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Presale: Pipo X7 Intel Quadcore Windows Mini PC USD $89.98 Inc Shipping @ GearBest

1530
PipoX7LM

I'm a massive sucker for these tiny Windows boxes and I saw PiPO have released the X7. The PiPO X7 is an Intel Quadcore Mini PC which runs Windows 8.1 with Bing. The enclosure is apparently all aluminium. PiPO has been around for a while, predominately making tablets.

I asked GearBest for a coupon for the PiPO X7 and they gave me one for my readers so I thought I'd share it as everyone seems interested in small, cheap Windows boxes. Cheapest I can find for the X7 on AliExpress is $109.99.

There is more information here: Mod: Site removed - do not link to site with affiliate links

There's also more info on the Intel chip itself here: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Atom-Z3736F-Tablet-SoC.12…

Technical Specs:

  • Chipset: Intel Baytrail quad core processor with Intel HD graphics (Z3736F)
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR3
  • Storage: 32 GB eMMC + micro SD slot up to 32GB
  • Video & Audio Output: HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm Audio
  • Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Fast Ethernet
  • USB: 4x USB 2.0 port
  • Other Features: Power button
  • OS: Windows 8.1 with Bing

Please note this is a presale but I'm told it should be shipping very soon.

Edit: I spoke to GearBest as I wanted to get the best price for my readers so same coupon gets it for $89.98 now

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closed Comments

    • +1

      Yes.

      • performance-wise, say if I were running word, would it be slow? (I'm not expecting cray-super computer fast).

        would be similar in performance to my now dead Emachines netbook em350 with atom processor?

        • Phoar. I had one of those first-gen Atom netbooks. Even with an SSD, it was pretty bad. I then had a new-generation Atom with SSD (thinkpad tablet 2) and it was WAY WAY faster and smoother than the first-gen atoms. Like night-and-day.

        • @doperst: it's extremely tempting…..

    • VGA converter use an old 21" monitor

      It will be faster than whatever was originally attached to your CRT.

      • "old 21" monitor" with VGA is likely a LCD in 2015 ;)

        • I don't remember those. But 21" CRTs were common.

        • @manic: If you had lots of money! :)

        • @eug:

          In offices, not homes :) Cost as much as a small car originally.

        • @manic: Ahh, those are so oldschool. Now it's IPS vs TN, back then it was aperture grille vs shadow mask. Glad those days are long gone! No need to spend ages trying to get perfect picture geometry.

        • @manic: you don't remember 21" LCDs but you do remember 21" CRT monitors? Were you in a coma through the mid to late 2000's?

  • Grabbed one from geek buying.

    Badly need a device for my TV to stream video. Hopefully i'll be happy with it - was a beer purchase which can be risky when no research done.

    Will mainly be streaming from my PC on the network and USB hard drive.

  • very tempted :) how does this compare to other ones? I've seen someone somewhere praising ECS Liva saying it'd be much better (i.e. USB 3 port and confirmed Linux support) but I think this one has better build quality (or better photos :)

  • just my two cent:
    The CPU power is now rival 2006's notebook CPU such as Core 2 Duo T series, but now at a fraction of the electrical power required to push it

    Issue IS I can easily turn a 2006 era desktop and notebook with SSD to run windows 8.X provided they can upgrade to 4GB ram provided it has a decent graphics card to handle the graphics end of the work.

    My point: Software efficiency of windows has actually lower requirement of hardware, making the need for upgrade mainly because power consumption rather than software demand.

    For the price, this device is worth a look indeed given many tablet power by the same chip runs 8.1 rather well

    • Agreed. But developers deliberately not releasing new os driver……. Requires consumer to upgrade to new hardware that perform same or slower to high end old pc

    • +2

      Bottom line: Would you want a something that is basically a low end Windows 8.1 tablet without the touch screen and without MS Office Home/Student edition for $115 AUD?

  • Really not sure do Baytrail chips support sata?
    This thing would be awesome if it had sata options.

    But dang thats cheap!!! Thinking of ordering one just to play with although i dont need it.

  • 298 pre ordered now……..

    • -1

      Use the coupon after adding to your cart - PipoX7LM

      • +1

        I think he meant that's how many pre orders have been put through

        • Haha I think you're right.

  • How much different (better) Z3736F compared to Z3735F that comes with Meegopad T01? I prefer MeegoPad's form factor.

    Also could I expect this to run Visual Studio express?

  • +1

    I was about to spend $250-300 on an i3 NUC. Now this has popped up I'm not too sure.

    I just want something that will play full 1080p BlueRay MKVs and stream NBA league pass without a single stutter. I use XBMC for my front end and need it to be fluid!

