Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air 13.3

I was a little skeptical about this product and was eyeballing it for over 6 months before I decided to place my order and I am very happy with the device so far.

I placed my order on Sunday and received my product on Thursday the following week. The device came from the Hong Kong warehouse and was shipped to Brisbane, Australia via HK (DHL).

It was extremely quick to post (only 4 days with expedited shipping) and was packaged really well as seen in other reviews and unboxings.

Here are some things I liked with my initial reaction.

1. The laptop is a full metal construction (Literally all of it is essentially a brick, you could actually hurt someone if you throw it). This thing is very solid.
2. It's extremely light and very portable. A bit smaller than your typical 13.3" laptop.
3. The 1080p screen is very clear and has great color accuracy.
4. The SSD is extremely quick to boot from, a clean install of windows had me at the login screen in just seconds.
5. The fingerprint reader is really awesome to have, you only have to touch it to log in instantly.
6. Very thin bezels makes this thing much smaller than other 13" laptops out there.
7. Minimal branding from Xiaomi makes it easy to sticker bomb the front of it.
8. It's completely silent, it doesn't make a sound while browsing the web and doing typical computer tasks. I've played a little bit of Minecraft and still haven't heard the fans :)
9. The charging is pretty fast, it only took me 1 hour to charge the device fully and gives me 6-7 hours of battery if I'm doing some web browsing or word processing. (The light is orange while charging and green when fully charged)
10. The BIOS is completely unlocked, you are free to install whatever Linux distro or even Hackintosh (if macOS is your thing)
11. The keyboard feels great, there isn't much flex. It feels similar to a Macbook Air keyboard when typing.

Suggestion

While there are a lot of pro's to this device and while I will recommend it, there are a few things I found a little disappointing for an expensive laptop.

1. The screen is quite glossy and thus very reflective, especially when there is a window behind you or some bright lights.
2. There is only 1 brightness to the laptop keyboard. While it's fine and is not blinding, I would have liked to see more levels.
3. The OS is in Chinese and required me to re-install windows in English. (check below for instructions on how to change the OS language without re-purchasing windows.) - You can use google translate app on your smartphone to translate as you go with the initial setup in Chinese.
4. The Touch-Pad buttons are quite stiff and take some force to push down(I tap mostly in windows anyway and only right click for system settings or creating new files).
5. The adapter included is cheaply made, but works fine.

Other than those 5 things which are very much nit picky, the device is very solid and definitely worth purchasing.


################### Changing windows instructions ####################

you will need:

1. an 8GB USB flash drive.
2. Patience

To create the boot media(the bootable USB with windows on it):

1. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows10 and download the windows media creation tool.
2. Open the tool and click through, making sure to check ISO, not USB.
3. The ISO will download to the desired destination.
4. Visit https://rufus.akeo.ie/ and download the portable rufus version.
5. Open rufus and select your USB stick, keep all of the default options except the ISO and Label(optional), select your ISO you downloaded and click start to begin making the Media.

To boot into the media and install windows.

1. Turn off the device and plug in the USB(I used the USB port on the right side)
2. Keep clicking F2 as the device is powering on(When you see the white Mi logo)
3. Go down to boot and make sure the

Jul 27,2018

Recieved it not too quickly. Ordered it in the end of November, was hoping to get before New Year's Eve, but it shipped out only on 19th of Dec. and came to me in the middle of Jan.
Package was great, box was intact, shipped via EMS to Moscow, Russia. Notebook didn't powerup until I connected it to power outlet, so it seems the battery was fully out? Strange.
Next - one of the main questions for everybody, I think - Chinese to English switch:
First I tried installing Windows 10 Home Single Language and the License Key DIDN'T work. But then I saw some info and tried reinstalling Windows 10 Home (NOT SL) and Digital License worked fine! So you don't need to buy another Windows License as many people think! Also you can get support from Microsoft regarding this and they'll help to solve this problem.
Overally, very happy with the product after 3-4 days.

