I wish Intel could sort out it's Atom Linux support. Something like this with Linux support would be fantastic. It's been like 3 years and my Asus t100 Baytrail still doesn't work properly 100% without invasive patches for its kernel.
I've had endless problems getting Linux working on an Asus X205TA that's got a Bay Trail to the point where I've given up on it and it's basically a Windows paperweight sitting in a drawer. HP was a lot better/easier with the Stream 11, but even it isn't as easy as it ought to be to get a proper operating system installed. The hardware specs on these low end Atoms with their passive cooling and low price make them perfect candidates for Linux. I'm not one to spread conspiracy theories, but I think that there's been active work put into the idea of preventing people from easily abandoning Windows on cheaper systems. After all, if Microsoft is giving the OS away for free, they need to recoup their costs through targeted advertising and the Windows Store so the last thing Microsoft would want is the end user population hopping onto an OS where they don't reap any financial return.
Unless you can provide any shadow of a doubt, I'll keep beliving it has more to do with the fact that Linux is too small of a market to warrant the cost for the hardware maker.
I might be mistaken, but the number of computing devices running a Linux kernel is currently higher than those running a Microsoft built kernel. While a lot of that is due to Android, there's also super computer dominance and other fringe markets. Because of Microsoft's recent missteps with Windows 8's user interface and privacy concerns that arose due to Windows 10 telemetry, I think there's a reason for shareholders to be concerned. It didn't take that many years for the Linux kernel to reach a dominant state in the mobile sector. Yes, on desktop and laptop PCs, the market share is about 1.7% running Linux, but that traditional computing model is mature and even in a state of decline as mobile devices running alternative operating systems are apparently taking sales. As handsets have proven, change can happen quickly. It's in Microsoft's best interest, particularly with Secure Boot, to implement mechanisms that help to achieve ecosystem lock-in.
I don't think it's Intel's problem that the Linux kernel has compatibility issues with their hardware. Microsoft initially had some problems with bay trail and cherry trail too, but they fixed their issues. The issues are mostly concerned with certain hardware things these SoCs no longer have that OSes assume x86 chips have. It's not an issue with the hardware.
I'm not normally one to agree with a troll, but thank you Flunk, as someone who has read that very line across many different open source projects...you made my night. I said this 15 years ago, and i'll say it again. The open source world has 3 problems when it comes to open source adoption. The biggest one is the asshole community. Fix that issue and you'll go a long way towards widespread open source adoption. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of assholes out there...so good luck!
I'm on such a cpu right now, the Pentium 3700. About the only issues with Linux are video, and the drivers for it are from Intel, open source as well. What is weirder is that video wise, Android works way better than typical Linux. Probably because it doesn't use X. I'd look into Remix OS or the Android x86 project. Best part of the latter is you'll have no issue with updates or upgrades vs the typical android tablet.
But it's Linux, if it doesn't work you can fix it yourself, isn't that the big thing about it? I don't think Intel should submit anything to make it work, they do it if they can and if they want to other than that you are on your own making it work.
Sure, but considering the small size of the die-hard Linux community, it almost certainly doesn't make sense to expend the resources supporting Linux for such a small revenue stream, when they can devote the resources to other areas with much more profitability.
Hello 1995, welcome to 2016! A world where most phones, TV's, servers and all sorts of other stuff runs Linux. In a world where the die-hard Windows community is shrinking, it's ill advised to miss "the next big thing".
Totally agree. I have a Toshiba Click Mini, a z3735f Baytrail convertible tablet which works well with Windows 8.1 and more recently Windows 10. I've got to the point where Linux is useable, with the keyboard dock and it's usb and SDHC slot working, but neither camera works, nor sound, nor Bluetooth. Rarely but annoyingly it locks solid, which i think is the video.
"The Type-C port in the system is only for power delivery and not available for data transfer" If the wiring for data is missing no adapter in the world will allow you to transfer any kind of data over that port. That is a power connector in the shape of USB Type-C.
One of the rare manufacturer that seems to be able to keep the temperature in check without the chip throttling and in a slim profile. But to be honest, I wonder will these fanless systems last since they seem to run significantly hotter than one that has an active cooling.
