After a six-year wait, the specialist’s choice for a go-anywhere computer is back. GPD has pulled the wraps off the MicroPC 2, a significant and long-awaited update to the beloved ultra-compact device first released in 2019.

For years, professionals have been asking when the MicroPC would receive a true successor. The original device carved out a loyal following among IT technicians, network engineers, and field specialists who valued its unique combination of features. Its compact chassis, extensive I/O ports, thumb-typing-friendly layout, and the satisfying tactile response of its keyboard made it an indispensable mini laptop for industry. Now, the GPD MicroPC 2 has arrived to carry that torch, promising a modern performance overhaul within a familiar and refined package.

Evolving the Form Factor

While the announcement positions the MicroPC 2 against its own lineage, the physical evolution is noteworthy. GPD has managed to expand the screen from 6 inches to a more generous 7-inch panel. Despite this larger display, the device’s overall weight has only increased by approximately 50 grams, preserving its exceptional portability.

This new iteration remains true to the design principles of its predecessor: a compact, low-consumption, and highly portable micro PC. It successfully maintains the ergonomic grip and integrated controls that users praised, ensuring that the new model feels both fresh and familiar. It is very similar in looks to the GPD Pocket 4 but a smaller form factor.

Under the Hood: The Intel N250 Core

The most significant upgrade is found in the processing power. The GPD MicroPC 2 is the world’s first 7-inch handheld computer to integrate the Intel Processor N250, running on a full Windows 11 24H2 Pro system. This chip is engineered for high efficiency and low power draw, operating within a 6 to 15W TDP, which allows for powerful yet quiet operation.

The Intel N250’s advantage lies in its modern architecture. It employs four “E-cores” (Efficiency Cores) from Intel’s Gracemont microarchitecture, the same power-efficient cores found in the company’s hybrid designs since the 12th generation. These cores are optimized to handle background and multi-threaded tasks with remarkable energy efficiency. The result is a threefold increase in CPU performance compared to the previous MicroPC’s N4120 processor when operating at 15W. In Geekbench 6 tests, the single-core score of the N250 impressively outpaces the multi-core score of the older chip.

The graphics capabilities have also been substantially enhanced. The N250’s integrated UHD core graphics, featuring 32 Execution Units and a frequency of up to 1.25 GHz, deliver a fivefold increase in GPU performance over the first-generation model. This makes the new GPD mini laptop far more capable for visually intensive tasks like multimedia presentations.

Memory and Storage: Built for Speed and Scale

Supporting the new processor is 16GB of LPDDR5 memory clocked at 4800 MT/s. With a memory bandwidth of 38.4GB/s, the system is equipped to handle numerous applications running concurrently, ensuring a smooth and fluid workflow without lag or congestion.

In a first for the series, GPD has engineered the motherboard to support double-sided SSDs, effectively removing storage limitations. The device ships with a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD on a PCIe Gen3x4 bus, capable of peak read/write speeds up to 3.94GB/s. However, users can now install much larger-capacity drives, including 8TB double-sided models, completely eliminating any “capacity anxiety” and greatly boosting work efficiency.

A Promising Future

In summary, the GPD MicroPC 2 presents itself as a thoughtful and powerful evolution of a classic design. The substantial upgrades to the CPU, GPU, RAM, and screen, combined with the groundbreaking new support for limitless storage expansion, make it a compelling proposition for both returning fans and newcomers.

We will continue to update this article with further details, including pricing and availability, as they are released. We invite you to share your first impressions of the GPD MicroPC 2 in the comments below.