MiniX Neo X7 review: a powerful mini PC based on Android. Mini PC with Android and Windows: five best inexpensive ones based on Intel z8300 The smallest computer for Android

It's been a long time since computers took up an entire desk. Today, powerful mini PCs are the size of a sandwich. Whether you're looking for a compact device to free up space in your apartment or want to create an entertainment media center for yourself while traveling, you'll find the right option in this selection.

We present to our readers the February 2017 top five best mini pcs. We invite you to read the review and choose the device to your liking.

Mini PC on Windows Azulle A-1063-AAP Access Plus Stick

With Cherry Trail T3 Z8300 processor (2GB + 32GB)

Access Plus belongs to the new line of mini computer consoles from Azulle. Unlike previous mini-PC models presented by Azulle, the Access Plus clearly stands out. The device has many applications for various services such as Netflix, Skype and Windows applications. A direct internet connection is also available - these are just a few of the features that Access Plus has to offer.

The device is compact, so it fits easily into your pocket. Thanks to this, the gadget can be used not only while traveling, but also go online and view content absolutely anywhere where you can connect to a monitor or TV.

The Portable Access Plus is a cooler-free mini PC that lets you do the same things as a regular PC without any problems.

Personally, I use the device as a media center with Kodi player. At first, I was a little doubtful whether this thing could cope with the entire list of capabilities that were attributed to it? Have you seen the first Chromecasts? This is what I expected.

As it turned out, my doubts were in vain. Let's start with the fact that the build quality is at the highest level. The device has a metal body, very moderate weight and impeccable quality. This is a very fast mini PC that easily replaces a regular one if the user needs Internet access, access to email or office applications.

With 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM, not counting 64GB - the maximum expandable memory - the user will have more than enough space to store their files. To summarize, this model is a good option that will certainly brighten up your leisure time:

  1. Activated Windows 10 OS,
  2. high speed,
  3. stable work.

The device does not heat up during resource-intensive operations, high build quality, 4 USB connectors... We are delighted with this model!

mini PC GOLE1

With Intel Z8300 processor and Windows 10 / Android 5.1(4 GB + 64 GB)

The GOLE1 is equipped with a quad-core processor and an Intel Gen 8-LP video accelerator. In addition, there is a touch screen, thanks to which the device can be used anywhere, regardless of the speed of the Internet connection via Wi-Fi. And the dimensions of the gadget (135 x 90 x 20 mm) allow you to carry it with you in a small suitcase, backpack or pocket.

Great mini computer. This model was purchased to replace a bulky laptop on which presentations were created using the OpenLP program, which works great on GOLE1.

The screen is clear and crisp, and Windows 10 works as it should. High-speed SD cards are not supported, but class 4 cards work fine. Personally, I use a 32GB class 4 card without any problems, and I also watch high-definition videos without any lag.

I work on the device using the Rii i8 92 Mouse Touchpad Combo wireless keyboard or simply connect a wireless mouse. Both devices are perfectly recognized. HDMI, HDMI and VGA connectors work without problems, and the sound quality transmitted through headphones connected to the HDMI connector is commendable.

I really liked the Gole1 and am very glad I purchased this model.

mini PC Byte Plus

With Intel CherryTrail T3 Quad-Core Z8300 (4GB + 32GB)

Byte Plus is part of the new line of mini-PCs from Azulle. The device is designed to perform many different multitasking operations. Azulle has equipped the Byte Plus with a 64-bit quad-core Intel Atom Cherry Trail processor.

Byte Plus via HDMI or VGA connectors. Services such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime are available on the device. And with the help of Microsoft Office you can complete tasks for work or school. It doesn’t matter what the nature of the tasks is - Byte Plus can handle any!

An excellent mini PC not only for everyday work, but also as a media center. I must say, very cheap.

This is a very compact and stylish device, with solid build quality. In addition, the gadget does not make a sound during operation. I would have shelled out for a more powerful version of this model, but even this small and remote computer provides enough features to satisfy the needs of most users.

It is worth noting that you can install Linux like Ubuntu 15 and higher on a mini PC. And since the device supports 32-bit systems, the latter will be the best option.

After fiddling around with other systems, I came to the conclusion that it works best on Ubuntu. Others had difficulty installing.