----

Рус. :
Здесь вкратце. Слали долго (точнее не высылали почти месяц, видимо, закончились на складе). Слал ЕМСос - принесли в офис, все отлично.
Основной вопрос - переустановка винды на англ. -
Просто переключить точно варианта нет. Надо ставить с флешки винду. НЕ СТАВЬТЕ Windows 10 Home SINGLE LANGUAGE (хотя с завода китайская именно SINGLE LANGUAGE стоит) - не подцепится лицензия. А вот на Windows 10 Home обычную подцепилась Digital License сама! Я , правда, на всякий случай и ключик вынул в cmd и залогинился в Microsoft акк. еще на китайском варианте, ну, может, чтобы прописалась лиц. к акку. Я еще и от суппорта Микрософта вытянул другой ключик пока боролся с активацией на Single Language варианте )))) но это отдельная тема.

Suggestion

Shipping was not fast. Had to wait practically a month for the product to ship out!
No specific information on switching chinese to english version of windows. Would help with assurance on ordering stage.

Jan 19,2018

- Qualità del prodotto oltre le aspettative
- Prezzo fantastico
- Esteticamente gradevole
- Robusto
- Ottime prestazioni
- Silenzioso

Al primo avvio troverete Windows in lingua cinese; completate la procedura di primo avvio (assicurativi di effettuare l'accesso al vostro account Microsoft) fino ad arrivare al desktop. A questo punto create una chiavetta USB di avvio di Windows 10 in lingua italiana, reinstallate Windows dalla chiavetta appena creata e effettuando nuovamente l'accesso al vostro account Microsoft, troverete Windows già correttamente attivato, non sarà necessario inserire Product Key né fare altre operazioni. (Questa è la procedura nel dettaglio: http://en.miui.com/thread-338431-1-1.html E questa è la stessa guida in lingua italiana: https://www.xiaomitoday.it/come-tradurre-il-tuo-xiaomi-mi-notebook-dal-cinese-allitaliano.html)

La tastiera ha layout americano. Per poter digitare correttamente e fare le lettere accentate va impostato il layout di tastiera "Inglese (Stati Uniti d'America) - Internazionale".
Per farlo basta seguire i passaggi illustrati nelle immagini allegate a questa review (osservare la posizione del mouse nelle fotografie per capire cosa cliccare)
Per digitare "è" vanno premuti in successione il tasto dell'accento (in alto a sinistra, sotto il tasto "esc") e poi il tasto della lettera E. Stesso discorso per le altre vocali accentate. (Vedere video allegato)

Suggestion

- Procedura lunghetta da seguire per avere Windows in italiano (comunque non complicato, vedi sopra)
- Layout della tastiera americano (è possibile scrivere lettere accentate ed altri caratteri senza problemi, vedi sopra)
- La spina del cavo di alimentazione è americana (l'adattatore italiano è incluso nell'ordine)

Jun 03,2018

The Notebook is high-quality and looks awesome. The display looks great (although it doesn't get very bright), it is quick (especially storage), it boots up very quickly and silently and the fingerprint reader is great.

Windows was in Chinese and the language could not be changed. However, since Windows 10 licenses are not limited to language, a clean installation of Windows 10 Home in English or any other language will work just fine, doesn't cost anything and will be activated. Just make sure to connect the laptop to the internet before reinstalling windows (not sure if that's necessary) and after installation (mandatory). There are no drivers needed except for the ones windows will install automatically.

The trackpad is a Windows Precision one and thus works perfectly.
The keyboard backlight does a good job in the dark.

Regarding I/O, the laptop is well-equipped with USB-C and 3 standard USB-ports as well as HDMI and an Audio Jack. Basically everything you could need. Do mind that the USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt.

Battery life is ok at a few hours. Expect having to charge after around 6 hours of use. Charging is very quick with the right charger. It takes only around 20-30 minutes to charge fully.

The laptop is as light as you could ever want. It is easy to hold it in one hand and use it with the other.

The hinge is perfectly adjusted. The display doesn't wobble but stays in place even when using the laptop on a bus. Still, it can be opened with just one finger if it's on a table.

Suggestion

The keyboard is quite a hassle as, compared to the German keyboard layout, the button with the smaller and bigger than symbols is missing, but that was to be expected. The keyboard is fine to type on, although it could be much better.
The keyboard is the only complaint I have, and it's only a minor one.

