According to Wccftech, Chinese manufacturer ORICO has launched the Omini Pro mini PC that directly mimics Apple’s iconic 2019 Mac Pro “cheese-grater” chassis design. The device features the same aluminum alloy construction with CNC machining, fine sandblasting, and anodizing, measuring 139 x 61 x 185 mm while packing AMD’s Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with 8 cores and 16 threads. The system includes Radeon 780M integrated graphics, dual USB4 ports, WiFi 6, and will be available starting November 30th with pre-sales offering the barebones configuration for $379, down from the regular $547 price. This creates an intriguing blend of premium Apple aesthetics with AMD computing power at a fraction of Apple’s pricing.
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The Fine Line Between Homage and Copycat
The Omini Pro represents a growing trend in the PC industry where manufacturers directly emulate Apple’s industrial design language while avoiding legal consequences through careful branding and market positioning. Unlike companies that face legal action for trademark infringement, ORICO appears to be walking the line by creating what could be considered a “tribute” product rather than a counterfeit. The aluminum chassis construction methodology mirrors Apple’s approach, but the company maintains its own branding and targets a completely different market segment. This strategy has become increasingly common as Chinese manufacturers leverage their supply chain advantages to deliver premium-looking products at mass-market prices.
AMD’s Zen 4 Architecture Powers the Experience
Where the Omini Pro diverges most significantly from Apple’s approach is in its computing architecture. While Apple has fully transitioned to its proprietary silicon with the M-series chips, ORICO leverages AMD’s proven APU platform with the Ryzen 7 8845HS. This processor represents the mature phase of AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, offering solid performance for both productivity and light gaming through the integrated Radeon 780M graphics. The choice reflects a pragmatic approach – while not competing with Apple’s latest M3 or AMD’s own upcoming Zen 5 chips, it provides excellent value and proven reliability for the target price point.
Disrupting the Mini PC Market Dynamics
At $379 for the barebones configuration during pre-sales, the Omini Pro could significantly impact the mini PC market segment. Traditional mini PCs from established brands like Intel NUC, ASUS, and Minisforum typically range from $400-$800 for comparable specifications, but rarely offer such distinctive industrial design. ORICO’s pricing strategy, particularly the aggressive pre-sale discount, suggests they’re aiming for volume over margin, potentially forcing competitors to reconsider their own pricing and design approaches. The inclusion of dual USB4 ports and 2.5G LAN connectivity indicates they’re targeting both creative professionals and power users who appreciate the Mac Pro aesthetic but need PC compatibility.
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The Road Ahead: Quality Control and Software Experience
The biggest question mark surrounding products like the Omini Pro revolves around long-term reliability and software support. While the specifications and pricing appear compelling on paper, Chinese manufacturers have historically struggled with consistent quality control and timely driver updates. The thermal performance of the Ryzen 7 8845HS in such a compact enclosure, despite the cheese-grater ventilation design, remains unproven. Additionally, while the JD.com product listing shows promising specifications, real-world performance and build quality may vary from marketing claims. Buyers should approach with cautious optimism, recognizing they’re trading brand assurance and support infrastructure for significant cost savings.
A Sign of Things to Come in PC Design
The Omini Pro represents more than just another mini PC – it signals a shift in how PC manufacturers are approaching design inspiration. As noted in industry coverage, we’re seeing increased cross-pollination between Apple’s design language and PC hardware, particularly from manufacturers with strong supply chain connections in Shenzhen. This trend likely accelerates as consumers become more design-conscious and manufacturers seek differentiation in crowded markets. The success or failure of products like the Omini Pro will determine whether other companies follow suit with their own interpretations of iconic designs, potentially leading to more visually interesting PC options beyond the standard black boxes that have dominated the market for decades.
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