Hey there, it's Anthony. Great review as always Andrew. Hoping to get my first ever TH-cam video out in the next few weeks, waiting for my M4 Mac mini to arrive. I just want to say watching your channel for the last few years has really helped me realise it's something that I love and cannot wait to get started doing for myself. Keep up the great work as always my friend. Thanks
A very serious handheld but you can get work done. Sounds legit. I can tell you’ve done all the research. Have you considered a mini pc/laptop photography channel?
Great timing, I have been considering one of these for a while. I have unusual requirements and this meets them better than any device out there. It should end up becoming my main PC.
I've used the WinMax 2 as my daily driver since 2022, starting with the 6800u and then upgrading to the 7840u model with the G1 eGPU. I recently backed the new GPD Duo and will be upgrading to that when it ships. I also use the GPD WinMini 8840u with Bazzite installed as my primary handheld gaming system. GPD makes some incredible products!
Agreed! This is precisely how I use my device-with Bazzite installed and no Windows-my only disappointment is that I cannot get the highest advertised RAM speeds. Even still, it’s a phenomenal little laptop and I’m very, very happy with it. My Steam Deck collects dust these days!
Love my 2023 Model. Thing is so capable, and yet so tiny. Throw some PTM on that 78/8840u and they'll run 45W at 80c or less. NVME1 temps are the only thing I've found that are a bit worrisome. Ideal road warrior laptop. Work and stay cool all day for work. Bring home/hotel, plug in and game very well.
The portability/small form factor of the GPD Win Max 2 (2024) is what makes this laptop great! You basically can take this anywhere with you and not feel like you're lugging a big heavy laptop! Everything about it is just great and even though they've included a 720p webcam, the quality of it and the internal mics are okay. For a laptop this small, I also find the quality of the internal speakers to be more than adequate and even better than the quality of the other small form factor laptop you compared this one with. Excellent port selection is also very welcomed here. So all in all, this is a laptop that's rich in functionality while preserving its small form factor. Brilliant job Andrew once again and I highly commend you my friend!! 👏👍😁
Nice pc. Display is very good. You mentioned that it is only 60hz but on this small screen size this 60hz will not be a big deal for most users. The position of the touchpad will require most users to get use to this but they should get use to it pretty fast. Port selection and upgradeability excellent. Speakers sounded good. Camera is fair. Portability excellent. Great review of this interesting unit.
Great review... please note that your use of the eGPU to drive the GPD screen cuts your bandwidth (and framerate) in a dramatic way. You should use a video output from the eGPU to a display to achieve the best framerate.
This one looks great, I love these unique clever ones! I need a new cheap Windows laptop for work and work will pay me back $250 for it. Any suggestions?
@andrewmarcdavid will do, thank you! I got an amazing HP Specter 16 in a few years ago because of you and it still serves me great but I don't want to take it out in the field
Great review! I've been eyeing this mini laptop for quite long now. I love the ports and the SSD + 4G features. I travel a lot and the size is really my ideal. The full size SD card is convenient for me to import pictures taken by my camera. But the 8840 one was kinda far from my budget. Do you think the 7640 will be good for me? I mostly use the laptop for photo editing, drawing, browsing, file managing. I do play games too. But I don't play heavy games like the ones in this video. I only play the light ones such as Natsumon. I'm a casual games enjoyer. The 8840 is $1200 and the 7640 is $900 in my country. Or maybe you have other recommendations? I would like to hear your opinion
Sometimes I feel these Chinese brand of handhelds care wayyy more about usability to the consumer than everyone else. If next year the win max gets new processor it'll definitely be my next upgrade from my Ally X.
Great review as usual Andrew What's your opinion on the XPS 13 Snapdragon X Elite version? I found a great deal of just 850€ for 16Gb/1Tb version with Fhd+ Display 120Hz. All I need is a decent performance and good battery life slim laptop. I haven't seen any better deal for such form factor.
@andrewmarcdavid already watched all your reviews about XPS 13 and I think is one of the best snapdragon x elite laptop out there. I'm grabbing that deal for just 850€
Actually rempted by this one, have gave them a pass in 5he past in cavour of an full sized gaming laptop but the last one I have, I havent really used fir gaming so am looking at smaller but fully CPU power complete alternative's. 64gb ram, 2tb ssd and 2 x sd card slots along with an easy to get to 2230 m.2 and fantastic port selection inan aluminum chassis.
