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Ainol Quadcore Windows Mini PC $101 USD Inc Shipping (~A $134) @ GearBest

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Ainol Quadcore Windows Mini PC $101 USD Inc Shipping (~A $134) @ GearBest
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Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:14 gearbest.com (5660 clicks)
Last edited 04/05/2015 - 10:57
AinolMPGB

I've reviewed the Ainol Mini PC on Home Theatre Life and managed to secure a great coupon for my readers from GearBest so figured some people may be interested given the interest in these devices.

Key features are an all-metal case and a 7000mAh battery. The device is tiny, only slightly bigger than a 2.5" HDD, and is ideal for web browsing, using it as a HTPC (i.e. with Kodi) and some gaming. The battery can also be used to charge devices such as phones, etc.

It has the most impressive temperature profile I've seen. After running it through Prime95 for over an hour, temps never exceeded 58°C.

If you want more info, check out my detailed review on Home Theatre Life. I've put up video codec tests, benchmarks, demos, etc.

Ainol Mini PC Technical Specs

  • Chipset: Intel Baytrail quad core processor with Intel HD graphics (Z3735D Z3735F)
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR3
  • Storage: 32GB eMMC + microSD slot up to 128GB
  • Video & Audio Output: mini HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm Audio
  • Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • USB: 1x USB 3.0 port 1x USB 2.0 OTG port, 2x USB 2.0 port
  • OS: Windows 8.1 with Bing (32-bit)
  • Other Features: 7000mAh Internal Battery

Update: Some commenters alerted me that Ainol have changed the CPU to the Z3735F mid-production. Whilst the specs are essentially the same, it will no longer have USB 3.0 but the port will be USB 2.0 instead. This is frustrating so if you need USB 3.0, please take this into consideration.

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closed Comments

  • cuteseal on 28/04/2015 - 14:20

    Looks pretty awesome! I haven't come across one with a built in battery before.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:21
      +2

      Yeah, it was a feature that struck me by surprise but was handy when I lost power for a moment but the PC kept running.

      • edgar28 on 28/04/2015 - 15:10
        +1

        you lost power? but monitor still on?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:11
          +11

          Nope, monitor turned off but the software kept running so when power returned 5 minutes later, I didn't lose anything. It's like a built-in UPS.

        • Riczter on 28/04/2015 - 18:16

          thats really handy

        • justtoreply on 28/04/2015 - 21:30
          +3

          @Riczter:

          Like a laptop.

          But smaller.

          Who thinks of these things?! :)

        • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 09:33
          +1

          @justtoreply: That's one of the big reasons that I love these gadgets - they take so many risks which results in some unique devices. Check out the PiPO X8…

      • mattyman on 29/04/2015 - 08:22
        +1

        This feature would make it a pretty good contender for a carputer.

  • haz on 28/04/2015 - 14:25
    +2

    Can this handle full HD movie playback without any issues?, such as lag or jerkiness?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:26
      +3

      Yep, full HD playback is supported via hardware decoding so no issues. I've got a whole list of codecs I tested in my review.

      • Zythyx on 28/04/2015 - 16:02

        As extension, could this handle something like Plex Media Server to stream HD movies?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:03
          +1

          Yep EDIT: My bad, thought you meant Plex Client. I wouldn't use it as a server for transcoding as the CPU is only an Atom.

        • Noblejoker on 29/04/2015 - 13:57

          @Darkscythe: Damn - was considering as a replacement to my c2d htpc
          But I currently run Plex server and client on the same machine
          If server isn't transcoding on the fly to other devices would it not work on here?

        • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 14:16
          +1

          @Noblejoker: Technically yes, but I'd be worried about wifi bandwidth for serving. You'd saturate it VERY quickly.

        • Noblejoker on 01/05/2015 - 15:09

          @Darkscythe: Thanks DS in most cases my server and client are this one machine - I don't do much serving to other household machines. Sounds like I will be right. Pulling trigger

        • Last Seen on 14/05/2015 - 09:36

          @Darkscythe:

          Anything like this around, which would handle Plex transcoding?

