Mini PCs too compact for dedicated GPUs may not be gaming titans, yet they offer substantial appeal by integrating full PC capabilities into a compact design. The Retro Mini PC AM01S, the latest creation from Ayaneo, is housed in a sleek 1L chassis and has a familiar yet refined aesthetic, distinguished by its flip-up touchscreen.

The previous model, the AM01, featured a standard black panel designed to imitate a screen, evoking the spirit of the original Apple Macintosh from 1984. As someone who grew up mesmerized by the allure of classic technology, I find it surprising how much nostalgia this design invokes.

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Equipped with an upgraded AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, the Retro Mini PC AM01S supports 1080p gaming through its 16 RDNA compute units. Although not a powerhouse, it’s on par with the OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro, the fastest handheld gaming PC we’ve encountered.

Additionally, the AM01S is designed with practicality in mind. It presents a modern user interface enhanced by a pop-up touch panel that functions as a Windows extended display, allowing independent use without an external monitor, thus maximizing functionality.

In summary, this mini PC melds a nostalgic aesthetic with contemporary capabilities, making it an enticing choice for anyone looking for a compact desktop solution.