    Was happy to spend the $300 on an i3 NUC box, but at the same time if this can handle my needs why not save some money. Thoughts?

    • I have the exact same dilemma, was just waiting on an nuc sale. I want to be able to in home steam steam as well, but this seems like it still should handle that.

      Now not sure what to do.

      • I know haha! Am I right to believe we have until Jan 10 to decide?

      • i dont know if it was my setting. But I can never get HD streaming nba league pass using browser via my comp.

    • The i3 NUC has USB3, Gigabit ethernet, SATA (mSATA), miniPCI for Wifi) and a much better CPU. However, there are additional costs.

      You need DDR3L RAM, a SATA or mSATA drive (assuming you purchase one which supports both), and optional wifi module. You also need Windows 8.1. Basically with NUC, it is more that you really want to setup a good mini PC box and you either have sufficient spare parts or are willing to get those parts.

      In terms of performance and build quality, NUC is definitely better.

      Pipo X7 is more ready to go (albeit much less powerful and with limited expandability). However, Pipo X7 does feel like it is basically a tablet without the screen. When you consider that, it does not look that attractive.

      • Thanks for the great run down. With the nuc, is the Celeron enough, or is the upgrade to the i3 out even i5 worth it for these simple tasks?

        • I don't think the Celeron NUC is worth it (mainly because the ZBOX was available on discount previously, which had the 64GB mSATA, 2GB RAM and Windows 8.1 64-bit Bing edition).

          Furthermore, given that you need to fork out a decent mSATA SSD (or a SATA SSD, or mSATA SSD + SATA HDD), RAM and Windows 8.1, I would opt for i5 (or i3 at least). I haven't seen a NUC bargain yet so buying a NUC more or less means you really want a NUC. A NUC uses mini HDMI and mini display port.

          You don't need an i3 or i5 NUC to play 1080p mkvs smoothly. Not sure about NBA league pass (I don't have it). I probably wouldn't get a NUC just for streaming (the total cost just does not justify it).

        • If you have a NAS, which many of us do, there is no need to buy a HDD/SSD for your Intel NUC - you can boot from USB.

          That said, the Intel NUC I found for ~$165 includes WiFi and supports 2.5" HDD.

          So for under $200 (once you add 4GB ram module and a decent USB 3.0 stick for booting the OS) you can buy a decent Intel Celeron NUC.

          That connects wired or wirelessly to your home network to play media off your NAS.

          For those people without a NAS, you can buy one with a 2TB hard drive and a free slot to add a second drive later, also for under $200.

          Intel NUC Media Center:

          Intel Celeron NUC $158 - $169
          http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=BOXDN2820FY…

          4GB SoDIMM $20 - $45 (or even 2GB would be OK)
          http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=4gb+sodimm&spos…

          16GB USB 3.0 Boot Stick $12 (what I use to boot my OpenElec media centre)
          http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=USB+3.0+Sandisk…

          …or upgrade to 128GB SSD $69 - $74
          http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=128gb+ssd&spos=…

          NAS:

          NetGear 2-bay gigabit NAS $99
          http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=rn10200&spos=1

          2TB HDD $85 - $89
          http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=2tb&start=21&li…

          Of course no one solution will suit everyone - but something like this would suit a lot of people.

          And many of us have some of these components (a NAS, or an old hard drive to go into one, or a spare RAM module to borrow out of a laptop that doesnt need 8GB etc) lying around home, to keep the cost even lower.

          Just found an Intel i3 CPU NUC for $225 which seems cheap for an i3.
          http://www.allneeds.com.au/prod1810.htm

        • @systmworks: Problem is, compared to the Zotac ZBOX deal, it is not cheaper. You need SODIMM 1.35V RAM, which is more like $42. Also, a 64GB mSATA drive was provided in the ZBOX deal. How about Windows 8.1? When comparing, it has to be a fair comparison. The ZBOX's CPU is one gen ahead (hence more USB 3 ports).

          The other thing is NAS. Any SSD (or even a SATA hard drive) you chuck into the NUC or ZBOX can perform just as well as the NAS you mentioned, if not better. Also, I wouldn't even bother with NAS. Connect an USB 3 2TB hard drive to the NUC.

          Let's not cripple the NUC and just put an SSD in there. ~$270 (without OS), is that really the most cost effective? What I want to point out with NUC is that, you cannot just assume buying the kit will make it ready to go.

