[TechHut] FINALLY, Linux on a Tablet that doesn't SUCK

cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/18360519

It's the MinisForum V3

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Pros:

• Touchscreen (currently works best on KDE Plasma)
• AMD CPU (Ryzen 7 8840U) [8 cores, 16 threads] + GPU (Radeon 780M)
• Power button + Fingerprint reader (built into the tablet portion thankfully)
• 3.5mm audio jack
• 65W PD power adapter (likely to be GaN)
• Magnesium alloy body
• the inclusion of gyroscopes means display auto-rotation is supported
• 1x stylus pen included
  • [4096 level pressure, up to MPP 2.6 SLA]
    • (I have no idea what any of that means, hopefully it's useful to yall)
• Keyboard that is/has:
  • Detachable
  • Backlight LED lighting
  • Even-surface actuation pressure touchpad
  • an optional purchase (which can be deselected before checkout)

Alt text: An image of the purchase checkout options for the MinisForum V3 Tablet with the Magnetic Detachable Keyboard (both which are on sale for $999.00 and $149.00 USD respectively as of Aug 21, 2024)

Cons:

• Made in China: "Motherboard Manufacturer: Shenzhen"
• Supported storage: M.2 (2280) 2TB max
• cursed Microsoft Copilot button (thankfully on the detachable keyboard rather than on the tablet itself)
• Limited customization/configuration options in BIOS
• Weak magnets on kickstand
• Inaccessible user manual/BIOS(Windows users be damned)
• Ryzen AI (locked to Windows, personally I find this as a gimmic anyways)
• due to MinisForum disuading customers from opening up their devices I'm adding that the battery is not replaceable (void warranty at your own risk)
  • CPU is un-upgradeable (This is now a con due to Framework providing users the ability to upgrade even from Intel to AMD or vice-versa)
  • WIFI 6E (802.11ax) is soldered/un-upgradeable unlike Frameworks's laptops
  • RAM is confirmed to be soldered/un-upgradeable
    • only two configurations available as of Aug 21, 2024: [32GB max, 16GB]

Features/Specifications

• Weighs: 946g
• Battery: 50.82Wh
• Display: 14", 16:10 ratio, 2560*1600, 165Hz
• 2x [type c] USB-4 at 40Gbps max
• 1x [type c] USB VLink(DP-in)
• 1x SD card (UHS-II)
• Volume rocker button
• Bluetooth: BT5.3
• RAM (assumed both configurations are LPDDR5 with speed/frequency: 6400MHz)
• 2x cameras:
  • [Front]: 2M, Windows Hello, Dual D-mic, Face ID, ESS
  • [Rear]: 5M, Auto focus

Extra Info

VLink TL;DR:

• (on laptops) it's a special type of port that's primarily meant for extending ports with a USB-C hub or driving as a secondary monitor
  • VLink Tomshardware
  • VLink Anandtech