If you are happy with Windows, then there will be no problems at all.

Where to buy cheap?


The creators always want to combine a certain number of devices into one for the greatest convenience and comfort. For example, this happened with a mini-computer and a TV set-top box. Nowadays it is possible to purchase these 2 devices in one Android mini PC device and enjoy a wide variety of functions of this device.

The mini PC contains the Android operating system above version 4.4, and is also small in size (which is why it gets the name “mini”). Android mini PCs are available in two variations - Android HDMI dongle mini PC and Android TV box. Let's take a closer look at each device.


Many users may have many questions - is it really time to throw their personal system unit in the trash? Have the computers that are so common in our opinion already become irrelevant and the creators, in their own urge, want to do everything in small sizes, or will they only produce these small computers? Previously, the same computer occupied a huge building, and the ordinary system unit, which we are all familiar with, became a true revolution!
It is necessary to deal with this issue and irrevocably sort everything out.

In its essence, mini PC is more similar to modern tablets and phones, but in terms of power it is somewhat ahead of them. It contains USB ports and HDMI output, it has more functions, more RAM. A computer that is more than 5 years old, or a phone that is a year and a half old is much behind this device. Progress does not depend on space, something fresh comes out every month.
But at the same time, mini PCs do not have a monitor or their own independent power source. These devices do not have a microphone, speaker, or 3G module. That’s why they need to be connected to the TV, like a set-top box. In this case, the TV acts as the monitor itself. In this case, a mini PC is like a system unit to which it is possible to connect various peripheral devices so that it can perform all the necessary functions.

Well, if we’ve already touched on the topic of multifunctionality, in general, you can change a regular computer to an Android mini PC only if you don’t need anything more, apart from going online and playing games. If you want to edit photos, videos, or work in some more or less serious programs, a mini PC will not cope with these tasks.
This device is created by default for games and as a means of accessing the Internet. A mini PC will allow you to view email, call family via video (Skype), view files and edit them, read books, connect to a computer or laptop and display your desktop on a large screen. You can create on this small computer everything that the currently available software allows. And now we foresee that development in the Android field is proceeding quite quickly... It is likely that even more functions will quickly become available.
The Google Android operating system is now loved by almost all users, and has long been installed not only on telephones, but also on other devices, such as electronic books, tablets, netbooks, and including wristwatches. Nowadays they also produce TVs on this system (

Today we will share with you our impressions of the new Neo X7 minicomputer model running on the Android operating system. The manufacturer of the device is MiniX.

It's no secret that modern technologies have made it possible to significantly reduce the size of computers. Now you can always have a tool for work and entertainment at hand; it can easily fit even into a handbag. A special monitor is also not required; the device easily connects to any TV via HDMI. No cluttered space at home and no unnecessary wires. In short, a minicomputer is a very practical thing for all family members, from grandson to grandmother. Now let's talk about everything in order.

Hardware and software

So, let's start with the filling and functions. The specifications indicate that the MiniX Neo X7 uses a quad-core ARM Cortex A9 from the manufacturer Rockchip as a processor, and Mali 400 is responsible for the graphics. This is productive hardware that can work with the “heaviest” software. If we talk about video playback, then in principle there can be no problems with such an “engine”. Perhaps, it is the desire to comfortably watch FullHD video with a high bitrate that can become the main motive for purchasing such a monster. Fans of demanding 3D toys will also be delighted.

The device boasts a large amount of high-performance memory: 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage + a slot for an SD card up to 32 GB.

The operating system used here is Android version 4.2.2 with the ability to update, and the main tool for playing videos is the reliable and beloved XBMC Player. Here it is called XBMC MiniX Edition.

Interfaces

The device is equipped with all necessary interfaces. There is an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi module that supports 802.11 b/g/n standards and operates in both frequency modes (2.4 and 5 GHz). If the Internet comes to you via an Ethernet cable, you can use MiniX as an access point and distribute Wi-Fi to all your laptops, smartphones and other gadgets directly from the mini-computer. Moreover, no additional software is required for this; everything you need is already included in Android.

Wireless peripherals - mice, keyboards, headsets - are connected via Bluetooth 4.0, and for all other devices - hard drives, flash drives and other things that may be useful for games and other applications - there are 3 USB ports. Also, if desired, headphones and a microphone are connected to the console. The corresponding connectors are located on the front panel.