Nonetheless, this can be a great low power HTPC if the price is right.
Thanks for reviewing a Chinese PC. I recently started looking at GearBest, and looks like there are 2-in-1s, laptops and mini PC's which look quite attractive and sold at very good prices. Problem is with Chinese devices, it's hit and miss (I have a few Chinese brand tablets and phones), so it's good to have a professional review of such a device. I hope that you'll do some more reviews of what's available at GearBest.
Do not go anywhere near gearbest. They are the absolute worst vendor. They do not have any stock and will hold your order to enough people have ordered something before arranging delivery.
Their trustpilot reviews are faked, they have had hundreds of fake positive reviews removed and still hammer tge site with positive reviews. Look on any other site and you will see nothing but terrible experiences with them.
It took me 2 month to drag a refund out of them for something that was never delivered that I cancelled because after 2weeks beyond my delivery period they still had not sent the item. They sent some cheap accessories as proof of postage to try and pass that off as the full order to try and win the PayPal dispute.
Just do your research on gearbest before dealing with them. If you get your order within 2 months you are very lucky and they do not do refunds, you have force it via PayPal or credit card which drags the whole ordeal out unnecessarily.
Just registered to second this comment. Do not engage business with them unless you are buying a flash drive or a neck strap. They have a horrifying customer relations. Took 9 months to get a package refused by customs and after they have received it back, they wouldn't refund me no more than 100USD (bought OPO64G when it was 400USD, late 2014).
As you can see from the thermal stress graphs, the GPU clocks in around 280 MHz for the Furmark stress test. It is always above the base clock claimed by Intel (200 MHz). In any case, the configuration is such that the total power draw by the system at the wall doesn't exceed 10W under any circumstance (obviously, power draw by any connected USB peripherals is excluded).
How do you know you didn't get viruses or other spy-ware for a Chinese file sharing site? I've seen this happen on low-end and high-end systems going direct to vendor sites for drivers in some cases, which resulted in attempts to create an encrypted link back to Chinese IP addresses. The description of issues raise lots of red flags.
This bifurcated market remains an insulting joke. You can buy these types of systems for $150 all day long. But simply upgrade the atom into a Core m and all the sudden the price is jacked up by $300? That is so insulting that I wouldnt even contemplate buying either.
Most of that's down to Intel's pricing. $40 for atom, vs $280 for core M. Implementing a Core M system is more expensive as well, the SoC has 30% more contacts (FCBGA 1515 vs 1170), some of which correspond to extra mobo traces (more expensive PCB). Component wise, you're also looking at 2 channels of ram not 1 for at few more dollars of parts.
The OEMs are probably charging slightly higher margins since Core M is branded as a premium product not race to the bottom, and retail margins are generally a percentage of the price not a flat dollar amount; but most of the price difference is down to Intel's pricing. Their holding good mobile CPU prices (ie not their cheap lines: Atom, Pentium, Celeron) at floor of nearly $200 is all about maximizing returns in a portion of the market that they have nearly no effective competition at present. (Hopefully Zen will let AMD compete in CPU performance/watt in the ultrabook processor category soon.)
Lastly, Core M is priced at a premium to core i3/5/7 because they're dies that're binned for working decently at extra low power levels, the intermediate level Celeron/Pentium lines are much cheaper because they're a dumping ground for duds.
You can always use the Gearbest link that is in the final page (just prior to the Amazon link) which reflects the true value / non-inflated cost of the system - around $200.
I can't get past the Warez OS issue. If I wanted such a device with Windows on it, it better be a legally installed copy. The idea that I would need to go out and get my own copy means you have to add $100 to the price in order to get it leagal for what it was supposed to come with out of the box.
I don't think Microsoft allows for 'cheap' licenses if the hardware specs are as good as the Voyo V3.. particularly, I believe the cheap license is available only for the x86 version, not x64. Also, the RAM has to be 2GB or lesser (IIRC).
Anyways, the cost for the Windows license is an issue with any PC that doesn't have neutered hardware specifications.
Web browsing is a major part of the PCMark 8 benchmarks - and those scores make it clear that this unit is better than other passively cooled Braswell PCs.
