The market is flooded with mini desktop PCs, and with countless pitches from lesser-known companies, it’s rare for a unique concept to capture my attention. That’s why Khadas, a company unfamiliar to me, surprised me with the Khadas Mind—a mini PC that immediately intrigued me.
Despite its compact size, it delivers robust performance, and the promise of an accessory ecosystem is truly exciting. There are some minor heat and sound issues to contend with, but overall, this is an impressive machine. While it may be a tad expensive, the offerings are difficult to overlook.
Why Choose Khadas Mind?
1. Design: Sleek, Portable, and Innovative
The Khadas Mind is a testament to compact design and powerful performance. In a chassis smaller than the Mac Mini, it manages to house a 28W P-series processor, offering a remarkable blend of portability and performance. Weighing less than a pound, it’s incredibly easy to carry in your hand or pocket.
To keep this tiny powerhouse running cool, the Khadas Mind features large vents on both sides, ensuring efficient airflow. While it does get warm during extended use, the cooling solution proves adequate. The front of the PC is minimal, featuring only a power button with an indicator light.
2. Connectivity: Ports and the Mind Link
Most of the ports are located at the back of the Khadas Mind, including two USB Type-C ports supporting USB4, two USB Type-A ports boasting 10Gbps speeds, and HDMI. Oddly, there’s no headphone jack on the main unit, although Bluetooth can always fill that gap.
However, the real innovation lies in the custom 122-pin connection known as Mind Link, located at the bottom. This unique feature sets the Khadas Mind apart, as it enables a range of accessories that expand the PC’s capabilities. Currently, the Mind Dock is available, with more options like the Mind Graphics (external Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU) and Mind xPlay (a display that transforms the PC into a tablet or 2-in-1) on the horizon.
Connecting accessories via Mind Link is a breeze, thanks to magnetic connectors that ensure a secure and hassle-free connection. With 10,000 cycles of plugging and unplugging, this feature is built to last. Additionally, the PC’s underside houses a door providing access to an extra PCIe 3.0 SSD slot, offering expandable storage options.
3. Mobility and Standby Battery
What truly sets the Khadas Mind apart is its built-in 5.55Wh standby battery. This battery isn’t meant for extended use but serves as a standby power source. It allows you to unplug the PC without powering it down, automatically entering sleep mode. This feature caters to users who switch between multiple workspaces, making it convenient for those on the move. The standby battery can keep the PC in sleep mode for up to 5 hours, perfect for commuting.
4. Performance: Laptop Power in a Mini PC
Despite its diminutive size, the Khadas Mind packs laptop-grade processors from Intel’s P-series. With a base TDP of 28W (up to 35W on demand), it offers impressive performance. The compact chassis can get warm during extended use, but it doesn’t significantly affect performance.
The Khadas Mind Premium variant, featuring an Intel Core i7-1360P with 12 cores and 16 threads, offers exceptional processing power. Paired with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD (non-user replaceable), it delivers robust performance for various tasks, from office work to light image editing.
5. Mind Dock: Expanding Possibilities
The Mind Dock is a crucial part of the Khadas Mind ecosystem, providing additional ports and functionality. It adds a plethora of ports, including a USB Type-C port for power delivery, USB Type-A ports, HDMI ports, RJ45 Ethernet, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. This extensive connectivity ensures you can connect multiple displays and peripherals with ease.
One standout feature of the Mind Dock is its audio system, comprising two mid-bass speakers and two tweeters that deliver impressive sound quality. Although there’s a minor audio delay issue, a firmware update has improved the situation. The dock also includes a volume knob and a fingerprint scanner for Windows Hello authentication, adding convenience to your desktop setup.
The Khadas Mind and Mind Dock work seamlessly together, offering a compact yet powerful desktop experience. While the PC’s port selection may feel limited, the Mind Dock more than compensates for it.
What's in the Box
Khadas Mind:
- Khadas Mind mini PC*1
- USB C to USB C cable*1
- USB C AC adapter*1
Khadas Mind Dock (optional purchase):
- Khadas Mind Dock docking station*1
Mind Graphics (optional purchase):
- Mind Graphics*1
- AC Power Cable*1
Tech Specs (Khadas Mind Premium):
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1360P (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 5GHz)
- Memory: 32GB DDR5-5200MT/s (soldered)
- Storage: 1TB SSD (non-user replaceable)
- Weight: 438g (PC), 113g (Power Supply)
How is it doing on Kickstarter?
Launch time: 2023/08/24
Pledged In 24 Hours: HK$1,427,779
Backers In 24 Hours: 145
24 Hours To Reach Goal: 3569%
Prediction on Kickstarter: HK$7,209,461
During the Kickstarter campaign, the Khadas Mind starts at $599 for the regular model and $799 for the Premium model. Once launched, the regular model will be priced at $799, and the Premium model will be $1,099.
The Mind Dock, a featured accessory, is available at $129 during the early bird period and will retail for $179 afterward.
What to know more about Khadas Mind? Check on Kickstarter now!
In the competitive world of mini PCs, the Khadas Mind manages to stand out with its innovation and potential. Its compact design, powerful processors, and unique Mind Link interface open up new possibilities for users. While the PC can get warm during use and the audio delay is a minor annoyance, the overall experience is impressive.
The Khadas Mind may be considered slightly pricey for its offerings, but it’s hard not to appreciate the convenience and innovation it brings to the table. As Khadas continues to expand its ecosystem with accessories like the Mind Graphics and Mind xPlay, the Khadas Mind represents a glimpse into the future of versatile computing.
