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Miniature Windows Operating System Bearing the Name 'Little Mac' Swipes Apple's Legendary PC Moniker

Mini PC Ayaneo Retro AM01 draws inspiration from the classic Macintosh and accommodates a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5700U chipset and up to 64 GB of memory.

Compact Windows Alternative, Mini 'Little Mac', Mirrors Apple's Powerful Personal Computer
Compact Windows Alternative, Mini 'Little Mac', Mirrors Apple's Powerful Personal Computer

Miniature Windows Operating System Bearing the Name 'Little Mac' Swipes Apple's Legendary PC Moniker

Ayaneo's Mini PC AM01 and the Retro-Inspired Revolution

In the world of compact computing, two exciting new devices have emerged, each paying homage to a different era of personal computing. The Ayaneo Mini PC AM01 and its upcoming revision, the AM01S, are modern, powerful mini PCs that draw inspiration from the retro Apple aesthetic. On the other hand, the 1984 Apple Macintosh was a groundbreaking computer that marked the dawn of GUI computing.

The Ayaneo Mini PC AM01, weighing less than a pound, is a pint-sized homage to the all-in-one computing system. It sports an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, and comes with a 1TB SSD. Connectivity options include HDMI and USB ports, making it a versatile and compact solution for various computing needs.

For those seeking even more power, the AM01S is expected, featuring more powerful AMD Ryzen processors and a fully functional attached display. This model will continue the retro Apple-inspired design with a neutral grayish body and rainbow decal, and will offer a limited edition B-Duck duck-themed finish. Pre-orders for the AM01S are set to start in August 2025, although exact availability dates are yet to be confirmed.

In comparison, the original 1984 Macintosh was a pioneering personal computer featuring a Motorola 68000 CPU at 8 MHz, 128 KB RAM, a 9-inch black-and-white CRT display, and no built-in hard drive. It had a distinctive beige case with a built-in handle and was priced around $2,495 at launch, targeting office and creative users with a graphical user interface for the first time.

Key contrasts between the Ayaneo AM01/AM01S and the original 1984 Macintosh reveal just how far we've come:

| Specification | Ayaneo AM01 / AM01S | 1984 Apple Macintosh | |--------------------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5800U or Ryzen 7/9 8xxx series | Motorola 68000 at 8 MHz | | RAM | Up to 64 GB DDR4 | 128 KB | | Storage | 1 TB SSD | None built-in (external floppy) | | Display | Attached functional LCD (AM01S), HDMI out | 9-inch B&W CRT, 512×342 | | Design | Retro Apple-inspired gray body with decal | Beige compact case with handle | | Price at launch | About $599 for AM01; AM01S pricing TBD | $2,495 (1984 USD) | | Connectivity | HDMI, USB ports | None (older serial ports for peripherals) |

The Ayaneo AM01 and especially the AM01S are modern, compact, and much more powerful mini PCs that pay homage to the retro Apple aesthetic, whereas the 1984 Macintosh was a groundbreaking but far more limited personal computer at the dawn of GUI computing.

The Ayaneo Mini PC AM01 is currently available for pre-order, with prices starting at $149 for the 3200U version during the early crowdfunding campaign, and $219 for the 5700U version. The retail price for the less powerful CPU (3200U) will be $199, and the more powerful CPU (5700U) will retail for $259. The specifications and features of the Ayaneo Slide, another product from Ayaneo, have yet to be revealed.

[1] Ayaneo Mini PC AM01 Indiegogo page: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ayaneo-mini-pc-am01 [2] Ayaneo AM01S pre-order announcement: https://www.ayaneo.com/news/ayaneo-am01s-pre-order-announced [3] Ayaneo AM01S specifications and features: https://www.ayaneo.com/products/ayaneo-am01s [4] Ayaneo AM01S pricing details: https://www.ayaneo.com/products/ayaneo-am01s#pricing [5] Ayaneo AM01S availability dates: https://www.ayaneo.com/news/ayaneo-am01s-availability-dates [knowledge] 1984 Apple Macintosh specifications and features: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_128K

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