Usually, we don't present web browser benchmarks for mini-PCs because they vary widely with the browser used and also updates to the browsers themselves - making it difficult to go back and compare against older units. It is a different case for more 'closed' systems such as tablets and smartphones. Because of this, we believe that the PCMark 8 browser tests (with their standardized browser engine) are more indicative of performance that users can get at any given point of time.
On my laptop difference between the latest Firefox, Chrome and Safari is within 5%, this is precise enough tool that tells me about system performance. Both Octane and Kraken are easy to execute. I can walk up to Microsoft or Apple store and in less than a minute I can compare which computer is faster.
Can you tell me what is the difference between Firefox 30 and Firefox 44 ? I can't go back and power up every single PC reviewed before to rerun those benchmarks every time the browser version changes.
I prefer a standardized browsing engine, and that is what PCMark 8 provides.
It is nice to have quick scores to compare against what you already have, but it doesn't hold up under detailed scrutiny - we need repeatable and reproducible benchmarks for different use-cases.
I am not telling you to stop publishing PCMark 8, only to add Octane and Kraken. If published test says 'executed with Firefox 44' that is all information I need.
Such a test wouldn't hold any value though. You can't make performance comparisons across generationswith different browsers. It might be useful to you but it's not a worthwhile test to run because there's no actual comparison to be made. A chart isn't worth making when outside variables can have a significant impact on the performance - is the 20% better performance of box A due to a 25% better browser engine/js performance? If so, that means the box is actually slower than the other comparison. And there's no way to know for sure where the benefit comes from.
It's hilarious seeing a shipping product not boot to OOBE. All they had to do was run a generalize SYSPREP and make a WIM image of the SSD...a process that hasn't changed since Windows Vista (a decade.)
Doesn't this machines spec's qualify for Microsoft heavily subsidized/free Windows 10 Home license, or do they require a shipping storage capacity below 64GB SSD/4GB RAM?
As I mentioned in another comment, it is likely that this unit does NOT qualify for the subsidized Win 10 install.
I think the no-name Chinese manufacturers such as Voyo and Teclast need to step up the game - they have started shipping x86-based pre-built PCs only in the last couple of years, and they have lots to catch up on.
Apparently this activates, but only with a specific chinese version of windows (that can be set to English, though). Lon Seidman has a video on the issue on his channel.
just as a point of interest if you check out Lon Seidman reviews on Youtube he has a couple videos reviewing this. He also had issues with the pre-installed Windows with UAC disabled. In the end he was able to install a Chinese version of Windows (from MS itself) which did activate OK. He did this on a tip from a viewer about a special program Microsoft has for Chinese manufacturers or something. The OS had an English language option for installation but he had to choose the Chinese version to make media from - from Microsoft. Confusing I know but watch Lon's videos. I think his copy out of the box was already activated though if I recall.
There is a command line in Windows that allows you to export all system drives to a USB with one command. Makes fresh installs much easier. On mobile so can't link you, but Google it.
The whole 'bootlegged os' sounds to me like the Windows versions of Thecus' NAS servers. sure Thecus at least TOLD you it was a trial version up front (i.e. Windows wasn't activated). However, when Storage Server 2012 came out, NAS users were screwed over by Thecus as well as Microsoft, since Thecus refused to sell 2008 any longer, and also refused to re-certify their NAS units for Windows Storage 2012. This was for brand new units you could order from various resellers throughout the world. We ended up activating a Windows Server Standard license just to get around the bullshit.
I have purchased MSi Cubi (celeron) atogether with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD I got it for £165 ANd I have LAN , WLAN ac , BT , and 5G WiFi displayport .. 10x better than this crap overpriced !
