I was at the NRA show today, and got to check out the Minipack Chef's Cube. I know there was interest from folks here 18 months or so ago when it was first rumored, so I thought I'd share what I saw.
First off, it looks completely different from the version previously shown. The units they had on display were not functional, but sounds like they plan on a September release. Chamber is deep, with a flat top. It comes in a standalone model, or a built in model that can be recessed into a counter. The unit is surprisingly small. The chamber is deep enough for a pint jar...6" total height and has a steep angle for bags. The lid is removeable with detacheable gasket and can go into the dishwasher.
I asked about the pump given the size of the unit. It is an oil pump, sounds like designed custom for the unit. It claims to get to 8 torr in the chamber. It does not require oil changes, relying on replacement oil cartridges when the power begins to fade. The pump is mounted in front of the chamber. Lots of connectivity, ports and bluetooth capability, as well as what looked to be a fairly robust control panel. Total size of the unit is 12.5"W x 15"D x 8"H.
This unit had been on my radar a little over a year ago when I was debating to pull the trigger on the VacMaster 215, Polyscience unit, or wait for the rumored Cube. (With little or no info on the other two units at the time, I ended up going for the VacMaster and have been very happy.) I took a few pics of the unit at the show (I requested permission first). I haven't seen any other info on this, and the website doesn't seem to be functional yet. I was told they plan for September availability, and I think $1600-$1700 price point - which is unfortunately north of the $999 I'd heard rumored originally.
Also interesting is an accessory called the Sous Leau. The Cube comes with one, and up to two more can be connected. Essentially they are 'micro' circulators controlled via the Cube's control panel. They can hang on the side of a pot and have no integrated controls of their own - i.e. they are not available separately from the cube. They are the smallest circulators I have seen by far. I have no idea on the stats for these, heater wattage, pump flow rate, etc. I should've asked but didn't. They look bigger in these pics than they did in person.