In light environments, the keyboard backlight makes the keys unreadable. It can be deactivated by the press of a button.

The RAM isn't upgradable

Jun 20,2018

The Notebook is high-quality and looks awesome. The display looks great (although it doesn't get very bright), it is quick (especially storage), it boots up very quickly and silently and the fingerprint reader is great.

Windows was in Chinese and the language could not be changed. However, since Windows 10 licenses are not limited to language, a clean installation of Windows 10 Home in English or any other language will work just fine, doesn't cost anything and will be activated. Just make sure to connect the laptop to the internet before reinstalling windows (not sure if that's necessary) and after installation (mandatory). There are no drivers needed except for the ones windows will install automatically.

The trackpad is a Windows Precision one and thus works perfectly.
The keyboard backlight does a good job in the dark.

Regarding I/O, the laptop is well-equipped with USB-C and 3 standard USB-ports as well as HDMI and an Audio Jack. Basically everything you could need. Do mind that the USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt.

Battery life is ok at a few hours. Expect having to charge after around 6 hours of use. Charging is very quick with the right charger. It takes only around 20-30 minutes to charge fully.

The laptop is as light as you could ever want. It is easy to hold it in one hand and use it with the other.

The hinge is perfectly adjusted. The display doesn't wobble but stays in place even when using the laptop on a bus. Still, it can be opened with just one finger if it's on a table.

Suggestion

The keyboard is quite a hassle as, compared to the German keyboard layout, the button with the smaller and bigger than symbols is missing, but that was to be expected. The keyboard is fine to type on, although it could be much better.
The keyboard is the only complaint I have, and it's only a minor one.

In light environments, the keyboard backlight makes the keys unreadable. It can be deactivated by the press of a button.

The RAM isn't upgradable.

Feb 17,2018

Manufacturer is TiMi and Model is TM1604

Windows 10 Home License integrated to BIOS so can install any language you want with a USB (Windows Media Creation Tool).
You can make a backup of your c:/swsetup folder if you like to save original settings. (Not Needed)

I only needed
wallpapers c:\\SWSETUP\Install\OEMSetting
Dolby Application c:\\SWSETUP\Install\Audio_v6.0.1.8199_B60005020\DAX2
And Mi Logo for OEMConfigurator c:\\Swsetup\OEM_System.bmp
if you will install Dolby application, there will be a dolby logo at taskbar notification, so you can change presets.

Windows 10 recognized all hardware so no need to install drivers
Official Drivers: http://www.mi.com/service/bijiben/drivers/13-finger/

SSD is Samsung NvMe about 3350-3400 MB read, 1250-1400 MB write (Faster than Pro Version)
Fingerprint Sensor is instantaneous.
Very Light Weight and powerful
Has a 2GB dedicated GPU (nVİdia Mx150)
Sound is very good
Has a full size HDMI port (With USB Type-C monitor support)
Fan not kicked in usually when it is on not loud in normal use.
TrackPad is very big and sensitive.
Screen is very good (Glossy)
Free SATA M.2 Port for further storage requirements.

Suggestion

Priority line shipping came a month later.
EU power plug adapter for charger is very bad. Can not hold the charger still. Must be changed.
Charger cable is fixed to the charger, if you have a problem with the cable you have to change charger.
Charger cable is short about 1.5 m long.
Power Button place is very bad but it is stiffer than other buttons.
Battery time is not that long if you are not in airplane mode. (That is understandable)
F7 / Snipping Tool button not working after new windows install (probably Microsoft to blame.)