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Pissedoffyouth - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I wish Intel could sort out it's Atom Linux support. Something like this with Linux support would be fantastic. It's been like 3 years and my Asus t100 Baytrail still doesn't work properly 100% without invasive patches for its kernel.BrokenCrayons - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I've had endless problems getting Linux working on an Asus X205TA that's got a Bay Trail to the point where I've given up on it and it's basically a Windows paperweight sitting in a drawer. HP was a lot better/easier with the Stream 11, but even it isn't as easy as it ought to be to get a proper operating system installed. The hardware specs on these low end Atoms with their passive cooling and low price make them perfect candidates for Linux. I'm not one to spread conspiracy theories, but I think that there's been active work put into the idea of preventing people from easily abandoning Windows on cheaper systems. After all, if Microsoft is giving the OS away for free, they need to recoup their costs through targeted advertising and the Windows Store so the last thing Microsoft would want is the end user population hopping onto an OS where they don't reap any financial return.PsychoPif - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
"I'm not one to spread conspiracy theories, "Except you just did :)
Unless you can provide any shadow of a doubt, I'll keep beliving it has more to do with the fact that Linux is too small of a market to warrant the cost for the hardware maker.
BrokenCrayons - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
I might be mistaken, but the number of computing devices running a Linux kernel is currently higher than those running a Microsoft built kernel. While a lot of that is due to Android, there's also super computer dominance and other fringe markets. Because of Microsoft's recent missteps with Windows 8's user interface and privacy concerns that arose due to Windows 10 telemetry, I think there's a reason for shareholders to be concerned. It didn't take that many years for the Linux kernel to reach a dominant state in the mobile sector. Yes, on desktop and laptop PCs, the market share is about 1.7% running Linux, but that traditional computing model is mature and even in a state of decline as mobile devices running alternative operating systems are apparently taking sales. As handsets have proven, change can happen quickly. It's in Microsoft's best interest, particularly with Secure Boot, to implement mechanisms that help to achieve ecosystem lock-in.Flunk - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I don't think it's Intel's problem that the Linux kernel has compatibility issues with their hardware. Microsoft initially had some problems with bay trail and cherry trail too, but they fixed their issues. The issues are mostly concerned with certain hardware things these SoCs no longer have that OSes assume x86 chips have. It's not an issue with the hardware.Flunk - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Also, I should follow this up with the standard open-source argument. If you want bay trail/cherry trail support then you should write it yourself.eek2121 - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
I'm not normally one to agree with a troll, but thank you Flunk, as someone who has read that very line across many different open source projects...you made my night. I said this 15 years ago, and i'll say it again. The open source world has 3 problems when it comes to open source adoption. The biggest one is the asshole community. Fix that issue and you'll go a long way towards widespread open source adoption. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of assholes out there...so good luck!sprockkets - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I'm on such a cpu right now, the Pentium 3700. About the only issues with Linux are video, and the drivers for it are from Intel, open source as well.What is weirder is that video wise, Android works way better than typical Linux. Probably because it doesn't use X. I'd look into Remix OS or the Android x86 project. Best part of the latter is you'll have no issue with updates or upgrades vs the typical android tablet.
extide - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
No, it is an issue with Intel because they should be submitting the patches and drivers to make stuff work properly.Camikazi - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
But it's Linux, if it doesn't work you can fix it yourself, isn't that the big thing about it? I don't think Intel should submit anything to make it work, they do it if they can and if they want to other than that you are on your own making it work.blepowerranger - Friday, March 4, 2016 - link
If Intel wants my money, they better make damn sure it works out of the box with Linux.So it is Intel's problem you see?
kyuu - Saturday, March 5, 2016 - link
Sure, but considering the small size of the die-hard Linux community, it almost certainly doesn't make sense to expend the resources supporting Linux for such a small revenue stream, when they can devote the resources to other areas with much more profitability.blepowerranger - Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - link
Hello 1995, welcome to 2016! A world where most phones, TV's, servers and all sorts of other stuff runs Linux. In a world where the die-hard Windows community is shrinking, it's ill advised to miss "the next big thing".Arnulf - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
I wonder if Cherry Trail can run Windows 7. Can anyone elaborate on that?BrokenCrayons - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
Intel doesn't supply Windows 7 drivers for Cherry Trail. The why behind that fact...I'm not sure. Maybe someone else can speak to that.Namisecond - Monday, March 7, 2016 - link
Try the windows 8 drivers (Assuming there are windows 8 drivers), sometimes it works well enough with windows 7.SeanJ76 - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
Rip off of a NUC.....derpSeanJ76 - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
That doesnt even run Windows Server.....what a joke!NUC's cost 350$ bare boned. Add a 240GB M2 SSD and a couple sticks of memory and your set.
