A Journey of Bringing Portability to Desktop AIO PC: The Experience & Key Learning

The Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated a shift towards online work and learning, creating a demand for computing devices that balance mobility with performance and screen size. Addressing this need, a team from Intel Malaysia with funding from the Malaysia Design Center Innovation Fund developed a Proof of Concept (POC) called Alma City. This innovative Thin Mobile All-In-One (AIO) desktop PC prototype combines the benefits of a large screen and high computing power with the convenience of portability within the home. Alma City features a 21.6" 4K OLED display, an 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor mobile CPU, an Intel Arc GPUs (codenamed "Alchemist"), and a 36 Whr battery pack. Despite its impressive capabilities, the device is only 11.4 mm thick, weighs under 3 kg, and includes a strap for easy carrying, allowing users to move it around the house as needed. The rubber feet double as strap holders, enhancing its portability. This system is designed to redefine the AIO desktop PC form factor, offering a solution for users who need to transition between workspaces at home without interrupting their tasks, such as video editing. This Portable AIO represents a significant step in meeting the evolving demands for computing devices in a post-pandemic world.