Exploring the Piccolo Series81: A Compact Marvel
I’ve taken a break from reviewing laptops, but the Piccolo Series81 by X-Plus caught my attention. Known for crafting unique portable devices, X-Plus previously impressed us with the GSeries1 gaming handheld. Now, their latest innovation, the Piccolo Series81, challenges conventional laptop design with its astonishing “2-in-1” form factor. Seeing it, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why?”
As a fan of out-of-the-box thinking, I’m intrigued by the Piccolo Series81. It’s hard to pin down what to call it: a laptop, tablet, or even a mobile device? Nevertheless, its creativity in design earns X-Plus full marks. Let’s dive into the details of this unique device.
Specification Highlights
The Piccolo Series81 is powered by an Intel N100 CPU, featuring 4 cores and a maximum clock speed of 3.4 GHz. It comes with Intel UHD Graphics and 12 GB LPDDR5 RAM. Storage-wise, you get a 512 GB M.2 PCIe SSD, with options for storage expansion through a MicroSD slot. The device boasts an 8-inch IPS touchscreen with a 1920×1200 resolution.
Impressions from Unboxing to First Look
Despite its compact nature, the Piccolo Series81 arrives in a robust package with a sleek all-white box and a dedicated pouch for the laptop. This thoughtful touch, along with a manual and a type-C charger, was a pleasant surprise, especially after my previous unboxing experiences.
The device itself is impressively compact, featuring a keyboard that maximizes every inch of its space. The 360-degree rotatable hinge offers versatility, allowing it to function as a laptop, tablet, or even in “tent mode” for viewing. The keyboard is tiny, with a small trackball replacing a traditional touchpad. Remarkably, no keys are omitted, ensuring full functionality.
Despite its size, the Piccolo Series81 doesn’t skimp on ports. It includes USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, a mini-HDMI, and a microSD slot. An integrated fingerprint reader in the power button adds a premium feel.
Performance and Usability
The compact Piccolo Series81 uses Intel’s Alder Lake N100 CPU, better suited for everyday tasks than gaming. While testing, gaming performance was underwhelming, with noticeable CPU spikes and overheating. However, for daily tasks like browsing and media consumption, the device performed well. Its portability is a major strength, and its IPS screen enhances viewing experiences.
With a 3500 mAh battery, the Piccolo offers about four hours of usage. While X-Plus isn’t planning an upgraded version soon due to cooling constraints, the current specs suit power efficiency needs.
Final Thoughts on the Piccolo Series81
Reviewing the Piccolo Series81 has been a delightful journey into innovation. Its compact design and functionality cater to those prioritizing portability over raw performance. While it may not be a powerhouse, it’s perfect for office tasks and content consumption. If you’re intrigued by this unique device, check out X-Plus’s website for more details.
In conclusion, the Piccolo Series81 stands as a testament to creativity in tech hardware, offering a fresh take on what portable devices can be.