speculatrix - Sunday, March 6, 2016 - link
Totally agree. I have a Toshiba Click Mini, a z3735f Baytrail convertible tablet which works well with Windows 8.1 and more recently Windows 10.I've got to the point where Linux is useable, with the keyboard dock and it's usb and SDHC slot working, but neither camera works, nor sound, nor Bluetooth. Rarely but annoyingly it locks solid, which i think is the video.
nathanddrews - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Theoretically, the Type-C port could be used as a 4K60 transport if the display or adapter were available?close - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
"The Type-C port in the system is only for power delivery and not available for data transfer"If the wiring for data is missing no adapter in the world will allow you to transfer any kind of data over that port. That is a power connector in the shape of USB Type-C.
nathanddrews - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
D'oh!watzupken - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
One of the rare manufacturer that seems to be able to keep the temperature in check without the chip throttling and in a slim profile. But to be honest, I wonder will these fanless systems last since they seem to run significantly hotter than one that has an active cooling.Nonetheless, this can be a great low power HTPC if the price is right.
Flunk - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
A lot of companies sell decent fanless Atom products.Teknobug - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Kangaroo Plus.ET - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Thanks for reviewing a Chinese PC. I recently started looking at GearBest, and looks like there are 2-in-1s, laptops and mini PC's which look quite attractive and sold at very good prices. Problem is with Chinese devices, it's hit and miss (I have a few Chinese brand tablets and phones), so it's good to have a professional review of such a device. I hope that you'll do some more reviews of what's available at GearBest.jimbo2779 - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
Do not go anywhere near gearbest. They are the absolute worst vendor. They do not have any stock and will hold your order to enough people have ordered something before arranging delivery.Their trustpilot reviews are faked, they have had hundreds of fake positive reviews removed and still hammer tge site with positive reviews. Look on any other site and you will see nothing but terrible experiences with them.
It took me 2 month to drag a refund out of them for something that was never delivered that I cancelled because after 2weeks beyond my delivery period they still had not sent the item. They sent some cheap accessories as proof of postage to try and pass that off as the full order to try and win the PayPal dispute.
Just do your research on gearbest before dealing with them. If you get your order within 2 months you are very lucky and they do not do refunds, you have force it via PayPal or credit card which drags the whole ordeal out unnecessarily.
itanium86 - Monday, March 21, 2016 - link
Just registered to second this comment. Do not engage business with them unless you are buying a flash drive or a neck strap. They have a horrifying customer relations. Took 9 months to get a package refused by customs and after they have received it back, they wouldn't refund me no more than 100USD (bought OPO64G when it was 400USD, late 2014).Teknobug - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
That is a very attractive device, now if only Intel could find a way to fit an i3-U or Core m3 or such into a fanless setup like that.Michael Wilding - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Hi Ganesh,Are we seeing low GPU clock speeds (200-300MHz) when stressed due to TDP or Thermal throttling?
ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
As you can see from the thermal stress graphs, the GPU clocks in around 280 MHz for the Furmark stress test. It is always above the base clock claimed by Intel (200 MHz). In any case, the configuration is such that the total power draw by the system at the wall doesn't exceed 10W under any circumstance (obviously, power draw by any connected USB peripherals is excluded).woggs - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
How do you know you didn't get viruses or other spy-ware for a Chinese file sharing site? I've seen this happen on low-end and high-end systems going direct to vendor sites for drivers in some cases, which resulted in attempts to create an encrypted link back to Chinese IP addresses. The description of issues raise lots of red flags.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I downloaded on to a VM first. Mounted with 'Dism' on the VM and scanned with Windows Defender before moving it to the Voyo V3 / main network.But, yes, Voyo needs to make the drivers available separately.