Awesome device...but for this price, you can buy an Asus laptop with RTX 4060, which has three times the power of Radeon 780M. If the price was lower this would have sense. Lenovo Lgion Go costs half fhe price with the same graphics card and even higher portability.
Is it 10 out of 10 for design? Seriously? I admit it's fully subjective, but no duh it can be given 10 out of 10 - touchpad position (given the fact that it's still supposed to be a laptop) - webcam position (welcome everyone who would like to see your fingers every time you use the touchpad) - plastic for $1.3k, what a brilliant idea (no) There can be more drawbacks if you sincerely review it instead of simply imfogypsying. The only nice thing about it is that it's tiniest laptop with a 8-core process.
Trackpad: While I do agree it is a little weird for it to be above the keyboard, you get used to it after a few days honestly. And given the full qwerty keyboard with a built-in gamepad, there's nowhere else they could put the trackpad without making major sacrifices to the comfort of the gamepad or the size of the keyboard. Webcam: Yeah, I would agree with this one 100%. The webcam placement leaves a lot to be desired. I would've loved to see the webcam put on top above the screen like any other laptop in the next GPD Win Max 3. Although, what works for me as a solution is using an external USB mouse when I'm using my webcam because I'm always at a table or desk when I use the webcam anyways. Plastic construction: Hard disagree with this one. If this were a normal laptop (not for gaming), I would agree that plastic is a no no when paired with a high price tag. However, this device is designed with gaming in mind. Gaming devices (especially PC gaming) generate a lot of heat that normal laptops don't have to deal with. That being said, heat + metal = burn your hands/lap and whatever surface you're gaming on. Plastic is generally better at dissipating heat. It doesn't get as warm hence why they went with it. All gaming laptops (even my previous $3,000 gaming laptop) are primarily plastic (especially the bottom shell). Just think about touching a metal plate in after being near a major heat source. That would be bad for your hands.
It is expensive for sure. But the build, the amount of memory and storage, the display is really good when compared to a mainstream laptop which would not give you as much for the same price. The i/o is off the charts. There is nothing out there to compete when it comes to connectivity.
I will say that there is really nothing comparable out there for a type of device like this. To that end, its pretty good for what it does. As I stated its not perfect but it sure is good.
thanks for covering this one
You got it!
Hey there, it's Anthony. Great review as always Andrew. Hoping to get my first ever TH-cam video out in the next few weeks, waiting for my M4 Mac mini to arrive. I just want to say watching your channel for the last few years has really helped me realise it's something that I love and cannot wait to get started doing for myself. Keep up the great work as always my friend. Thanks
Thanks and I wish you great success with your channel!
@@andrewmarcdavid Thank you very much, and that's greatly appreciated! :)
Awesome review. I've been loving mine.
Great to hear!
Love your videos on the GPD line btw!
@andrewmarcdavid thank you, much appreciated. :)
Very nice review!!! Thank you Andrew! I love these unique videos.
Thanks 🙏
A very serious handheld but you can get work done. Sounds legit. I can tell you’ve done all the research. Have you considered a mini pc/laptop photography channel?
It’s all in the research. Looking into photography on mini laptop what a great suggestion!
Great timing, I have been considering one of these for a while. I have unusual requirements and this meets them better than any device out there. It should end up becoming my main PC.
Very very cool device Andrew. Thanks for sharing with us!
I've used the WinMax 2 as my daily driver since 2022, starting with the 6800u and then upgrading to the 7840u model with the G1 eGPU. I recently backed the new GPD Duo and will be upgrading to that when it ships. I also use the GPD WinMini 8840u with Bazzite installed as my primary handheld gaming system. GPD makes some incredible products!
@@DannyWelch I am really interested in the Duo
Agreed! This is precisely how I use my device-with Bazzite installed and no Windows-my only disappointment is that I cannot get the highest advertised RAM speeds. Even still, it’s a phenomenal little laptop and I’m very, very happy with it. My Steam Deck collects dust these days!
