The concept of what constitutes a “portable PC” is undergoing a dramatic transformation, thanks to cutting-edge engineering, advances in component miniaturization, and a willingness among some manufacturers to break from tradition. The latest evidence of this paradigm shift comes not from Silicon Valley or the traditional tech powerhouses of the West, but from China, where a company named Linglong has unveiled a truly unique vision: a Ryzen-powered Windows 11 Pro PC built into a full-sized, folding keyboard—compact enough to slide inside a large trouser pocket or jacket, yet powerful enough to rival some full-fledged desktops in functionality.
What Linglong has delivered is no mere technological curiosity or unfulfilled prototype; it is a production-ready device that brings together the portability of a tablet, the input comfort of a mechanical keyboard, and the full breadth of Windows 11’s desktop experience. When folded, the unit occupies about a quarter-sheet of A4 paper in size and weighs under 800 grams, placing it squarely into “ultraportable” territory, but with a twist rarely seen even in the world of compact laptops or mini-PCs.
The construction is robust, with the chassis machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, lending both premium feel and durability to the device. Once opened, users are greeted with a physical QWERTY keyboard boasting mechanical switches and rated to withstand up to 100,000 keystrokes, catering to those who’d rather avoid the compromises of touch-only or low-travel laptop keyboards. Among its few concessions to compactness, the keyboard eliminates any built-in touchpad or pointing stick, requiring users to rely on a separate mouse for cursor navigation—a nod to its desktop ambitions rather than tablet convenience.
Graphics duties are handled by AMD’s RDNA3-based Radeon 780M integrated GPU, a formidable solution situated at the upper end of integrated graphics performance. While this won’t turn the device into a AAA-gaming powerhouse, it is more than capable of powering multiple 4K displays, smooth video playback, and light-to-moderate gaming—markedly above what is usually expected from PC sticks, netbooks, or previous “keyboard-computer” hybrids.
Significantly, the 16,000mAh battery promises up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. While real-world figures often vary based on usage patterns, this endurance is competitive with many ultrabooks and outpaces most mini-PCs, especially ones squeezed into such a slender footprint.
Wireless connectivity is similarly future-proofed, with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 included as standard. For video output, the device eschews a physical HDMI port in favor of USB display compatibility, but with USB4 onboard, both high-resolution monitors and modern docking stations are easy to accommodate.
Notably, the folding PC is not just technically capable of multi-screen output—it is explicitly designed for it, enabling users to extend their workspace far beyond the built-in keyboard, positioning it as the linchpin of a transportation-friendly workstation that springs to life in seconds.
When docked and paired with additional monitors, the folding PC easily morphs into a highly capable office environment. Alternatively, it can serve as a game center for retro or less demanding titles, or act as a media hub for streaming and playback—thanks to both its processing headroom and robust port selection.
Linglong’s entry doesn’t just close the gap with larger laptops, but seeks to erase it. Windows 11 Pro ensures full compatibility with mainstream desktop applications, from Microsoft Office to Adobe Creative Suite, to development environments like Visual Studio. The Ryzen 7 platform, meanwhile, puts the device in conversation not just with DIY kits and netbooks, but with premium ultraportables and some business-class laptops.
In terms of outright performance, OS flexibility, expansion, and battery-powered freedom, the Linglong device stands in a class of its own, albeit at what is likely to be a higher cost (exact pricing remains unverified for non-Chinese markets).
Battery life, though promising on paper, should be approached with skepticism until independently tested; heavy loads, sustained display outputs, or demanding workflows may reduce endurance well below the 10-hour maximum quoted.
Another crucial limitation is global availability. As of this writing, the Linglong foldable PC is only officially available in China. Import routes, warranty arrangements, and software language provisions for Western users are uncertain, which presents risk for early adopters outside the domestic market. No official statements pinpoint when, or if, international rollout will occur—a critical watchpoint for the device’s broader impact.
Yet, those same travelers must contend with early-adopter tradeoffs: limited distribution, infrastructure quirks, and unverified performance metrics. At the same time, this device acts as a proof point for broader industry trends: the relentless drive toward miniaturization, the steady democratization of “pro” performance, and the dissolution of old form-factor boundaries.
For now, global users can watch with a mix of envy and anticipation. Whether Linglong’s folding keyboard PC remains a regional hero or sparks a global wave of innovation—and possibly, a renaissance of the “keyboard computer”—is a story still unfolding. Until then, its existence should widen the horizons of what Windows enthusiasts expect, and what PC makers dare to deliver.