user_5447 - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Why iperf (ip perf) is confusingly written as iPerf in Wi-Fi graphs?Shadowmaster625 - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
This bifurcated market remains an insulting joke. You can buy these types of systems for $150 all day long. But simply upgrade the atom into a Core m and all the sudden the price is jacked up by $300? That is so insulting that I wouldnt even contemplate buying either.DanNeely - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Most of that's down to Intel's pricing. $40 for atom, vs $280 for core M. Implementing a Core M system is more expensive as well, the SoC has 30% more contacts (FCBGA 1515 vs 1170), some of which correspond to extra mobo traces (more expensive PCB). Component wise, you're also looking at 2 channels of ram not 1 for at few more dollars of parts.The OEMs are probably charging slightly higher margins since Core M is branded as a premium product not race to the bottom, and retail margins are generally a percentage of the price not a flat dollar amount; but most of the price difference is down to Intel's pricing. Their holding good mobile CPU prices (ie not their cheap lines: Atom, Pentium, Celeron) at floor of nearly $200 is all about maximizing returns in a portion of the market that they have nearly no effective competition at present. (Hopefully Zen will let AMD compete in CPU performance/watt in the ultrabook processor category soon.)
DanNeely - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Lastly, Core M is priced at a premium to core i3/5/7 because they're dies that're binned for working decently at extra low power levels, the intermediate level Celeron/Pentium lines are much cheaper because they're a dumping ground for duds.dsraa - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
$359 on the 'advertised' amazon link.....pffft. Ain't buying it from there almost 2x as much.....yuck.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
You can always use the Gearbest link that is in the final page (just prior to the Amazon link) which reflects the true value / non-inflated cost of the system - around $200.jimbo2779 - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
I would never deal with gearbest. Do your research on them, they are terrible, absolutely awful.Their trustpilot reviews are faked so look elsewhere and you get an idea of the type of company they are.
ragenalien - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Is the wireless card replaceable.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
The wireless card communicates via SDIO and is soldered to the board.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
You can actually check out the board layout here: http://www.cnx-software.com/wp-content/uploads/201...The WLAN card is on the top right (where the black antenna pigtail comes out from), and you can see that it is indeed not replaceable.
Coelispex - Sunday, April 3, 2016 - link
Hi Ganeshts,If we use a 802.11ac USB adapter, would it work for the Voyo V3?
Ratman6161 - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I can't get past the Warez OS issue. If I wanted such a device with Windows on it, it better be a legally installed copy. The idea that I would need to go out and get my own copy means you have to add $100 to the price in order to get it leagal for what it was supposed to come with out of the box.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I don't think Microsoft allows for 'cheap' licenses if the hardware specs are as good as the Voyo V3.. particularly, I believe the cheap license is available only for the x86 version, not x64. Also, the RAM has to be 2GB or lesser (IIRC).Anyways, the cost for the Windows license is an issue with any PC that doesn't have neutered hardware specifications.
Slawek - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
What are results of Google Octane and Mozilla Kraken? If am going to use it for web browsing these are the most important benchmarks to know.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Web browsing is a major part of the PCMark 8 benchmarks - and those scores make it clear that this unit is better than other passively cooled Braswell PCs.Usually, we don't present web browser benchmarks for mini-PCs because they vary widely with the browser used and also updates to the browsers themselves - making it difficult to go back and compare against older units. It is a different case for more 'closed' systems such as tablets and smartphones. Because of this, we believe that the PCMark 8 browser tests (with their standardized browser engine) are more indicative of performance that users can get at any given point of time.
Slawek - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
On my laptop difference between the latest Firefox, Chrome and Safari is within 5%, this is precise enough tool that tells me about system performance. Both Octane and Kraken are easy to execute. I can walk up to Microsoft or Apple store and in less than a minute I can compare which computer is faster.ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Can you tell me what is the difference between Firefox 30 and Firefox 44 ? I can't go back and power up every single PC reviewed before to rerun those benchmarks every time the browser version changes.I prefer a standardized browsing engine, and that is what PCMark 8 provides.
It is nice to have quick scores to compare against what you already have, but it doesn't hold up under detailed scrutiny - we need repeatable and reproducible benchmarks for different use-cases.
