This can be explained as a piece of computer hardware complete with a functional keyboard and other components that can fit inside your pocket. That is precisely what the Minisforum S100 provides to its users. Minisforum, a company known for space and efficiency, has introduced a small but mighty device, perfect for computer enthusiasts who want a portable, high-performance machine. Whether at the workplace, at home, or when commuting, the Minisforum S100 ensures that computing has never been as flexible as it is today.

The Pocket-Sized Wonder: Dimensions and Design

The first thing that will grab your attention immediately about the Minisforum S100 is the size. This mini-PC weighs only 1.3lbs and measures only 152mm x 58mm x 19.5mm (about 5.98 x 2.28 x 0.77 inches) which is as compact as a smartphone. Due to its simple and elegant look it is easily portable and can easily fit in your bag or your pockets. You could take your workstation anywhere you need, and transform virtually any screen into a full-fledged computer in a matter of seconds.

Credit: Minisforum

Performance Powered by Intel N100

Screw driving, the Minisforum S100 has Intel N100 chip which is a power-efficient processor with foundation on Intel’s Alder Lake-N platform. The N100 is a quad core processor in class capable of navigating, web browsing and most of the productivity applications. There is the boost clock speed of up to 3.4 GHz, and 8GB LPDDR5-4800 RAM which makes it very useful for Its functionalities. Whether you are coding, writing, drawing, editing documents, watching movies or episodes, or even running simple applications, the S100 meets all of these expectations.

Credit: Minisforum

But like any compact computing solution, there is the question of the trade-off. The Minisforum S100 is equipped with either 256GB of UFS 2.1 storage – this is adequate for read and write speeds of up to 850MB/S 260MB/s but are outdone by the quick NVMe storage that is currently available in some larger PCs. As you will read later on, this is one of the tradeoffs you are going to have to make to keep the S100 as transportable as it is.

Credit: Minisforum

Connectivity That Packs a Punch

However, this miniform S100 device has a lot of I/O connections to provide high connectivity. As we established earlier there are various ways which are available to marry these peripherals as well as to expand the functionality. The most remarkable element is its integration of Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Feature

The S100 can get its power supply from the Ethernet cable, this in a way that it only requires the cable to connect it to the internet. This, in my view, differentiates it from other compact PCs in the market because it does not require many cables, which comes handy in twenty-first-century homes where space is limited as is the availability of power outlets. For example, consider installing a setup in a small office or digital signage at a mall — some PoE can make the confusing mass of cords all so simple.

Versatile Port Options

The Minisforum S100 is equipped with the following ports:

• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (supports Alt Data DP and Power Delivery)
• They include 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port for peripherals.
• Video output port which is HDMI 2.0
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 that supports PoE

Also, the S100 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 to guarantee you the best wireless standards available.

The HDMI and the Type-C ports support dual 4K resolution at a refresh rate of 60Hz that can be incredibly useful in multitasking. You might be using the computer to give a presentation on one monitor and work through a set of tables on the other – the S100 is designed to deal with any kind of situation that you can come up with.

Efficiency at its Best: Cooling System and Power

The general form factor of Minisforum is small, and this means that heat dissipation should be a challenge: it is a challenge that Minisforum does not take lightly. The S100’s sophisticated fan blower features very thin cutting edges for efficient cooling. It is a cooling fan which is efficient without being noisy, the sounds intensity at idle is 24dB and at full load 43dB. This makes the S100 perfect for such working environment as a home office or a shared space with other workers.

Credit: Minisforum

Dual 4K Display Capabilities

The most charming aspect of the Minisforum S100 is that it comes bundled with an ability to handle two 4K monitors. Can you imagine connecting the S100 to a couple of the 4K monitors and making the productivity or even entertainment area fantastic and packed with powerful tools? HDMI 2.0 is capable of delivering a 4K display at 60Hz through either the HDMI port, as well as the USB Type-C port to guarantee high definitions without any dropping. USB Type-C port with the USB PD capability – if an appropriate monitor is connected to the S100, it will be able to power the device, which removes unnecessary cables and adaptors where feasible.

Credit: Minisforum

Real-World Use Cases for the Minisforum S100

Even in its highest end configuration, the Minisforum S100 serves a purpose in many settings and is a good piece of kit. Some examples include:

• Digital Signage: This feature makes S100 appropriate for use in shopping malls, airport and restaurants for digital signage purposes. This device integrates power and data into a single cable, simplifying installation.
• Home Entertainment: Easily take S100 to any room and transform any TV or projector into a smart home entertainment hub. Enthusiast for multimonitor configurations and watch your programs in high definition.
• Office Environments: This makes it easy for remote workers to transport their workstation anywhere they go. Equipped with multiple USB ports and an Ethernet connection, this device can power printers, USB drives, and other USB devices, ensuring productivity during mobile work.
• Educational Use: This small form factor makes it possible for form educators, as well as students, to use it for learning purposes or as a presentation tool provided it supports monitor or projector connections.

Credit: Minisforum

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very small suitcase but very easy to carry
• An integrating PoE option
• It supports Dual 4K display at 60Hz
• Low noise production with effective cooling
• Rather reasonable performance with Intel N100 processor and 8 GB of RAM installed

Cons:

• Storage is fixed and can not be expanded (UFS 2.1, 256GB)
• Limited to single-channel RAM
• No support for NVMe storage

Pricing and Availability

Currently, the Minisforum S100 is available for about £179 or about $192. Though not yet officially released on its global webpage, the unboxing video confirms the device’s launch in Japan and other countries. The company has also slightly discounted the device from its original price.

With this in mind, and given the price for what the S100 proclaims, one cannot dismiss the fact that this is one of the best value, mini-PCs on the market for those who prefer style and function in equal measure.

Conclusion: Who is the Minisforum S100 For?

All in all, the Minisforum S100 is ideal for anyone who needs organised computing, without necessarily needing a large, cumbersome machine. It is a good solution for use in digital signages, low demand general purpose usage, home entertainment and light business use. But if you really need more storage or a bit more computing power the S100 will not be the right thing for you.

If the idea of a portable and versatile pocket computer, which allows for effective work both at home and at the office, then the Minisforum S100 is exactly what you were looking for.