Source: TechRadar Forget laptops, this pocket-sized PC folds out into a full workstation
Folding the Future of Computing
What Linglong has delivered is no mere technological curiosity or unfulfilled prototype; it is a production-ready device that brings together the portability of a tablet, the input comfort of a mechanical keyboard, and the full breadth of Windows 11’s desktop experience. When folded, the unit occupies about a quarter-sheet of A4 paper in size and weighs under 800 grams, placing it squarely into “ultraportable” territory, but with a twist rarely seen even in the world of compact laptops or mini-PCs.The construction is robust, with the chassis machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, lending both premium feel and durability to the device. Once opened, users are greeted with a physical QWERTY keyboard boasting mechanical switches and rated to withstand up to 100,000 keystrokes, catering to those who’d rather avoid the compromises of touch-only or low-travel laptop keyboards. Among its few concessions to compactness, the keyboard eliminates any built-in touchpad or pointing stick, requiring users to rely on a separate mouse for cursor navigation—a nod to its desktop ambitions rather than tablet convenience.
Performance That Defies Pocket-Sized Expectations
At the heart of this folding wonder is the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. This is not an entry-level or severely throttled mobile chip, but a high-efficiency 8-core, 16-thread CPU built on AMD’s advanced Zen 4 architecture. Complemented by 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, users can configure their unit with either 512GB or 1TB of internal SSD storage, providing more than ample room and speed for serious productivity.Graphics duties are handled by AMD’s RDNA3-based Radeon 780M integrated GPU, a formidable solution situated at the upper end of integrated graphics performance. While this won’t turn the device into a AAA-gaming powerhouse, it is more than capable of powering multiple 4K displays, smooth video playback, and light-to-moderate gaming—markedly above what is usually expected from PC sticks, netbooks, or previous “keyboard-computer” hybrids.
Significantly, the 16,000mAh battery promises up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. While real-world figures often vary based on usage patterns, this endurance is competitive with many ultrabooks and outpaces most mini-PCs, especially ones squeezed into such a slender footprint.
Genuine Desktop Connectivity, Miniaturized
A common pitfall of ultra-compact PCs is their reliance on dongles or proprietary connectors. Here, Linglong has gone to considerable lengths to ensure this isn’t an afterthought—packing in a trio of mainstream ports: USB4, USB-C 3.2, and USB-A 3.2. This means users can connect not just thumb drives and external SSDs, but also a broad range of peripherals including webcams, microphones, or legacy USB devices.Wireless connectivity is similarly future-proofed, with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 included as standard. For video output, the device eschews a physical HDMI port in favor of USB display compatibility, but with USB4 onboard, both high-resolution monitors and modern docking stations are easy to accommodate.
Notably, the folding PC is not just technically capable of multi-screen output—it is explicitly designed for it, enabling users to extend their workspace far beyond the built-in keyboard, positioning it as the linchpin of a transportation-friendly workstation that springs to life in seconds.
Built-in Monitoring and Serious Intentions
For power users, a built-in monitoring utility displays real-time CPU and GPU loads, temperature readouts, and other system metrics. Such transparency is uncommon even among full-sized laptops and almost unheard of in the mini-PC segment, underscoring that Linglong is targeting enthusiasts, professionals, and those with rigorous demands rather than only travelers or mobile typists.When docked and paired with additional monitors, the folding PC easily morphs into a highly capable office environment. Alternatively, it can serve as a game center for retro or less demanding titles, or act as a media hub for streaming and playback—thanks to both its processing headroom and robust port selection.
How Does It Compare? Competition and Inspiration
While the concept of a computer hidden within a keyboard is not entirely new—witness the nostalgia-laden Commodore 64, or more recent efforts such as the Orange Pi 800 and Raspberry Pi 400—these devices typically make substantial trade-offs in performance, storage, or operating system flexibility. Most run on ARM or low-wattage x86 chips, rely on Linux or custom OS solutions, and focus on education or tinkering rather than productivity power.Linglong’s entry doesn’t just close the gap with larger laptops, but seeks to erase it. Windows 11 Pro ensures full compatibility with mainstream desktop applications, from Microsoft Office to Adobe Creative Suite, to development environments like Visual Studio. The Ryzen 7 platform, meanwhile, puts the device in conversation not just with DIY kits and netbooks, but with premium ultraportables and some business-class laptops.