Love my 2023 Model. Thing is so capable, and yet so tiny. Throw some PTM on that 78/8840u and they'll run 45W at 80c or less. NVME1 temps are the only thing I've found that are a bit worrisome. Ideal road warrior laptop. Work and stay cool all day for work. Bring home/hotel, plug in and game very well.
The portability/small form factor of the GPD Win Max 2 (2024) is what makes this laptop great! You basically can take this anywhere with you and not feel like you're lugging a big heavy laptop! Everything about it is just great and even though they've included a 720p webcam, the quality of it and the internal mics are okay. For a laptop this small, I also find the quality of the internal speakers to be more than adequate and even better than the quality of the other small form factor laptop you compared this one with. Excellent port selection is also very welcomed here. So all in all, this is a laptop that's rich in functionality while preserving its small form factor. Brilliant job Andrew once again and I highly commend you my friend!! 👏👍😁
Install FXsound to improve the audio. Use the movie preset
This is very appealing to me!
Nice pc. Display is very good. You mentioned that it is only 60hz but on this small screen size this 60hz will not be a big deal for most users. The position of the touchpad will require most users to get use to this but they should get use to it pretty fast. Port selection and upgradeability excellent. Speakers sounded good. Camera is fair. Portability excellent. Great review of this interesting unit.
Agreed about the 60Hz and thanks 🙏
I'd love a mix of the OneEx and of the GPD Win.
Would be awesome
I use a Samsung 45W phone charger with my GPD Win Max 2, works great
Great review... please note that your use of the eGPU to drive the GPD screen cuts your bandwidth (and framerate) in a dramatic way. You should use a video output from the eGPU to a display to achieve the best framerate.
Thanks for the suggestion
Andrew, you're going to love the GPD pocket 4
Looks really good
You can cover the joysticks? That's so cool. Makes it look like a proper laptop that way.
Yes, a lot of thought went into the design.
This one looks great, I love these unique clever ones! I need a new cheap Windows laptop for work and work will pay me back $250 for it. Any suggestions?
Check out my review of the Chuwi MiniBook X
@andrewmarcdavid will do, thank you! I got an amazing HP Specter 16 in a few years ago because of you and it still serves me great but I don't want to take it out in the field
Can you charge one of these up from a power bank?
OMG that is sooooo coool
I agree
Im planning to get this now. But do you know if they will release a 2025 version very soon?
Yes I believe they are taking preorders
How's the keyboard and track pad? Are the keys backlit?
Keyboard is good and you can touch type although it takes some getting used to. Backlight works well.
Great review!
I've been eyeing this mini laptop for quite long now. I love the ports and the SSD + 4G features. I travel a lot and the size is really my ideal. The full size SD card is convenient for me to import pictures taken by my camera.
But the 8840 one was kinda far from my budget. Do you think the 7640 will be good for me?
I mostly use the laptop for photo editing, drawing, browsing, file managing. I do play games too. But I don't play heavy games like the ones in this video. I only play the light ones such as Natsumon. I'm a casual games enjoyer.
The 8840 is $1200 and the 7640 is $900 in my country. Or maybe you have other recommendations? I would like to hear your opinion
The 7640 should be fine.
Sometimes I feel these Chinese brand of handhelds care wayyy more about usability to the consumer than everyone else. If next year the win max gets new processor it'll definitely be my next upgrade from my Ally X.
Nice, the only feature missing is a 360 hinge
There's a 2025 version now, what's better between that n the onexplayer x1 pro which is also just become available?
If only it had the 120hz or 144hz VRR screen!.If the next iteration does, I may well bite!
good one, but lacking 2in1 option
No bypass charging???
Great review as usual Andrew
What's your opinion on the XPS 13 Snapdragon X Elite version? I found a great deal of just 850€ for 16Gb/1Tb version with Fhd+ Display 120Hz. All I need is a decent performance and good battery life slim laptop. I haven't seen any better deal for such form factor.
I really like it. Check out my review
@andrewmarcdavid already watched all your reviews about XPS 13 and I think is one of the best snapdragon x elite laptop out there. I'm grabbing that deal for just 850€
@ nice 👍
@@andrewmarcdavid best reviewer out there Andrew, covering every essentials on a laptop. Respect
@ I appreciate that
I take notes the same way...
is the trackpad awkward to use on Windows apps?
