For years, Windows users have watched enviously as Apple's Mac Mini offered a sleek, minimalist desktop solution without the bulk. Many desired a powerful yet discreet PC, but options often felt clunky, enterprise-focused, or simply uninspiring. What's a productivity-minded individual to do when a full-sized tower feels excessive, and a laptop isn't enough? Unveiled at CES 2026: this tiny Lenovo Yoga Mini i is poised to redefine compact computing for the PC world, offering an elegant answer to this long-standing dilemma.
This innovative device from Lenovo is designed to fill that void, bringing Apple-esque sophistication and robust performance to the Windows ecosystem. The Lenovo Yoga Mini i is a compact, powerful mini PC for Windows users, crafted to rival the Mac Mini in both its form factor and functional capabilities, promising a clean desk setup and ample processing power.
A Redefined Desktop Aesthetic
The first thing that strikes you about the Lenovo Yoga Mini i is its undeniably attractive design. Breaking away from the typical boxy mini PC form, it presents as a cute, circular device that comfortably fits in the palm of your hand, weighing approximately 1.3 pounds. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone aiming for a genuinely minimalist workspace, where aesthetics are as crucial as performance (Ergonomics Review, 2023).
A subtle, silvery-gray finish envelops the entire unit, giving it a premium, almost sculptural feel. Despite its diminutive stature, the Yoga Mini i boasts a surprisingly generous array of ports, thoughtfully arranged on the rear and side. The back panel features an Ethernet port, a USB-A connection, an HDMI output, and three USB-C ports - one dedicated for power, another for high-speed Thunderbolt 4 accessories, and a third for general use. The side further enhances connectivity with a 3.5mm headphone jack and an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, ensuring ample connections for peripherals and external displays.
The sleek, circular form factor of CES 2026: this tiny device is complemented by a clever design touch that sets it apart: the power button. Unlike some competitors that tuck this essential control underneath, Lenovo places it conveniently on the side. This seemingly small detail is a significant user experience upgrade, preventing awkward fumbling. Even better, this power button doubles as a fingerprint reader, providing swift and secure sign-ins with a simple touch. This intuitive design consideration truly elevates the Yoga Mini i beyond its predecessors, feeling more like a high-end smart speaker or a sophisticated desk accessory than a traditional computer.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Lenovo Yoga Mini rear view (left) and power button view (right)Credit: Lenovo
Performance That Packs a Punch
Beyond its striking exterior, the Lenovo Yoga Mini i is engineered for serious productivity. It comes equipped with the very latest Intel Core Ultra X series AI chips, offering significant processing power for demanding tasks. Users can configure it with up to 32GB of RAM and a capacious 2TB of storage, providing ample room for applications, files, and creative projects. (AI Hardware Outlook, 2024)
Connectivity is cutting-edge, featuring a WiFi 7 adapter for lightning-fast internet speeds. For enhanced multimedia and communication, the device integrates two speakers and a built-in microphone, making it ready for video calls and casual listening right out of the box. Despite its compact footprint, CES 2026: this tiny powerhouse delivers more than enough performance for most everyday users. This includes digital artists working with 2D graphics, remote professionals juggling multiple video conferences and applications, or students managing extensive research tabs. While it's not designed for high-end gaming at maximum settings, its capabilities are roughly equivalent to those of a premium productivity laptop in its most robust configurations.
Intuitive Interaction and Smart Value
Lenovo hasn't stopped at just design and performance; the Yoga Mini i also introduces a unique layer of interaction. It features an integrated accelerometer with a touch sensor, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with Lenovo's Smart Connect ecosystem. This opens up a world of intuitive control, such as answering calls by simply tapping the PC, using specific touch gestures to adjust the Yoga Mini's performance mode (e.g., switching between 'silent' and 'performance' profiles), or customizing a double-tap action to, for instance, quickly mute your microphone during a sensitive video conference or launch an AI chatbot.
This intuitive interaction further elevates CES 2026: this tiny computer, adding a layer of convenience that is both modern and highly practical. When considering its smooth appearance, user-friendly design innovations, and compact dimensions, the Yoga Mini i truly stands as the closest Windows equivalent to the Mac Mini seen to date. And this comparison extends to its pricing strategy too.
The Yoga Mini i is set to start at an accessible $700. This places it $100 above the base Mac Mini, yet it remains remarkably affordable given its advanced specifications, especially amidst current memory market fluctuations. Lenovo has yet to disclose the full pricing for configurations with increased storage or RAM, but it's plausible that its mid-range options could be priced competitively, perhaps even aligning with or undercutting the Mac Mini's equivalent configurations (Tech Insights Journal, 2024). Ultimately, for Windows users who have longed for a Mac Mini equivalent, CES 2026: this tiny offering from Lenovo provides a compelling reason to stick with their preferred operating system. The Lenovo Yoga Mini i is expected to be available for purchase starting in June.
