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Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air launches in two slim metal configurations

by Mark Tyson on 28 July 2016, 10:11

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Xiaomi has officially launched a pair of Windows 10 laptops; the Mi Notebook Air 13.3-inch, and the Mi Notebook Air 12.5-inch. Just a week or so ago we saw what were claimed to be leaked slides regarding this launch and they have turned out to be wholly inaccurate in specs and pricing – but could refer to some as yet unannounced laptop(s) which will follow up these initial two offerings.

Without further ado, let's cast a glance over the specs of these machines. I've tabulated them as it's the clearest way to check over and compare the specs:

 

Mi Notebook Air 12.5

Mi Notebook Air 13.3

CPU

Intel Core M3-6Y30 2.2GHz

Intel Core i5-6200U 2.7GHz

GPU

Integrated HD Graphics 515

Nvidia GeForce 940MX, 1GB GDDR5

Memory

4GB

8GB DDR4

Storage

128GB SATA SSD

256GB PCIe SSD

Ports

USB-C 5Gb/s, USB 3.0, HDMI, Audio I/O

USB-C 5Gb/s, USB 3.0 x 2, HDMI, Audio I/O

Screen

12.5-inch 1920 x 1080

13.3-inch 1920 x 1080

Dimensions

292 x 202 x 12.9mm, 1.07Kg

310 x 211 x 14.8mm, 1.28Kg

Battery

37Wh, 11.5 hours

40Wh, 9.5 hours

Price

RMB 3499, £400

RMB 4999, £570

 

As well as the above tabulated key specs, these laptops both feature full metal bodies, backlit keyboards, Dolby Audio Premium sound (via Realtek audio chips), AKG microphones, and fast charging via their USB Type-C ports. Looking at the storage specs above, you might be happy to hear that the Mi Notebook Air 12.5-inch has a free PCIe slot for extra SSD storage, while the 13.3-inch model with its populated PCIe slot can expand storage with a 2.5-inch SATA drive. Apparently both of these expansions require a Xiaomi service centre visit.

With the above machines Xiaomi reckons it has got a good product mix to tap into what it sees as a market opportunity, offering a good balance of performance, portability and pricing. In its promotional slides Xiaomi describes how its new Windows 10 laptops "sync with Mi Cloud, & unlock with MiBand2". Furthermore it directly compares its 13.3-inch model with the corresponding MacBook Air, as it boasts a 13 per cent thinner and 11 per cent smaller body for the same screen size.

These Xiaomi laptops will hit retail in China on 2nd August. No information regarding global launch or availability has yet been released.



HEXUS Forums :: 12 Comments

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These seem to be generating a fair bit of buzz - they look great for the money, however battery life and heat dissipation seem to be amongst the largest concerns. If they can get a decent quality screen in there and not make them China-only (which is looking somewhat likely), then I'd be very interested in seeing a review. Or send me one and I'll review it for you.
urm, that's a typo: “Battery

600Wh, 11.5 hours

578Wh, 9.5 hours”

I'd love a 600Wh battery in a 12.5" device, tens of hours of battery life even with the CPU going full whack!
Why does nobody release a mid range 512gb SSD laptop instead opting for a 940M as the mid range step up.. Otherwise this would be the perfect mid range solution at Ā£400/500. Ditch the dedicated graphics, give me a bigger high speed drive and I'd have it in an instant.

I'm sure people are far more likely to need the extra storage space before they start looking for improved graphics solutions.
lowers93
I'm sure people are far more likely to need the extra storage space before they start looking for improved graphics solutions.

I think in this case their target market is the millions of DOTA players in China, which they've shown the 940M version munching through at 80+FPS, so it makes some sense. I agree though - I'd be happy with better storage and on-board graphics for how little gaming I'd be interested in doing on something this size.
CampGareth
urm, that's a typo: “Battery

600Wh, 11.5 hours

578Wh, 9.5 hours”

I'd love a 600Wh battery in a 12.5" device, tens of hours of battery life even with the CPU going full whack!

Official specs say 600Wh in the Core-M laptop model. These Core M machines have a lot of spare space in the chassis which can be used for battery cells, as we saw with the Apple MacBook. Looking at other laptop specs it could be a decimal point problem though…

But it's probably my Chinese as I seem to have quoted the energy density (per litre) - will fix it up now in the news post :)

Battery: 37Wh, 11.5 hours / 40Wh, 9.5 hours