        • Darkscythe on 14/05/2015 - 14:20

          @Argo: Not around this price I don't believe. Which end clients need the transcoding?

        • Last Seen on 15/05/2015 - 13:44

          @Darkscythe:

          Plex on Tab S 10.5. I'd like to transcode 1080p down to 720p and make use of Plex's travel/device sync feature. I have a Synology NAS storing all files (and serving to a Roku and WDTV) but it's a 412+ model with an Atom processor model really not suited to transcoding.

          I'm happy to spend a bit more e.g. even a ~5th gen(?) Intel NUC if need be, but it's hard to nail anyone down on a recommendation :)

  • illumination on 28/04/2015 - 14:25
    +13

    Oh it's Ainol again! Long time no see..

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:26
      +2

      No pun? I had a whole lot of jokes I made sure I didn't type

      • Lord Fart Bucket on 28/04/2015 - 14:46
        +19

        Battery operated ainol device?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:50
          +3

          None of the risks of plugging it into the wall during use…

      • illumination on 28/04/2015 - 15:04
        +1

        I do not wish to try..

      • Utopian on 28/04/2015 - 15:36

        ?
        AI = Eye

        • RADICALIST on 28/04/2015 - 16:04
          -6

          Hmmm the ainol logo reminds me of a bum hole….

    • Cluster on 28/04/2015 - 16:13
      +1

      Ainol sounds like a hemorrhoid cream

  • dylzie on 28/04/2015 - 14:29
    +19

    i so so want this… but i don't know why!

    • robb6014 on 28/04/2015 - 16:41
      +3

      Ainol?

    • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2015 - 18:39
      +4

      It probably comes from a deep rooted desire to explore new things. I would suggest you give it a try if you are confident in yourself and the way you present yourself to the outside world.

    • gimli on 28/04/2015 - 22:52

      Probably not what you looking for…

  • dead5pur on 28/04/2015 - 14:42

    So would this technically be a better option for use as a media player than most media players? Given the size, access to full windows and wifi, plus plug and play capability for a HDD?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:44
      +2

      Yep, unless you need HEVC/H.265 (as only Android players have this capability at this stage). Windows means full HD Netflix, Kodi, automatic framerate switching, etc. Plus, you can upgrade the wifi using a USB dongle.

    • cornbeef on 28/04/2015 - 14:45

      Pretty much what the pipo x7 was for so this is much the same. Pre-sale so remember to be patient.

    • Pobman on 28/04/2015 - 14:46

      In many ways yes, in particular htpc play all, well most, the obscure formats that retail players can miss out. Also lots if streaming tv options on a htpc..

      However generally there is a bit more messing about getting them working rather than just plug and play with retail media players.

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:48

        Yep, a little more but most could get away with installing Kodi and they're done.

        • Pobman on 28/04/2015 - 14:51
          +1

          Must admit I am tempted..my htpc is from 2007 I think and the lights dim when I turn it on :)

        • dead5pur on 28/04/2015 - 15:21

          Hmmm very tempted. This + HDD + Kodi + Samsung TV seem a pretty good combination and some handy portability. Been look for a good solution for my new house when we move in a few weeks.

          Any other solutions that people can recommend at a similar price point? Mainly looking for access to own files on HDD, some streaming (Netflix mainly) and access via multiple devices throughout the house.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:54
          +2

          @dead5pur: Maybe the PiPO X7S (which I haven't tested yet) or Minix Z64 (which is dearer)

        • ar993 on 29/04/2015 - 09:54
          +1

          @dead5pur: Alternative option is getting a Chromecast and play everything directly from the phone/tablet/pc. I play all my media files from the home server as well as screen online tv using my phone. Netflix, Youtube etc apps support casting to Chromecast. And for the local media files, you just need to buy the full version of one of the casting apps for $5/$6 from app store.