Table: Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Linglong Foldable PC | Orange Pi 800 | Raspberry Pi 400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | RK3399 (ARM, 6-core) | Broadcom BCM2711 (ARM) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 4GB/8GB DDR4 | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB SSD | 64GB eMMC/SD | microSD slot |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro | Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) | Linux (Raspbian) |
| Ports | USB4, USB-C, USB-A | USB 3.0, HDMI, LAN | USB 3.0, HDMI, LAN |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.2 | Wi-Fi, BT (module) | None (adapter needed) |
| Battery | 16,000mAh, ~10 hours | AC power supply only | AC power supply only |
| Weight | <800g | ~543g | ~390g |
| Keyboard | Full QWERTY, mechanical | Full QWERTY, membrane | Full QWERTY, membrane |
Critical Analysis: Innovation, Limitations, and Future Risks
The strengths of the Linglong folding PC are multifaceted. It combines genuine desktop muscle in a package more portable than virtually any laptop on the market, thanks to:- A true mechanical, full-sized keyboard for typing comfort and durability
- Ryzen 7 CPU power, on par with many larger ultrabooks
- Configurable, expansion-friendly ports avoiding exclusive reliance on dongles
- Multi-screen support and professional OS for mainstream productivity
Battery life, though promising on paper, should be approached with skepticism until independently tested; heavy loads, sustained display outputs, or demanding workflows may reduce endurance well below the 10-hour maximum quoted.
Another crucial limitation is global availability. As of this writing, the Linglong foldable PC is only officially available in China. Import routes, warranty arrangements, and software language provisions for Western users are uncertain, which presents risk for early adopters outside the domestic market. No official statements pinpoint when, or if, international rollout will occur—a critical watchpoint for the device’s broader impact.
Security and Maintenance Concerns
Less easily observed are potential risks relating to security and maintenance. Devices produced for the domestic Chinese market may have unique BIOS, driver, or telemetry implementations not always compatible with Western privacy standards. Similarly, access to firmware updates, driver support, and return/repair logistics remains an open question. Cautious buyers will want to verify the provenance and support arrangements—for example, some lesser-known “pocket PC” devices have previously been plagued by poor documentation and slow patch rollouts.The Market Implications: Inspiration or Outlier?
Linglong’s folding PC is more than a miniature marvel; it’s a signal flare for what’s possible as component miniaturization and power efficiency continue to outpace legacy orthodoxy. Whether this device spawns imitators in North America or Europe remains to be seen, but the underlying trends are clear:- Traditional clamshells and tablets are losing their monopoly as high-productivity, portable workstations.
- Mechanical engineering is yielding increasingly resilient, premium small-form devices.
- The convergence of battery life, wireless standards, and desktop-class CPUs is narrowing the gap between mobile and fixed workstation experiences.
What’s Next? Hurdles to Overcome
For the pocket-sized foldable PC to move beyond niche status, several challenges must be tackled:- Global Distribution and Support: Without worldwide sales, warranty, and language options, the device will remain a curiosity for enthusiasts rather than a solution for mainstream users.
- User Interface Evolution: Integrating a pointing device or producing an optional, clip-on trackpad may solve a key usability issue.
- Customization and Expansion: Support for user-serviceable storage or memory (even via microSD or NVMe) could boost longevity and value.
- Ecosystem Partnerships: Building relationships with accessory makers, app vendors, and possibly major PC brands could accelerate acceptance.
Conclusion: A Glimpse of Portable Computing’s Next Leap
The Linglong pocket-sized foldable PC represents a remarkable technical achievement—one that compresses desktop-caliber experiences into an object that, until recently, would have been dismissed as science fiction. For travelling professionals, digital nomads, or anyone who needs to set up a full workstation in seconds, it’s a tantalizing glimpse of portable computing’s next leap.Yet, those same travelers must contend with early-adopter tradeoffs: limited distribution, infrastructure quirks, and unverified performance metrics. At the same time, this device acts as a proof point for broader industry trends: the relentless drive toward miniaturization, the steady democratization of “pro” performance, and the dissolution of old form-factor boundaries.
For now, global users can watch with a mix of envy and anticipation. Whether Linglong’s folding keyboard PC remains a regional hero or sparks a global wave of innovation—and possibly, a renaissance of the “keyboard computer”—is a story still unfolding. Until then, its existence should widen the horizons of what Windows enthusiasts expect, and what PC makers dare to deliver.
Source: TechRadar Forget laptops, this pocket-sized PC folds out into a full workstation
