We’ve seen loads of Android powered TV boxes launch in China through the past one year or so. These come in all shapes and sizes — while most are Apple TV style boxes, others are supremely discreet USB thumb-drive like drives. However, most are restricted to running the Android OS, which is a bit of a bottleneck for many.
The GULEEK i8 though, runs Windows 8.1 and even has its own battery, which means you don’t have to keep it plugged at all times. Although its only a 3000mAh unit, it is still better than nothing at all.
Inside the external-HDD like hood, the GULEEK i8 contains an 1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z3735F quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage, along with a microSD card slot. That’s not bad, considering it is on pre-order for US$104. The i8 has you covered pretty much, for it has 2x full USB ports, 1x micro HDMI port, and a micro USB port for charging, besides a standard 3.5mm headset jack.
Like I said, the design is very much like your good old external hard disk. DX is currently only offering it in a Coffee coloured variant.
TV boxes have largely served the purpose of media devices for quite long now (barring those that run hacked Linux distros). With Chinese OEMs adopting the Windows OS and offering quality devices at budget prices, you can soon expect to see 2nd or 3rd home PCs running on such arrangements.
GULEEK i8 in action
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGHIvYUUitc]Do you think you’re getting one? I’m certainly going to try and get my hands on one to review for our readers!
This a great changing idea. We can use it as a alternate computer when on the road.
and update comes directly from MS so no maker independence.
The problem is resolution : cause we can see a grid pixel on TV….
maybe a mis configuration….
Seems interesting, I still don’t get the purpose of the battery though
Any news about the GPU?
You could use it with an in car monitor.
A pity that companies don’t sell these things with linux or without an OS…. you do have to pay for windows, always…
I believe it’ll have Windows 8.1 Bing, so there’s no real licensing fee involved.
Bing, a privative search tool? I prefer it with no OS or gnu/linux XD
Yes bing is ALSO a search tool. But windows 8.1 bing is a free (for manufactures only) edition. The only requirements is that the device sales for under 250 usd. Its basically the same as the 120 dollar core edition. Microsoft did this to get a piece of the pie on cheaper devices, especially on the Chinese market.
– Think of it this way, if people getting a cheap windows device, being a phone, tablet or tv box. They are more likely to buy a windows PC or laptop when or if they decide to go for something more expensive – if they already are familiar with the windows eco system.
A very clever move if you ask me. 🙂
Do you think end users will buy a device which has no OS? come on… and most end users prefer windows to linux
They would, and they wuld even choose gnu/linux if it wasn’t for the neoliberal marketing sleights of Microsoft. Come on!
I don’t think so man… and windows 8.1 is pretty good.
And you can install linux if you don’t like win 8.1
I can’t ask for the refund of the OS in a laptop or pc I buy, at least not in my country, so why would I have to pay for something a brand imposes me, it’s just my opinion. Of course I would install linux, but a pc with linux or without os would be cheaper than one with windows or mac os. Regards.
why ask for a refund? the windows 8.1 is free… there’s a deal with intel and windows so that you can very competitive prices… so you actually would pay more if they put linux on it.
Build your own PC or mini PC and install whatever OS you want..problem solved. These are TV boxes meant for casual online and media purposes. So a simple OS is a no brainer.
if it had 32GB It would be a great little device
Ah, you’re in luck: there’s a 32GB version with a 7,000mAh battery and essentially the same chassis: http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/12/26/ipc002-is-an-ultra-thin-windows-8-1-mini-pc-with-a-7000-mah-battery/
That’s great! Thanks buddy. I wonder what the price is for this set up. I just purchased a 8inch tablet with these specs for about $195 delivered and so far I’m impressed with it.
If only it has USB3 ports, it would make a superb little media server.