ARM devkit: Delayed, modified, discontinued

Qualcomm is discontinuing its mini PC with Windows on ARM before it was even widely available. The system was intended as a devkit for software developers who wanted to convert their apps from x86 to ARM or design tools for the integrated AI unit.

Originally, the mini PC was to be released in June alongside the notebooks with Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. First there were months of delays, then Qualcomm delivered a variant with modified specifications: The advertised HDMI picture connection disappeared. Particularly curious: tests such as those carried out by programmer Jeff Geerling showed that the necessary hardware was available on the mainboard in the form of a Displayport-to-HDMI adapter.

However, instead of an HDMI connection on the PC, Qualcomm only included an adapter for one of the USB4 ports. According to speculation, the manufacturer may not have received the necessary certifications.

Standards not met

Qualcomm has now informed buyers via its US distributors that the company is discontinuing the devkit completely. Geerling published the original wording. The reason given is vague: "The developer kit has not met our usual standards, and we would like to inform you that we have unfortunately decided to discontinue this product and support for it indefinitely."

Interested developers are advised to visit Qualcomm's own developer portal – or use the Discord tool to exchange information. Ultimately, they can currently only use notebooks for development. Open orders of the official devkit will be canceled by the dealers; the purchase amounts will be refunded automatically. Mini PCs with Snapdragon X are therefore not available for the time being.

(mma)