I thought at first it would be awkward, but due to the size of the device and the responsiveness it was good to use
It's as if a Notebook and a NintendoDS has a baby 😂
fyi The 2280 is single sided only, by design, intended to reduce heat management issues. Not sure about the 2230.
Actually rempted by this one, have gave them a pass in 5he past in cavour of an full sized gaming laptop but the last one I have, I havent really used fir gaming so am looking at smaller but fully CPU power complete alternative's.
64gb ram, 2tb ssd and 2 x sd card slots along with an easy to get to 2230 m.2 and fantastic port selection inan aluminum chassis.
um pouquinho mais de bateria e ele seria perfeito... uma tela oled 120fps seria pedir muito :P
There’s a 2025 model available in December
Can't wait. That's awesome
👍🏻
Could you play Horizon Zero dawn and Skyrim on this?
holy cow it has triggers
Awesome device...but for this price, you can buy an Asus laptop with RTX 4060, which has three times the power of Radeon 780M. If the price was lower this would have sense. Lenovo Lgion Go costs half fhe price with the same graphics card and even higher portability.
does this fit in pants pocket?
You need pretty big pockets. I do have the GPD Win Mini 2024 and that does fit in a pocket. I will have a video very soon on that one.
@@andrewmarcdavid subscribed!
Everything is going well til i see the price tags!…holy moly jebus!
Love your videos.
What great "fanless" windows laptop would you recommend me to buy?
Can't find anything besides apple options.
Few windows options that are fanless
@@andrewmarcdavidcould you recommend me which ones are the best?
No matte screen is a red flag.
Asus rog ally x slaps this device around 😅
I think you miss the point of this device.
At least a 90hz screen would be good…
Ah yes the win max 2 2204
Please send me link to one x player
Is it 10 out of 10 for design? Seriously?
I admit it's fully subjective, but no duh it can be given 10 out of 10
- touchpad position (given the fact that it's still supposed to be a laptop)
- webcam position (welcome everyone who would like to see your fingers every time you use the touchpad)
- plastic for $1.3k, what a brilliant idea (no)
There can be more drawbacks if you sincerely review it instead of simply imfogypsying. The only nice thing about it is that it's tiniest laptop with a 8-core process.
What can I say I like the design.
Trackpad:
While I do agree it is a little weird for it to be above the keyboard, you get used to it after a few days honestly. And given the full qwerty keyboard with a built-in gamepad, there's nowhere else they could put the trackpad without making major sacrifices to the comfort of the gamepad or the size of the keyboard.
Webcam:
Yeah, I would agree with this one 100%. The webcam placement leaves a lot to be desired. I would've loved to see the webcam put on top above the screen like any other laptop in the next GPD Win Max 3. Although, what works for me as a solution is using an external USB mouse when I'm using my webcam because I'm always at a table or desk when I use the webcam anyways.
Plastic construction:
Hard disagree with this one. If this were a normal laptop (not for gaming), I would agree that plastic is a no no when paired with a high price tag. However, this device is designed with gaming in mind. Gaming devices (especially PC gaming) generate a lot of heat that normal laptops don't have to deal with. That being said, heat + metal = burn your hands/lap and whatever surface you're gaming on. Plastic is generally better at dissipating heat. It doesn't get as warm hence why they went with it. All gaming laptops (even my previous $3,000 gaming laptop) are primarily plastic (especially the bottom shell). Just think about touching a metal plate in after being near a major heat source. That would be bad for your hands.
I mean, it's really good looking but ,other than that? It's really just for hype, at this price is completely nosense
It is expensive for sure. But the build, the amount of memory and storage, the display is really good when compared to a mainstream laptop which would not give you as much for the same price. The i/o is off the charts. There is nothing out there to compete when it comes to connectivity.
Jack of all trades & master of none this laptop sadly.
I will say that there is really nothing comparable out there for a type of device like this. To that end, its pretty good for what it does. As I stated its not perfect but it sure is good.
I prefer a jack of all trades ... in the end it's so pocketable it's great it is a jack of all trades.
Its very cool but wifi 6 is a problem