        • eegos on 29/04/2015 - 19:52

          @ar993:

          wonder whats the apps for casting your local media file?
          thanks

        • picard359 on 01/05/2015 - 02:06
          +1

          @ee6oos:
          You don't need any of the 'Paid' casting apps anymore.

          ES File Explorer + it's Chromecast plugin is all you need. It will pay local content from your device as well as media stored on a NAS or a Network Share to your Chromecast.

  • Make it so on 28/04/2015 - 14:47
    +1

    Awesome piece of innovation. When does it ship, though?
    This is a pre-sale.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:49

      I asked and was told stock is arriving in the next 2 days.

  • draistlin on 28/04/2015 - 14:50

    Thoughts of this vs the pipo X7? I remember reading that the X7 had issues with heating?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:51
      +1

      I was waiting for someone to ask! Yep, this one trumps it by a long shot. The CPU is only slightly slower but thanks to its impressive cooling, it doesn't throttle like the X7.
      The PiPO X7 can be fixed with $20 of thermal pads but its whether you can be bothered. There's also a new device which is coming that looks impressive that I'll be testing very soon…

      • draistlin on 28/04/2015 - 14:56

        Whats this new device? Will you be getting it soon?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:58
          +1

          Can't let the cat out of the bag just yet but it'll be around $140. Hopefully will have it in the next week or two.

        • nmartin84 on 28/04/2015 - 15:23

          @Darkscythe: Does it have a LAN port?

          If yes, is it a gigabit port?

          Also I'm guess no battery on this new one (assuming it has an ethernet port).

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:24
          +1

          @nmartin84: Yes on the LAN but only 10/100. No battery either.

        • nmartin84 on 28/04/2015 - 15:55
          +1

          @Darkscythe:

          Cheers, I really don't see the purpose of these 10/100 ports they keep putting on them. Can just get a cheap USB adapter for that if you want it, it's the 1000mbps that is sorely lacking. ; )

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:39
          +2

          @nmartin84: Yep, I wish more companies would add them.

        • whats up skip on 28/04/2015 - 18:14
          +1

          @nmartin84:
          A USB to ethernet will put a huge load on an already limited CPU and may not do any better in many situations.

      • Clear on 28/04/2015 - 16:36

        Let me guess… the new device is the Pipo X8?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:37

          Nope! But would be interested in testing that unique experiment out!

        • Clear on 28/04/2015 - 16:54

          @Darkscythe: According to the MINIX reps the screen is really bad, but they are competitors after all…

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:57

          @Clear: Thanks. I didn't expect it would be great as it's a cost-cutting measure ironically :p

  • bleugh on 28/04/2015 - 14:52
    +3

    Nooooes,
    No ethernet port or woulda just bought a few

    • Make it so on 28/04/2015 - 15:00

      get a dongle
      $3.44AUD

      • krisspy on 28/04/2015 - 15:35

        Yeah but if you're going to use it as a ghetto server/networked drive then you'd be choking that usb port with both the hard drive and network bandwidth

        • Make it so on 28/04/2015 - 15:38

          I don't think that's the intended use for this device though… it's more of a client/terminal.

        • krisspy on 28/04/2015 - 15:45

          @Make it so: no it's not but it would've been a nice bonus

          Edit: well after seeing get the reviews claim the usb 3 drive maxing out at 38mb and 26mb read and write I withdraw the idea that this can be used as a ghetto server. Would've been nice since it barely breaks 9watts on power consumption

      • nmartin84 on 28/04/2015 - 15:53

        Can't check there while at work.

        How much for a usb 3 to 1000mbit ethernet adapter? :D

        • SteveBuscemi on 28/04/2015 - 16:02

          AX88179-based USB 3.0 Gigabit adapters aren't bad (you can get 800+Mbps out of them, they work on Win/MacOS/Linux/BSD) and are around $15-25 on DX/eBay.

        • Make it so on 28/04/2015 - 16:24

          I'd probably go for a USB 3.0 Hub + Gigabit Ethernet for $22.59AUD . That also solves the issue of a lack of ports. But I am not sure whether the USB3 port on this mini-pc is standard or micro. It does not appear to be full-sized.

