Recently, there have been mentions in the article comments and backend inquiries about a new product launched by Xiaomi:Xiaomi Mini Host. This mini computer is based on Intel’s NUC mini computer technology, using the 12th generation Core i5 1240P processor, 40W power release, with a super rich interface, and is significantly cheaper than a 12th generation Core laptop, making it a new choice for users who have a screen (monitor, HDTV, etc.) but want to replace their new platform host at a low cost!▲ However, interestingly, the official price of 3999 yuan is announced on JD’s self-operated platform with a pre-order price of 3799 yuan on December 20 — but JD has directly lowered the price to 3698 yuan, below the first launch pre-order price.We do not yet know what the problem is, but one possibility is that the pre-order volume does not seem to meet expectations (JD shows that only 5034 people have pre-ordered, and as a “no-cost pre-order opportunity,” the actual number of people who pay will be much less), so JD actively lowered the price. It is clear that consumers seem to have “different opinions” about this product!In fact, when readers inquired about me earlier, I had already stated my position: this machine seems to have not found a clear positioning and direction, and the price is not very competitive. What exactly is the situation? Let’s take a look at our analysis:▲Xiaomi Mini Host is based on Intel’s NUC technology, and the design is mature, with the motherboard equipped on both sides with 4+8/16 of i5 1240P processor and cooling device (providing 40W of power output), as well as two DDR4 3200 memory, and one M.2 SSD.▲ The front interface has two 10Gbps bandwidth (one of which supports charging while off) USB ports, and one 3.5mm composite audio port.▲ The back has up to two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two HDMI2.1 ports, one 10Gbps bandwidth USB port and one 2.5Gbps wired network port, and even a USB2.0 port specifically for connecting a keyboard and mouse!In terms of interface specifications, Xiaomi Mini Host is indeed “fully loaded”!But the problem lies here: Intel provides the most complete NUC solution, and manufacturers can adjust according to their actual positioning needs. Some computers are industrial control — then they need many old empty industrial control interfaces; some are aimed at minimal office, so the interfaces can be greatly reduced. But what is the positioning of Xiaomi Mini Host? I really don’t understand it!● First of all, we need to point out that this kind of computer is not meant to connect to a large screen TV, it is not an audio-visual entertainment machine — the demand for audio-visual entertainment machines no longer exists; a two or three hundred yuan Android box, or even without an Android box, the TV itself can become an audio-visual entertainment center, and to play local HD or ultra HD, it can be connected to a mobile hard drive or U disk.
● If it’s for minimal office use, then these luxurious, high-spec interfaces are clearly wasted. It could completely omit two Thunderbolt 4 ports and replace them with one 10Gbps bandwidth USB Type-C port, and the USB port could also be changed from 10Gbps bandwidth to 5Gbps bandwidth. After all, the minimal office form should aim to reduce costs and prices as much as possible — but at the current price, adding a few hundred yuan can buy a i5 1240P laptop, which has no competitive advantage.
▲ Xiaomi has designed a “multi-screen office” positioning, but it doesn’t need so many luxurious interfaces. “Who cares!? I just want to use it fast and comfortably,” OK, you have so many luxurious interfaces, but there is no rear audio interface, which is also very strange. Regarding the audio part, let’s continue reading!● So, should it be positioned for “graphic designers” (not a discrete graphics model, cannot do 3D design)? But do designers not listen to music? No audio-visual entertainment? The back panel of this machine does not have standard red and green audio interfaces, only a front 3.5mm composite audio port, but I really don’t believe that designers only use headphones to listen to music.Some may argue: the front 3.5mm can also connect speakers! But connecting computer speakers from the front interface is neither beautiful nor convenient — if you occasionally need to use a headset for meetings, what should you do? You have to switch back and forth?Some readers may say: Uncle, your knowledge structure is too outdated, HDMI can output sound, and monitors with built-in speakers can produce sound! So the question arises — how many true designers are satisfied with enjoying audio-visual content using the monitor’s speakers? Is that quality acceptable?● An audio-visual entertainment center? More negative! As mentioned earlier, there is a problem with the audio interface. Moreover, this machine does not even have a second hard drive slot, so it cannot expand the hard drive space (whether it is SSD or HDD) — it seems that some sacrifices have indeed been made!
● As for the scenario designed by Xiaomi, “external graphics card box for professional rendering” ▼, that is even more nonsense: external graphics cards have significant performance loss (no matter what interface you use); moreover, external graphics card box solutions are very expensive; and “professional rendering” uses i5 1240P such a high-performance lightweight processor to match high-end discrete graphics for rendering? How many people have actually used it?
▲ It is already 2022, let’s stop using external graphics card boxes to fool people.Some may say that I am too picky about the positioning issues of this machine, but some may say: can’t one buy a small mini computer with that budget?Sure! Then obviously, we have better choices:First, there are similar mini computers with similar designs that are much cheaper;Second, if you want to pursue a small mini computer for convenience and tidiness, then I recommend considering mini computer hosts like Dell OptiPlex 3000MFF/7000MFF which are book-sized — at least they can install two hard drives ( 3000 series is M.2+2.5 inches, 7000 series is dual M.2). Moreover, these mini computers also have built-in speakers, providing a complete experience regardless of what cheap monitor is connected. Most importantly, these computers are very cheap: i5 12500T/2×8GB DDR4 3200/512GB SSD high-end OptiPlex 7000MFF is only 3860 yuan (including tax), and the 3000 series will be even cheaper!▲ Enlarging the picture, the OptiPlex 7000MFF interface specifications are also very high:4 10Gbps USB ports, 2 5Gbps ports, Type-C is 20Gbps and comes with 2 DP ports.Moreover, this small computer has various “space-saving” placement forms ▼, isn’t that much better than just placing it on the table?
Of course, the Xiaomi Mini Host is not without value and advantages; it is very suitable for elites in the financial industry, allowing them to light up four screens, with stock market information and investment information flowing — this solution is quite economical!
▲ This is what I consider the most suitable application: building three or even four 4K screens for multi-information browsing.
In summary: Intel invented the NUC mini host gameplay and provided many reference designs, hoping manufacturers can make adjustments based on their positioning needs. However, the Xiaomi Mini Host seems to have “not walked a clear enough path”!
Editor: Uncle Niu：
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