it up to our handhelds and game like that. And then with a tablet, you need a controller, so that's another thing to bring, an external gpu? Another thing to attach, then a power supply etc. Like.. I see this being BIG for creatives who need adobe premiere and lightroom etc on the go, but for gaming at that price and lack of upgradability? I dunno.
Great review, been seeing lots of them in the past 2 days. :)
DUDE. ART OF RALLY!!!! You're awesome!!!
This seems like a decent contender for a portable game dev/gaming tablet. Reminds me of an all-in-one solution for what I had to use back in my school days. I had to carry like 3 different devices.
nice to see you try the pen in adobe fresco. but i would be interested to see, if you can take handwritten notes with the stylus. why just a random doodle? without touchscreen sbd could just get a gaming laptop.
Great review, love that minis forum is pushing innovation, but that price 💀, I'll definitely pick one up years down the line when price goes down and all the kinks have been smothed out
This is a product that I would get for the uniqueness, but not for the value. Maybe as a work device if I had the choice
The surface pro 9 costs 2599£ and doesn't include the keyboard the minisforum v3 has the same storage and ram and includes the keyboard plus it can game for around 1159£ so i don't know why people are complaining about price
Have you thought about using a table telescopic controller with the V3, like the Galileo G8? I wonder if the weight difference would be noticeable from, say, the Legion GO. Excellent review!
It probably wouldn't fit into a telescopic controller without modification, and it's definitely far beyond the expected weight for that type of device.
Hey Russ, I see so many tech reviewers like you afraid to talk about the pens for artists. Here's three very easy things to check:
1) is there a noticeable gap between the stylus and where you drew it on the screen?
2) do the lines come out too slow when you write them?
3) does it feel like pen on paper when you write something? Does your pen move too loose or is it too rough?
That's not everything we want to know for art tablets, but these are immediate red flags if the tablet is not suitable for art!
I am using mine Surface Pro 8 for gaming of older games or low graphic games, and when i need more graphic power or VR capability i am connect via one TB cable the eGPU and gaming new titles on ultra.
For that price might as well get a gaming laptop
Why not build a desktop pc as well. It must be much better than a laptop, I am sure.
My thought exactly. Maybe if it was half the price it would be something worth looking at
I'm bracing myself for the price now seeing your comment first
@@MrKangmurubecause portability is a factor here.
$1500 after retail 🤢
Hiya Russ ✋
A quick and dirty test for graphics pens/tablets is to draw a 45 degree line at moderate speed- with or without the help of a ruler.
You can film it at 240 fps 1080p etc to see how the digital point follows the pen tip on the surface and how the refresh rate handles it etc.
Brad Colbow reviews are a good template. Great video per usual 10/10 attention to detail and love to see minisforum pushing this platform.
This is helpful, thanks!
@@RetroGameCorps
Additionally I'd reccomend using Krita over fresco as can show the pen pressure better. Where Fresco in your video showed the pen tilt instead.
As seeing how the pressure tapers in drawing programs is a big thing for artists to see how the pen performs.
If you EVER EVER get one of those Asus- ROG flow tablet please lord review it that thing sounds amazing!
what happens if it used as a second monitor with a pc? touchscreen fonctions or not? anyway, very good review, thanks!
Touchscreen will not work
@@icemelt7ful thanks
I miss the Windows 10 Start Menu. You can set it up so it's fullscreen so it's good for tablet use. I used to do that on my old GPD win devices.
I was willing to overlook that higher price thinking that I could upgrade the storage and ram. But not able to do that kills it for me.
I ordered my V3 right after Apple's iPad Pro announcement Monday - tired waiting for Apple to realize they are handicapping the iPad Pro by not allowing it to just dual boot into MacOS. I also sold my 12.9" M1 iPad Pro to help pay for the V3. I want something that can run Ableton Live, Rhino3D, Blender, Concepts and the occasional game and still have flexibility of a touchscreen and stylus input.
16:03 you should put your finger in the large key that both of them shares and press down and up like a volume key that’s the reason behind this design i use hp a lot so im used to this
On Steam Deck, just hold the home button and you can move a cursor on screen with the right stick. You can click with the right trigger. You don't need the touch screen.
Which better onexplayer x1 or minisforum v3?
Saw this on ETA's channel, it should've had a integrated stand and swap one of the USB Cs with a A port. Also the KB needs a tilt like the Surface Pro. I'm curious on how thick of a nvme it'll takes.
Edit: guess the KB does have a tilt, you're the 1st to show it.
Random suggestion (since you mentioned the iPad)-Delta (multi-system retro emulation for those unfamiliar) has officially dropped on the Apple App Store for iOS and iPadOS. Perhaps worth a video mention for those who already own such devices as a “bonus” and/or “value add”? This type of application really shows the potential for tablets: gaming hubs for parties or other gatherings where larger screens may be otherwise occupied or non-existent.
Also-really appreciate your honesty as you talk about the stylus. It’s all-too-easy to try feel pressured to pose as an expert in a review, and the way you own your limitations inspires confidence and helps to remind us that while this device may or may not be geared towards gaming, your reviews provide us a specific perspective that we want to see (as it’s what we all think with each new device-how well will it game). Thank you for your work, as always!
Good review!
The keyboard snaps up against the display along the front strip just like a surface as shown in the product photos. I haven't seen a reviewer do that though. In my experience using a Surface Pro this makes it feel way more floppy attached and you have an angled keyboard.
I really hate half size arrow keys. Will it really cost that much to add full-sized arrow keys for up and down?
I have a Minis UM780 XTX, so pretty similar setup - try setting your games to 1080P (or you can try even lower) and then use RSR (in-driver upscaling) to scale it to the native display size - this works like a champ with the UM780 XTX on a 1440p monitor. Ironically, AMD specifically says NOT to use RSR with FSR in-game, but I find it to give the best performance by a LOT, and I can't personally see any visual oddities.
I believe the use case of tablets still leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. Why not get a laptop? The form factors are not that different. Sure... but they are different, and if you do actually need a tablet over a laptop, it becomes painfully clear. Something I can walk around with in my hand, use standing, seated, in front of another computer for work, take it upstairs, downstairs constantly, hook it up to different displays, etc. A laptop as a semi portable desktop replacement vs an ultrabook vs a tablet are all very different things.
i wonder how a regular linux distro will perform on this. will all of it's feature work...
I feel like there's a pretty decent functionality overlap with the gpd win max 2 which historically you haven't liked, Russ. If plopping this on a desk and playing with a controller is a good experience, then the same could be said of the WM2. Also you'll have a bigger battery and access to higher TDP on battery as well.
Question, Can I use the keyboard "not attached"??
Nope, powered and connected by pogo pins, no wireless connectivity
@@everalm1 What a pitty, thx for the answer tho!
If you consider that the magnetic keyboard and pen with a sleeve buying that separate would factually equate to more then 1200 but i also understand they could lower the price