At the beginning of the year, GPD launched the game-oriented WIN Mini 2024, boasting a compact 7-inch size and weighing only 520g. It features built-in buttons and joysticks, catering to both professional gaming and work productivity. Now, GPD has introduced the GPD Pocket 4, a product more focused on mobile productivity, engineering operations, and expandable modules to meet nearly all usage scenarios. Priced from ¥4,999 (~$680) during pre-sale, this versatile laptop with AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 300 platform seems promising. So, what makes it special, and is it worth the anticipation?
Compact and Portable Design
The GPD Pocket 4 stands out with an 8.8-inch small-screen design, measuring only 206.8mm × 144.5mm × 22.2mm (8.14 x 5.69 x 0.87 inches) and weighing 770g (~1.7 lbs)—truly a “pocket computer.”
Display and Interaction Features
The Pocket 4’s screen supports 10-point touch, featuring a 2560×1600 resolution, 97% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, 144Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits brightness—offering impressive display quality.However, the compact size necessitates a tighter keyboard layout, which compromises typing comfort compared to traditional laptops. Still, GPD has included a three-button mouse and a touchpad between the screen and keyboard for easier handling during two-handed operations.
Connectivity and Expandability
The GPD Pocket 4 includes a variety of ports:
microSD card reader
USB4Full-feature USB-C 3.2 Gen2
USB-A 3.2 Gen2
USB 2.0
HDMI 2.1
RJ45 Ethernet port
Audio jack
Power input
The modular microSD card reader is a notable feature—it can be replaced with options like RS-232, HDMI input, 4G LTE, or single-port KVM modules. These options make it versatile for industrial and professional settings, though they come at an additional cost.
Performance and Pricing
Three configurations are available:
1. Entry-level: Ryzen 7 8840U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, pre-sale price ¥4,999 (~$680).
2. Mid-tier: Ryzen AI 9 365, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, pre-sale price ¥6,500 (~$890).
3. High-end: Ryzen AI 9 HX370, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, pre-sale price ¥8,300 (~$1,140).
For most users, the Ryzen 7 8840U configuration is sufficient, offering robust CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities. It can handle most AAA games at 1080p medium settings, making it a cost-effective option, especially at pre-sale pricing.
However, the GPD Pocket 4 distinguishes itself from traditional laptops with its compact form factor, rotatable touchscreen, versatile expansion modules, and a powerful 28W Ryzen processor. It’s particularly appealing for engineers, network operators, and those in niche markets who value portability and modularity.
Verdict
While this product isn’t ideal for regular users, its unique features make it a dream device for its target audience. If brand and after-sales support aren’t concerns, the GPD Pocket 4 is undoubtedly a compelling choice.