  • Lukian on 28/04/2015 - 14:54

    This seems like it would pair nicely with one of these projectors - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/191949#comment-2712085
    Especially if it has enough power output from the inbuilt battery, otherwise a Xiaomi powerbank will do.

  • ob123 on 28/04/2015 - 14:57

    Can you upgrade the RAM?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 14:58

      Nope, all soldered down I'm afraid.

    • Utopian on 28/04/2015 - 15:41

      Does it need it??

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:42

        I'd argue no for most use cases. During my tests, it handled everything fine. Anything that choked was more CPU-limited than RAM.

    • jlogic on 28/04/2015 - 16:25

      IIRC the CPU is limited to 2GB addressable RAM.

  • halfnhalf71 on 28/04/2015 - 15:07

    Did you manage to test WiFi performance? My NAS and router are 3 rooms and a corner or 2 away.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:10

      Yep, there are detailed stats in the full review but I didn't have any issues streaming 1080p video.

  • Insidious on 28/04/2015 - 15:18

    Do these charge via USB as well as DC?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:18
      +2

      Seems like it's DC only as far as I can tell.

      • tommy-darko on 28/04/2015 - 15:34
        +1

        Would a DC to USB cable work and have it powered off the TV's USB port?

        • mr kindface on 28/04/2015 - 15:35
          +3

          definitely not from a TV's usb port.

      • Insidious on 28/04/2015 - 15:34

        ^beat me to it
        Pretty sure there are usb to 5v DC cables around, interesting to see if it would take it and charge.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:38

          The power adapter spec is 2.5A so I'd doubt it.

  • stumo on 28/04/2015 - 15:31

    Can we get a link to the review?

  • Penro on 28/04/2015 - 15:32
    +1

    Does this comes with a fully legitimate licensed version of windows 8.1?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:34
      +2

      Yes, Windows is activated and legit.

      • Indomietable on 28/04/2015 - 20:52

        Yep.. Its full version of windows 8.1 bing edition. That means you cannot change the default search, but you can always use different browsers.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:16
          +1

          You can change the default search engine - it just comes with Bing set as the default.

        • dadeadman on 28/04/2015 - 21:27

          I think windows 8.1 with bing is same as windows 8.1. With bing means OEM (Ainol in this case) Can't Change the default search engine on this device.

        • Indomietable on 29/04/2015 - 12:38

          @Darkscythe:
          Glad to know that .. I don't have experience with Windows 8.1 bing edition and based my comment on the following page :
          https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn…

          OEMs will not be able to change the default search engine with the SearchScopes unattend setting, Registry key, or 3rd party installation tools. When a user starts Internet Explorer, Bing is automatically set to the default Search Engine and will override any OEM-configured search provider. No other Internet Explorer defaults are changed.

    • rwps on 29/04/2015 - 09:04
      +2

      The one downside to the "with bing" version of Win 8.1 is that they have disabled the native ability to remote into the desktop to manage the box. A pain I discovered with my Pipo X7, as i most use the box to run other "bits" without the TV on.

  • Playdium on 28/04/2015 - 15:33
    -2

    doesn't look to be too bad, but not to sure with a name like ainol…

    • tommy-darko on 28/04/2015 - 15:36

      It could be Chinese for "Super happy fun play".

      • Playdium on 28/04/2015 - 16:08

        they try their hardest, i guess

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:21
        +11

        Their old slogan was "Enjoy Life, Enjoy Ainol" ;)

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:36
      +1

      I proudly tell people the brand just for the looks. I'd almost consider it a plus!

      • Playdium on 28/04/2015 - 16:07

        Haha good on ya!

  • boozler on 28/04/2015 - 15:33

    @Darkscythe, If i had a wireless mouse and keyboard, it will work with the unit right?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:35

      Yep, definitely. It's just a Windows PC in a tiny package. I use a Microsoft wireless set when I test these devices so you'll have no issue.

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