Slawek - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
I am not telling you to stop publishing PCMark 8, only to add Octane and Kraken. If published test says 'executed with Firefox 44' that is all information I need.Drumsticks - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
Such a test wouldn't hold any value though. You can't make performance comparisons across generationswith different browsers. It might be useful to you but it's not a worthwhile test to run because there's no actual comparison to be made. A chart isn't worth making when outside variables can have a significant impact on the performance - is the 20% better performance of box A due to a 25% better browser engine/js performance? If so, that means the box is actually slower than the other comparison. And there's no way to know for sure where the benefit comes from.Samus - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
It's hilarious seeing a shipping product not boot to OOBE. All they had to do was run a generalize SYSPREP and make a WIM image of the SSD...a process that hasn't changed since Windows Vista (a decade.)Doesn't this machines spec's qualify for Microsoft heavily subsidized/free Windows 10 Home license, or do they require a shipping storage capacity below 64GB SSD/4GB RAM?
ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
As I mentioned in another comment, it is likely that this unit does NOT qualify for the subsidized Win 10 install.I think the no-name Chinese manufacturers such as Voyo and Teclast need to step up the game - they have started shipping x86-based pre-built PCs only in the last couple of years, and they have lots to catch up on.
esterhasz - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
Apparently this activates, but only with a specific chinese version of windows (that can be set to English, though). Lon Seidman has a video on the issue on his channel.savagemike - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
just as a point of interest if you check out Lon Seidman reviews on Youtube he has a couple videos reviewing this. He also had issues with the pre-installed Windows with UAC disabled. In the end he was able to install a Chinese version of Windows (from MS itself) which did activate OK. He did this on a tip from a viewer about a special program Microsoft has for Chinese manufacturers or something. The OS had an English language option for installation but he had to choose the Chinese version to make media from - from Microsoft.Confusing I know but watch Lon's videos.
I think his copy out of the box was already activated though if I recall.
Rlo - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
"Allowing for the metallic segment to be on top to aid convective cooling would have definitely helped in making the thermal performance better."How about using this PC upside down? :)
ganeshts - Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - link
Can't fault that idea, but the aesthetics wouldn't be as nice as it is right now :)HugsNotDrugs - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
There is a command line in Windows that allows you to export all system drives to a USB with one command. Makes fresh installs much easier. On mobile so can't link you, but Google it.HugsNotDrugs - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - link
*driverseek2121 - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
The whole 'bootlegged os' sounds to me like the Windows versions of Thecus' NAS servers. sure Thecus at least TOLD you it was a trial version up front (i.e. Windows wasn't activated). However, when Storage Server 2012 came out, NAS users were screwed over by Thecus as well as Microsoft, since Thecus refused to sell 2008 any longer, and also refused to re-certify their NAS units for Windows Storage 2012. This was for brand new units you could order from various resellers throughout the world. We ended up activating a Windows Server Standard license just to get around the bullshit.Hinton - Thursday, March 3, 2016 - link
Windows 10 is free. Why would they bootleg it?No, I am not talking about free upgrades. Windows 10 is free for computers in this price range.
sergy - Sunday, March 6, 2016 - link
It is very col thing. I will buy it.Asherlying - Thursday, March 10, 2016 - link
it is a pretty good device, but the price is high as well, looks like it is not the best price, I find it is cheaper on here. http://www.tinydeal.com/voyo-px347wp-p-158069.htmllolsunny - Friday, March 11, 2016 - link
I have a $10 for VOYO V3 Coupon RQGHQIPZ from geekbuyinglolsunny - Friday, March 11, 2016 - link
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/VOYO-V3-Intel-Cherr...jacksonjacksona - Thursday, March 17, 2016 - link
welcome toW_W_W_._a_j_k_o_b_e_s_h_o_e_s._C_O_M
n i k e $38
Ethos Evoss - Friday, March 18, 2016 - link
I have purchased MSi Cubi (celeron) atogether with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD I got it for £165ANd I have LAN , WLAN ac , BT , and 5G WiFi displayport ..
10x better than this crap overpriced !
petesco - Monday, April 11, 2016 - link
Hey guys, I've found a $10 coupon for this Mini PC at geekbuying and thought I would post it in here for you, too. Coupon code: DJHOKQFS.