Sipeed Unveils Lichee Console 4A A New Mini-Laptop Featuring RISC-V Power
Sipeed, a prominent player in the RISC-V hardware arena, has announced the upcoming release of the Lichee Console 4A, a compact mini-laptop boasting a 7-inch display and powered by a RISC-V processor. The Lichee Console 4A is the latest addition to Sipeed's diverse lineup of RISC-V products, all of which rely on the company's LM4A compute module. 
While the laptop's design may seem familiar, reminiscent of existing models used by Chinese PC manufacturers, the Lichee Console 4A stands out as a brand-new device beneath the surface. It is just one of the shells available for the LM4A compute module, and its specifications set it apart in the mini-laptop category.
The heart of the Lichee Console 4A is the LM4A module, featuring an Alibaba TH1520 chip with four XuanTie C910 RISC-V processor cores, reaching speeds up to 1.85 GHz. The module also packs 16GB of LPDDR4X memory and 128GB of eMMC storage, with the added flexibility of expanding storage through an M.2 slot for faster SSD options.
The mini-laptop showcases a 7-inch capacitive touch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, complemented by a 72-key keyboard featuring a "RedPoint" stick in the middle, reminiscent of Lenovo's "TrackPoint." Encased in an aluminum alloy shell, the Lichee Console 4A includes a variety of ports, such as USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, mini HDMI, microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, it supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5, with a 3,000 mAh/7.6V battery powering the system.
Measuring at 180 x 140 x 20mm and weighing 650 grams, the Lichee Console 4A is positioned as a device for developers, hackers, RISC-V enthusiasts, and early adopters. Sipeed asserts that the mini-laptop is capable of running Linux-based operating systems, including Debian and PolyOS, and supports VSCode.
As the RISC-V architecture continues to gain traction in the tech community, the Lichee Console 4A provides an intriguing platform for developers seeking a compact device with a built-in keyboard, screen, and touchpad. Although the compatibility and performance may not match those of mainstream processors, the mini-laptop is well-suited for testing and developing software or serving as a terminal for remote access to cloud or local network systems.
Sipeed has revealed that the Lichee Console 4A is set to begin shipping soon, with availability on AliExpress expected in a few weeks. Potential customers can secure a discount by placing a $10 deposit, and the company estimates a starting price of $299, although clarification is needed on whether this includes the discount.
