The Zepan RY-P1, powered by Windows 11, might resemble a smartphone or even a hard drive at first glance, but it’s actually a mini PC that’s about to become a reality after surpassing its crowdfunding target by an astonishing margin.
This ultra-lightweight device, labeled a ‘true mobile office’ by its creators, weighs merely 140g, which is approximately the weight of a small rice ball. Its dimensions are equally impressive, measuring at just 122 x 63 x 10mm, making it even smaller than Apple’s 6.1-inch iPhone 15, which itself boasts dimensions of 148 x 72 x 7.8mm.
At the time of writing, the makers of the RY-P1 have exceeded their original crowdfunding goal by a staggering 3,200%, amassing over $43,000. This success ensures that this compact mini PC is slated to ship by December 2023.
The Zepan RY-P1 mini PC falls into the entry-level category, but its size alone is a remarkable feature. Equipped with an Intel J4125 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics 600, it’s further bolstered by 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128GB SSD for storage. The device supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6, with the capability to handle outputs up to 4K at 60Hz.
In terms of connectivity, it includes a USB-C port, a USB 2.0 port, and a microSD card slot. However, with the addition of an expansion dock, users can access four additional ports, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, and HDMI.
The creators of RY-P1 emphasize the growing need for mobile work solutions, stating, “In recent years, opportunities to work outside the home, such as on business trips or workdays, have increased, but many people may be having trouble managing important company and personal files. Laptops are heavy, and external hard disks can’t be carried around.”
The RY-P1 mini PC offers a solution to this problem. It’s designed with compactness in mind, easily fitting into a pocket, making it a perfect companion for business trips or remote work. Unlike external hard drives, there’s no need for cumbersome data transfers. You can start it up anytime and anywhere, enabling you to get to work swiftly. The RY-P1 truly embodies the concept of a mobile office.
Furthermore, Zepan is taking innovation a step further by providing some backers with a complimentary portable tablet-sized display that the mini PC can neatly slot into. This development hints at the possibility of seeing compatible smartphone-sized touchscreen displays in the future, potentially transforming the RY-P1 into a fully-fledged Windows 11 smartphone.
