Sure, let’s dive in. I mean, who even remembers the first time they messed with MSI gear, right? I think I was still using dial-up or something. Anyway, MSI—big name, lots of loud fans (the people and the things). Used them in my builds more times than I remember. They’re like that old friend who still surprises you occasionally. Turns out, they’ve been pushing mini PCs for a bit, and I, uh—totally missed it.
This came up ‘cause I got this invite to MSI’s London digs. Why London? Maybe they love crumpets. Who knows. But they’ve got these AI-packed mini PCs they’re all hyped about, running Windows 11. Had a look at the MSI Cubi NUC A1 1UM and AI+ 2MG. I was supposed to focus, but all I could overthink was, why’s everything gotta be cubi-shaped these days?
Jumping a bit here—Intel’s little NUC cubes, concept from way back in 2013. They used these chips—kinda small-talk legends among tech geeks. ASUS jumped in later, but what really caught me? MSI sticking to the “NUC” thing while others went jazzy with names. Classic, right?
Now, talking mini PCs—what’s the deal, really? Blocks with ports. Picture a curious stretched-out USB hub running Windows. But MSI’s got some angles here (literally too)—sustainability stuff. Gökhan Bodur—the MSI marketing chief (seems he laughs a lot), spilled about eco-packaging. Less plastic, more happy turtles, I guess.
Released this Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, shattering “compact” records with its tiny, uh, litres? Yeah, we measure PCs in those now. Anyway, it’s about as big as a double cheeseburger. Perfect for a monitor back, right? I think there’s even a sticky button somewhere—just slap it on, no one’ll notice.
Was gonna get into a list of ports, but I barely know which is which myself. USB-C, HDMI, etc.—all the big names. They’ve got multiple screens being juggled like pizza dough—three, four at a time. MSI’s aiming this at those fancy restaurant menus or spiffy conference rooms. Confessing, I kinda want it just to rule my desk with screens like some overlord.
Moving on—though sometimes I circle back—these mini PCs, think they’re after those places using five screens to show, like, football scores or weather maps. MSI’s jumping into that pool—splash!
MSI’s Cubi NUC options, despite these names making me feel like I’m reading another sci-fi novel, look promising. There’s this version that feels just as beefy as their portable Claw series. Isn’t that a fun image—clawing your way through tasks with a mini PC? Anyway, they demand quite the wallet pinch, starting near the number ‘949.’ Yeah, that ain’t pocket change, unless your employer’s footing the bill. Corporate love, huh?
Finally, there’s a bit of pride watching these CES projects not fade away like some tech ghosts. You ever feel that? Like, you root for the underdog tech to actually make it to stores and into hands. MSI’s mini gear might just nudge some folks to rethink what small boxes can do, maybe even pull the masses away from their laptops tethered to docks.
If you spot me in the wild with one of these, don’t act like you’re surprised.
