The NiPogi AK-1 Plus is a great choice for anyone just getting into photography and on a budget. This small Mini PC’s compactness at 270x150x60mm and weight of around 300g makes it a discreet and easy-to-adjust computing solution.
However, convenience aside, this machine should really only be considered if you work with JPEG image files and standard HD video content, as while the CPU and system have some power, you’ll definitely notice a slow down with high-resolution imagery or complex editing needs.
Inside, the Intel N100 CPU, 1TB hard drive, and 16GB RAM offer a solid foundation for newcomers. However, its entry-level status is evident in its performance, especially under demanding applications such as Photoshop and running DaVinci or Premiere Pro with anything other than standard HD footage can be a challenge.
However, this is an entry-level machine and perfect for starting your photography journey without a big investment; the AK-1 Plus is a smart choice for casual users and amateur photographers alike.
For
Compact design
Easy setup, user-friendly
Affordable price point
Against
Limited JPEG performance
Basic HD video capabilities
Entry-level processing power
What is the NiPogi AK-1 Plus?
The NiPogi AK-1 Plus is a Mini PC tailored for those new to photography or in need of a compact computing solution. This device stands out for its small footprint, measuring just 270x150x60mm and weighing approximately 300 grams.
It is designed as a standalone system but can integrate seamlessly with various peripherals and accessories due to its range of ports. With an Intel N100 CPU, 1TB hard drive, and 16GB RAM, it’s suited for basic photo editing and HD video tasks, making it an ideal choice for beginners in photography and casual users.
Its affordability and ease of setup also make it an attractive option for those on a budget or with limited space. While it’s capable of handling everyday tasks and basic creative work, its performance is more aligned with entry-level expectations, especially for intensive applications in photography and video editing.
Specification
Processor: Intel N100 CPU
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 1TB Hard Drive
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Operating System: Preinstalled Windows
Connectivity: wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports: Multiple, including HDMI and USB
Dimensions: 270mm x 150mm x 60mm
Weight: Approximately 300 grams
Build and Handling
The NiPogi AK-1 Plus Mini PC boasts a compact and stylish design. Its dimensions of 270x150x60mm and a weight of around 300 grams make it nice and portable if you need to take it with you. It also means that it doesn’t take up too much space on the desk. The build is primarily plastic, which helps to ensure lightness, but that doesn’t mean it feels or looks cheap, and it’s actually of a decent overall quality. The design also considers cooling with ample ventilation around the edge to manage heat effectively.
In terms of handling, the NiPogi AK-1 Plus is a Mini PC designed to be sat on a desktop or VESA mounted, which is handy. The compact form makes it ideal for beginners and casual users in photography and video editing; if you know that you’re going to be using the machine for hours of image or video editing, then a step up in processing and graphics power would be advisable. However, the small machine delivers on its promise of photo editing and HD video processing capabilities, albeit with some slowdown if you start to push the system too much.
One of the aspects of the machine that really appealed to me was the connectivity options. The wifi 6 ensures fast internet, and with the network, HDMI, and plenty of USB ports on the side and back, there are easy expansion options.
Features
The NiPogi AK-1 Plus Mini PC is equipped with features that make it a versatile choice for beginners in photography and videography. At its core, the latest Intel Alder Lake-N100 Processor ensures smooth performance for basic Photoshop and Lightroom tasks, and the 16GB RAM coupled with a 1TB SSD offers ample storage and speedy data access. Its support for 4K UHD and dual-screen setup through HDMI interfaces is handy but does add to s and the computer’s processing.
Notably, its wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide fast wireless connectivity for downloading and uploading images. The inclusion of a VESA stand gives you a few additional options aside from the usual desktop positioning.
Performance
In terms of performance, the NiPogi AK-1 Plus shows mixed results. The Crystal Disk Read and Write speeds are impressive, indicating swift data transfer, which is beneficial for applications like Photoshop and Lightroom, where large file handling is common. Sure enough, in practice, downloading image files to the SSD and an external SSD proved to be fast. Likewise, uploading the files to online storage put the wifi 6 connection to the test, which again proved to be fast and stable.
When it came to image and video processing, the GeekBench and CineBench scores suggest moderate CPU performance, which could lead to slower processing times in CPU-intensive tasks, particularly noticeable in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Sure enough, running and editing HD footage from the Sony A7 III was a slow process, and patience is definitely required. When it came to image processing in Photoshop, most JPEGs could be edited easily with plenty of adjustment. Some selection tools took a while to apply, but generally, this performance would be fine for those just starting. More experienced users will find some of the performance bottlenecks a bit annoying, and by switching to RAW files, you can see the system start to get pushed to its limit.
While the PC Mark score reflects decent general-use capability, the lower scores in Time Spy and Fire Strike indicate limited graphics processing power. This aspect is crucial when using graphics-intensive software like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve for video editing. Sure enough, during editing, the slower rendering times and less fluid performance with complex video editing tasks showed that this machine was a little underpowered for what was needed.
Crystal Disk Read: 1720.58
Crystal Disk Write: 1678.12
GeekBench CPU Single: 1181
GeekBench CPU Multi: 2568
GeekBench Compute: 3196
PC Mark: 2847
CineBench CPU Multi: 2522
CineBench CPU Single: 807
Fire Strike Overall: 1054
Fire Strike Graphics: 1120
Fire Strike Physics: 5395
Fire Strike Combined: 395
Time Spy Overall: 345
Time Spy Graphics: 306
Time Spy CPU: 1787
Wild Life: 2554
Windows Experience: 6.9
Final Thoughts
The NiPogi AK-1 Plus Mini PC offers a balanced entry-level photo editing solution if you’re just starting with photography or videography. The machine’s biggest selling point is that it’s an entry-level machine with plenty of storage and available at a budget-friendly price. However, it should not be considered for experienced users with higher demands.
The machine’s limitations in handling high-resolution images and advanced video editing tasks highlight its positioning as a starting point rather than a professional or even enthusiast option. Essentially, for anyone on a budget then, this is a great entry-level machine; consider, however, that when editing, you will need to wait and work with the machine, but with plenty of storage and some great features and at this price, it’s a decent enough starter option. However, I’d be tempted to spend a little more on a machine with a bit more CPU clout.
If you’re interest in the NiPogi AK-1 Plus then the manufacturer is offering a discount on the price with the following details
