This round mini PC is big on personality - here's why I recommend it

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The image above is not an Apple Mac Mini or even the Satechi CubeDock . It's Lenovo's new compact PC, the Yoga Mini Gen 11 , featuring a round form factor and some unique features. It's definitely one of the smaller PCs I've tested, with respectable hardware designed for everyday, mainstream use.

Its design is interesting: the aluminum exterior helps dissipate heat effectively, allowing the system to maintain high performance for extended periods. Plus, its diminutive size makes it ideal for cramped workspaces, but comes with its own set of challenges, as well.

Also: This Lenovo Yoga rivaled my MacBook Air in ways I didn't expect it to

What's particularly interesting, however, is its set of features I've never seen on a mini PC before. Its this combination of hardware and software that helps the 11th-Gen Yoga Mini carve out its own identity in a crowded market -- even if it's not a performance powerhouse.

The Lenovo Yoga Mini Gen 11 is an impressive machine, capable of tackling many different workloads, but it's not a powerhouse.