UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), a product type that was once considered “in the wrong era”, has suddenly come back to life recently. From Windows handheld computers, mini laptops, to foldable hybrid devices, every manufacturer seems to be rethinking what a “truly portable work computer” should look like? This time, Japan’s TENKU Pocket 8 is launched – a Windows 11 Pro pocket computer equipped with Intel Core i3-N305, an 8-inch screen, and supports 360-degree flipping.
Is 360° flipping not a gimmick but the real answer for UMPC?
The biggest selling point of TENKU Pocket 8 is that it uses a complete 360-degree rotating shaft, which can be flipped over and clamped to become a tablet. Today, when Windows handheld devices begin to emphasize “multi-mode”, TENKU obviously hopes to integrate work and entertainment into one device.
The 8-inch, 1920×1200 resolution also means that it is more usable than the average 7-inch handheld computer. For many people who often travel on location, write manuscripts, do SEO, or people like me who can open the WordPress backend everywhere, this size is more practical than a 13-inch laptop.
Core i3-N305: Low power but no toy CPU
Many people will frown when they see N-series processors, but this Intel Core i3-N305 actually has a very special positioning. It has 8 cores and 8 threads, a maximum Turbo speed of 3.8GHz, and an Intel UHD Graphics GPU (up to about 1.25GHz). At first glance, you can tell that it is not designed for 3A games, but is designed for part-time word processors. However, it can still do light work of video editing, so it can be regarded as a “truly working portable PC.”
The official version is also directly paired with Windows 11 Pro instead of the Home version, which means that it is originally targeted at the enterprise and professional market. If you only use it for writing, editing TikTok, remote NAS or VPS, this CPU is completely sufficient.
16GB LPDDR5+512GB SSD, specifications are OK
TENKU directly provides a combination of 16GB LPDDR5-4800 RAM and 512GB SSD. In the UMPC field, 16GB is almost the watershed of “can it be used”, because Chrome multi-open, AI tools, local models and even Photoshop will directly eat up the memory.
In addition, official data shows that it weighs about 658g, is about 17.9mm thinnest, has a 3800mAh battery, and claims about 6 hours of use time. To be honest, Windows devices claim “6 hours” of battery life, but actual use usually costs 30% off.
On the contrary, USB-C PD fast charging support is more important, otherwise it will be ruined if the charger is leaked while going out.
Japanese price revealed, is UMPC still a high-end toy?
Japanese retail channels have already listed the price in advance at 94,800 yen (tax included), which is about NT$12,000 Taiwan dollars, HK$2,900 Hong Kong dollars and RM3,400 Malaysian ringgit. This price is not cheap, but UMPC is inherently a niche market.
But if you start to get tired of “the phone doesn’t work and the laptop is too heavy”, this kind of AI workflow, remote cloud, SEO editing, video post-production, it seems that there is nothing wrong with investing in a little “eating guy”.