Oct 30,2017

Machine ordered to replace another 13 inches of a famous brand, to install a linux distribution.
The format is slightly smaller, but the screen is bigger and brighter. The dark gray finish is superb and does not reveal fingerprints.
The use is very easily done and the qwerty keyboard is not really a problem (switch to US International).
The installation of linux mint goes without a hitch (by removing the boot safe in the bios) and everything works except the fingerprint reader.
If you need it, you can recover the genuine chinese windows key to get a genuine windows 10 in French (see tutorial on the net).
In short a beautiful machine ...
###################
Machine commandée pour remplacer un autre 13 pouces d´une célèbre marque, et y mettre une distribution linux.
Le format est légérement plus petit, mais l´écran est plus grand et plus lumineux. La finition en gris foncé est superbe et ne laisse pas apparaitre de traces de doigts.
La prise en main se fait très facilement le le clavier en qwerty n'est pas vraiment un problème (passage en US international).
L'installation de linux mint se passe sans anicroche (en retirant le boot sécurisé dans le bios) et tout fonctionne hormis le lecteur d'empreinte.
Si besoin vous pouvez récupérer la clé windows pour passer avec un windows 10 en français (voir tuto sur le net).
Bref une sacré belle machine...
--

Jan 22,2019

I paid $ 762.36 including shipping. Very good price for perfect equipment.
Exactly like the announcement, no disappointments.
Small, beautiful, lightweight, excellent material quality and optimum performance.
No defect.
The OS is Windows 10 Home in Chinese, as announced. I put a PRO-EN-US version.
It took 4 months to arrive, but I did not pay customs fees in Brazil, possibly due to the accumulation of orders due to the customs agents' strike.
--
Eu paguei US$ 762.36 incluindo frete. Preço muito bom para um equipamento perfeito.
Exatamente como o anúncio, sem decepções.
Pequeno, bonito, leve, excelente qualidade de materiais e ótimo desempenho.
Nenhum defeito.
O SO é Windows 10 Home em Chinês, conforme anunciado. Eu coloquei uma versão PRO EN-US.
Demorou 4 meses para chegar, mas não paguei taxas alfandegária no Brasil, possivelmente pelo acúmulo de encomendas devido à greve dos agentes da alfândega.

Suggestion

Nothing important.
The charger outlet is not retractable as I thought and the cord is not pluggable or detachable. This makes transport a little more difficult.
--
Nada importante.
A tomada do carregador não é retrátil como eu pensei e o cabo não é plugável ou destacável. Isso dificulta um pouco o transporte.

Feb 26,2018

Me compre el portátil hace unos 5 meses y no puedo estar más contento con la compra. Tiene un diseño increíble y todos la materiales son de calidad ( tanto el touchpad como el teclado funcionan muy bien). Si necesitas un portátil para uso principal de ofimática vas totalmente sobrado de potencia y ha día de hoy funciona como el 1r día, aparte la tarjeta gráfica dedicada te va a permitir ejecutar programas de edición y jugar algún juego de manera puntual eso si la el consumo de la GPU no esta tan bien optimizado como su procesador y necesitaras tener el conector cerca. Por otra parte la batería sin ser nada del otro mundo la carga rápida de nota y mucho para terminar otro detalle que me ha gustado es el lector de huellas una vez lo tienes no lo quieres perder.

Ventajas:
Potencia de sobra para uso de ofimática.
Diseño top (es muy bonito).
Lector de huellas.

Desventajas:
Se calienta muchísimo con juegos o programas potentes que requieren uso de la GPU.
La batería podría ser mejor.

Oct 16,2018

При своих скормных габаритах ноутбук имеет весьма производительное железо. Качество изготовления на высоте - если не заниматься перфекционизмом, то ни чем не хуже ноутбуков яблока. С учетом эксплуатации все эти мелочи сравняются через 1-2 месяца. Разрешениe экрана FullHD, что более чем достаточно для комфортной работы. Процессор не самый топовый, но очень шустрый - я бы сказал золотая середина. Памяти в 8 Гиг для большинства приложений хватает с головой. А вот винт думаю скоро нужно будет добавить еще один - 256 это только для работы, медиа контент особо не сохранишь. Очень удобна разблокировка отпечатком пальцем.
По инструкции с 4pda.ru с легкостью руссифицировал Windows - теперь никаких иероглифов. ))
Планирую еще сделать лазерную гравировку русской клавиатуры, и ноут будет просто мечта. )

Suggestion

Глянцевый экран выглядит очень красиво, но на ярком свете не шибко практично. Вентилятор под нагрузкой начинает шуметь... хотелось бы что бы был немного потише - в тишине некоторых будет напрягать.

Nov 22,2017