Lenovo Yoga Mini i: Intel's Panther Lake Powers a Hockey Puck-Shaped Mini PC

Lenovo is taking a bold design approach with its latest mini PC, the Yoga Mini i, which trades the traditional boxy form factor for a distinctive round chassis that resembles a large hockey puck—albeit one that's silver and equipped with a glowing RGB light strip on the bottom.

First unveiled in January, the Yoga Mini i is now available in China with a US launch expected in June. The mini PC represents Lenovo's first foray into the compact desktop market powered by Intel's new Panther Lake processors, and it brings several unique features that blur the line between desktop and laptop computing.

Dual Processor Options with Panther Lake

The Yoga Mini i will be available with two different Intel Panther Lake processor configurations. The entry-level model features the Intel Core Ultra 5 325, an octa-core chip with a 4-core Intel Graphics integrated GPU, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory soldered to the mainboard. For users needing more power, higher-end configurations come with the Core Ultra X7 358H, a 16-core processor with a 12-core Intel Arc B390 iGPU, and 32GB of RAM.

Both models ship with LPDDR5x-8533 memory that's soldered directly to the motherboard, meaning RAM is not user-upgradeable. However, Lenovo has included an M.2 slot for user-replaceable storage, supporting up to 2TB SSDs. Currently listed configurations include 512GB and 1TB options. The system also features an M.2 slot for a WiFi 7 + Bluetooth 6.0 card, ensuring future-proof connectivity.

Compact Design with Laptop-Like Features

Measuring just 130 x 130 x 48.6mm (5.12" x 5.12" x 1.91") with a volume of 0.65 liters and weighing only 600 grams (about 1.3 pounds), the Yoga Mini i is remarkably compact for a desktop computer. Despite its small size, Lenovo has packed in several features typically found in laptops.

The mini PC includes a built-in microphone and a 2-watt mono speaker, enabling voice assistant interactions and audio calls without requiring external peripherals. A fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button adds an extra layer of security and convenience. These features make the Yoga Mini i particularly well-suited for home office setups or as a secondary computer in living spaces.

Smart Features and Connectivity

One of the most intriguing features is the WiFi sensing capability, which allows the system to wake automatically from sleep when someone enters the room. This works by monitoring changes in nearby wireless signals as your body moves through them—a clever use of existing hardware that adds convenience without additional sensors.

The RGB lighting on the bottom of the chassis isn't just for show. Users can configure these lights to change colors based on incoming messages or system status changes, providing visual notifications without needing to check the screen.

For connectivity, the Yoga Mini i offers a comprehensive port selection:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1
• 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN
• 1 x 3.5mm audio

This port selection ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and displays, making the Yoga Mini i versatile enough for various use cases from productivity to entertainment.

Market Position and Availability

The Yoga Mini i represents an interesting addition to the growing mini PC market, particularly as one of the first systems to feature Intel's Panther Lake processors. Its unique design and feature set position it as a premium option in the compact desktop category, competing with systems from Apple, HP, and other manufacturers.

While pricing details for the US market haven't been announced yet, the Yoga Mini i is already available in China, giving us a preview of what to expect. The combination of Intel's latest mobile processors, thoughtful features like WiFi sensing and RGB notifications, and the distinctive hockey puck design makes this an intriguing option for users looking for a compact desktop that doesn't compromise on functionality.

The Yoga Mini i demonstrates how mini PCs are evolving beyond simple compact desktops into sophisticated computing devices that can serve as central hubs in modern home and office environments. With its laptop-like features, smart capabilities, and powerful Intel processors, Lenovo has created a mini PC that could appeal to users who want desktop performance without the traditional desktop footprint.