Separately about Wi-Fi

Unlike previous MIniX Neo X5 and Neo G4 models, the Neo X7 minicomputer is equipped with an external antenna that guarantees uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity. The signal quality is really excellent, and now you don’t have to think at all about which room your access point is located in.

About quality

The device is distinguished by a really high-quality and neat assembly. The minicomputer comes with an HDMI cable, a remote control and an OTG cable. The filling of the MiniX Neo X7 consists of parts from reliable and popular manufacturers: memory from Hynix, audio chip from RealTek, processor from Rockchip.

Price

With all the delights listed above, MiniX Neo X7 will cost just over 5 thousand rubles. For such a high-quality and productive device, this is a very reasonable price.

Based on the name of the device, it turns out that this is a mini computer combined with a TV set-top box and enclosed in one case. A very unusual device runs on the well-known Android operating system version 4.0 and higher. “Mini”, the developers called this gadget for a reason, since the overall dimensions are really impressive: 8.8 cm in length, 3.2 in width, with a height of only 1.6 cm. The device is undoubtedly larger than an ordinary flash drive, but much smaller than a modern smartphone or external HDD drive. The dimensions are close to ideal, as they are not so small that the owner could easily lose the device and not so large that the mini PC cannot fit in a jeans or jacket pocket.

Today, there are two types of mini computers and TV set-top boxes based on Android:

  1. “Android HDMI dongle mini PC”
  2. “Android TV box”

Let's start the description with Android HDMI dongle mini PC

These devices are very similar to modern flash drives (flash drives), the model markings are as follows: UG007, UG802 and iMito MX1. As a rule, these gadgets are equipped with HDMI connectors, which is popularly referred to as “male”, a power connector, a memory card slot and two USB ports, one of which is in mini format. These models are characterized by the absence of an external Wi-Fi antenna, audio output, and a very modest set of ports. The advantages include the exceptional compactness of the device, which is important in our time.

Boxed version

Android TV boxes are characterized by the presence of several standard-sized USB ports and a component video output, external antenna, microphone input and audio output. The main feature is the Internet port, but the remote control is not always included in the package. The overall dimensions of the device have been significantly increased (when compared with previous models) and is presented to the public as a stationary multimedia TV set-top box. The most modern of the model range is considered to be the MINIX NEO X5, and the Mini X Plus also belongs to this type.

More about Mini X Plus

Let's take a closer look at the Mini X Plus and try to figure out why this device is really called a big word - a computer? In the understanding of most people, a computer is, first of all, a huge system unit, by modern standards, a monitor and a keyboard with an “eternal” mouse. But technology is developing at a rapid pace, which in the 20th century was considered a computer, occupied an entire room in area, modern PCs are considered microcomputers in comparison, so let's find out what Android mini PC is?

Based on the technical characteristics, the mini PC is very similar to modern smartphones. The heart of the device is the ARM Cortex A9 processor, whose clock frequency ranges from 1.2 to 1.6 GHz, a 4-core ARM Mali-400 graphics accelerator, 1 GB of RAM and about 4-8 GB of internal memory. But now judge for yourself: a smartphone purchased less than a year ago does not reach these technical characteristics, but a PC that has been in use for more than five years has technical characteristics four times worse.

But one cannot help but notice that the mini PC does not have a screen, a 3G module, a microphone, a speaker, and operation without an external power source is simply not possible. But the main feature is the presence of a large number of different ports, with which you can connect everything you need for full operation. It turns out that by connecting a mouse and keyboard, you can use almost all the functions that a standard computer has. In other words, work with graphic, text, audio and video files, freely navigate the vastness of the World Wide Web, make purchases in online stores, communicate with friends and colleagues.

It is worth noting that Android was initially developed exclusively as an operating system for mobile devices - but due to its popularity, it began to be installed on tablets, smartphones and e-readers. TVs that are equipped with a full-fledged Android system and wireless communication modules are just beginning to appear on the horizon, with prices starting from 100 thousand rubles, while a device called Android mini PC will cost the buyer only $100, which is much cheaper, but functionality and practicality can be debated to infinity!

 

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