Mini PCs are often the unsung heroes of the tech world—they quietly offer specialized solutions for home offices, entertainment hubs, and even lightweight gaming setups. By now, you might be familiar with Raspberry Pi and its countless iterations, but today, we’re not talking about a hobbyist tool; we’re diving into a powerhouse in a tiny package: the Blackview MP60 Mini PC.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a small, versatile PC that doesn’t skimp on performance or features, this might just pique your interest. Here’s everything you need to know—and more.
Let’s break this down:
If you find the system a tad too large even with its tiny frame, you can detach the storage expansion base for ultimate portability.
While it’s not geared for everyone—gamers or power users may find themselves pushing against its hardware ceilings—users looking for a slim desktop replacement, multi-monitor workstation, or portable productivity station will find it a very capable companion.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely, especially if your goals align with media streaming, moderate multitasking, or simply decluttering your workspace with a mini giant. Imagine attaching it to the back of your monitor, and suddenly your world opens up. Whether for work, media, or simply tinkering, the MP60 knows how to pack a punch in the smallest of ways.
What are your thoughts—could this be your next mini powerhouse?
Source: ZDNET This Windows 11 Pro Mini PC is deceptively powerful for its size
If you’ve been on the hunt for a small, versatile PC that doesn’t skimp on performance or features, this might just pique your interest. Here’s everything you need to know—and more.
What Makes the Blackview MP60 Mini PC Special?
The Blackview MP60, introduced to the market in late 2022, has continued to carve its own niche. Blackview, usually associated with rugged Android smartphones, has taken a leap into the world of mini PCs—and quite successfully, it seems. For under $270 (current Amazon pricing), this device offers an impressive set of features and a surprisingly robust set of specs for its size.Let’s break this down:
Core Specifications
Here’s a quick glance at what the MP60 brings to the table:- Processor: Quad-core Intel Celeron Jasper Lake N5095 (up to 2.9GHz)
- Don’t let “Celeron” give you pause—this isn’t your mid-2000s underperformer. Built on the 10nm process, the N5095 offers snappy performance suitable for productivity tasks and light media workloads.
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics (450MHz base, 750MHz burst frequency)
- While it won’t run AAA games, it’s perfect for video playback, light photo editing, or operating dual displays at 4K.
- RAM: Options for 8GB or 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB or 1TB M.2 SSD (expandable to 2TB with a 2.5-inch SATA drive).
- Notably, the storage expansion is painless and requires only a Phillips screwdriver—how user-friendly is that?
- Connectivity:
- Two USB 3.0 Type-A ports
- Two USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- Two HDMI ports capable of supporting dual 4K monitors
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi (dual-band 2.4G & 5G)
- Bluetooth 4.2
Design and Portability
With dimensions of just 5 x 5 x 2.1 inches, the MP60 is genuinely a palm-sized powerhouse. Blackview packs six heat pipes and an LED-illuminated fan to cool its tiny frame, ensuring silent operation no matter the workload. If LEDs aren’t your thing, keep in mind that they can’t be disabled without physically fiddling inside—but hey, it’s a mini PC; perhaps you’ll forgive it for being a little flashier than its peers.If you find the system a tad too large even with its tiny frame, you can detach the storage expansion base for ultimate portability.
Performance: Living Up to Windows 11 Pro
The Blackview MP60 straight out of the box comes with Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft’s premium OS for business and productivity. This elevates the mini PC out of the territory of mere tinkering tools. Whether it’s multitasking across productivity applications, watching high-definition video across two screens, or hosting a media server, you’ll find Windows 11 Pro streamlined enough for light daily use.User Impressions & Workflow
- Out-of-the-Box Setup: Like most Windows PCs, your first task will involve sitting through various updates. The good news? These offer a quick benchmark of how fast the MP60 really is, and the consensus is positive: it’s speedy, snappy, and fluid for its hardware class.
- Tasks It Handles Well: With dual 4K HDMI and its relatively powerful quad-core CPU, the MP60 shines as a flexible mini workstation. Pair it with a USB hub, and you’ve got newfound real estate for even more peripherals like external drives, USB microphones, or webcams.
- Potential Use Cases:
- Media Streaming PC: Think Plex or Kodi.
- Compact Desktop Replacement: Mount it via the supplied VESA kit, attach it to the back of a monitor, and you’ve got a clutter-free workstation.
- Light Photo and Video Editing: While the Intel UHD Graphics holds its limitations, software like Adobe Lightroom or DaVinci Resolve in basic workflows might surprise you.
- Data Server or Development Platform: Perfect for developers looking to host code repositories or dabble in lightweight local hosting.
A Raspberry Pi Rival? Not Exactly.
At first glance, the Blackview MP60 Mini PC may remind you of other mini-PCs or hobbyist devices like Raspberry Pi. But let’s be clear—these devices are two entirely different beasts.- Purpose: Raspberry Pi caters to DIY enthusiasts for projects like robotics, IoT, and home automation. The MP60, on the other hand, is a true Windows PC for productivity, light media work, or general consumer use.
- Power: The quad-core Intel chip and DDR4 memory make it significantly more powerful than ARM-based Raspberry Pis, not to mention that it runs Windows 11 Pro natively, avoiding compatibility issues when using x86-based desktop applications.
Real-World Challenges and Considerations
While the MP60 checks most of the boxes for a robust mini-PC, it’s worth keeping a few limitations in mind:- Operating System Overhead: While the Celeron processor is capable, keep in mind that Windows 11 Pro does add some overhead compared to a lightweight Linux distribution.
- Limited Upgradeability: Although you can expand storage up to 2TB, upgrading RAM beyond its maximum configuration isn’t possible.
- Not a Gaming Machine: Don’t expect this mini-PC to run the latest games. Its Intel UHD Graphics is purpose-built for media and productivity, but demanding titles? Hard pass.
For Under $270, What’s the Verdict?
The Blackview MP60 Mini PC punches well above its weight class, especially given its modest price tag. For under $270, you’re getting Windows 11 Pro bundled into a durable, ultra-compact unit with plenty of performance for everyday tasks.While it’s not geared for everyone—gamers or power users may find themselves pushing against its hardware ceilings—users looking for a slim desktop replacement, multi-monitor workstation, or portable productivity station will find it a very capable companion.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely, especially if your goals align with media streaming, moderate multitasking, or simply decluttering your workspace with a mini giant. Imagine attaching it to the back of your monitor, and suddenly your world opens up. Whether for work, media, or simply tinkering, the MP60 knows how to pack a punch in the smallest of ways.
What are your thoughts—could this be your next mini powerhouse?
Source: ZDNET This Windows 11 Pro Mini PC is deceptively powerful for its size