          I have the ZBOX and I have a NUC (i5 with 256GB mSATA, 1TB 2.5 inch drive, 8GB RAM, intel wirless AC + BT, real/legit Windows 8.1 pro). Put it this way, the i5 NUC is way better, but I still had to install Windows 8.1 pro from an USB stick, whereas the ZBOX is ready to go right away.

        • @netsurfer: does the NUC or ZBOX come with IR?

        • @netsurfer:

          The Zotac Zbox deal is long over - its no longer available - so I don't feel it has any relevance? I am talking about what is available to buy today to make a decent media center.

          You are correct about the 1.35v RAM - I missed that - but it is available within the price range (up to $45) I quoted above anyway.

          As I said above, no one solution will suit everybody.

          Yes its a personal choice to have a NAS, or just put your large disks containing your media into/onto the media center PC as you suggest above. I suggested the NAS because for quite a few reasons it is what I would personally choose to get the benefits.

          A little media center is generally not designed to do hardware RAID (if data redundancy is important to you).
          Or to have up to 8 terabytes of expandable internal storage.
          Or to run 24x7 so it can serve media files to any device, anywhere in your house at any time.
          A NAS is. It can even double as a Plex server, and a torrent downloader, to save running a PC.

          Speed wise, when playing a media file, you only need a transfer speed of a couple of MB/second (NAS will give 20-50MB/sec). WiFi or LAN is fine - you dont need locally connected disks (although welcome to have them).

          If you only ever watch media from your media center PC (not other computers or tablets), OR dont mind leaving your media center on all the time, OR having to turn it on/off as required so you can access its contents from your other devices, then yeah you could have all your storage connected to your media player. For me, a NAS is much, much easier.

          I was not comparing my list of items to the Zbox deal that expired weeks ago and is no longer available - that is why there are differences in specs.

          A media center without an internal HDD is not "crippled" - it can do its job perfectly and quickly if its booting straight into media center software like XBMC or Plex - which is all it needs to do its job as a media center.
          But yes if you have the extra budget, or a spare lying around, adding a HDD wont hurt.
          And if you want your media center PC to double as a homework PC for the kids, then yeah you probably need a HDD and Windows but thats outside the scope of the media center PC I was thinking of.

          I was simply suggesting a few bits and pieces that can make up a good media center, far more powerful than the Pipo in this deal (which is not powerful enough for some peoples needs) and yet does not cost that much more…
          Around $200 plus media storage (which many people already have - be it a NAS, or a USB hard drive, or a spare laptop HDD etc).

        • @systmworks: Certainly, intel NUC is better than Pipo X7. However, since this is OZB, when we measure whether something is a bargain, we are allowed to compare it against past deals.

          The celeron NUC, with all those setup, is basically RRP. If you feel that intel Celeron NUC is more than sufficient and is money well spent, sure go ahead.

          Bottom line, I wouldn't recommend the current celeron NUC, nor this item. However, for me, with low end stuff, price is a big factor. Not a fan of low end SOHO NAS with 2 drives, which either does RAID 0 or RAID 1, and the fact that you need ext3 to be safe - NTFS is unsafe. Thinking SOHO NAS is safe is also unwise (please backup all your important photos, files somewhere else as well). My friend lost all his files stored in his NAS recently (all files gone). I have a HP Microserver, and I have a 2 drive SOHO NAS (I don't trust the NAS and I don't use it anymore). All my PCs/mini-PCs have 1 SSD + 1 traditional hard drive setup (including the ZBOX) and they must have USB 3.0 ports (preferably 2 or more).

          I am biased as I own a ZBOX and I did opt for a i5 NUC. So, make your own judgement. Nothing wrong with the Celeron NUC, just wish it is cheaper.

  • Another Z3735F alternative: Guleek i8 @DX

    • Weird, has a built in polymer battery. Can't really see much use for that.

      Half the on board storage.

  • Just a quick question:

    I am thinking of getting this PC for my old man but want to ask if it will work for what he will be using it for.

    He just watches PPStream: http://www.pps.tv/
    Updates & Back up his iDevices via iTunes
    Web Surfing.

  • +1

    Do you think this has a better hardware by any chance?

    Minix Neo Z64 with Intel Atom

    http://www.android-warehouse.com/en/minix-neo-z64-android-tv…

    • You get a remote control and a choice of Android or Windows 8.1 with Bing. Otherwise, it is pretty much the same. However, paying that much more for a remote control and a better looking case, I am not sure it is a good idea.

  • Q1 Can you hackintosh this box, and how hard is it to get everyting working if you can?
    Q2 What can you UG in this?

  • No IR for a remote?

  • Is Pipo decent build quality?
    Because if it is crap like Pendo, with high risk of failing and no local warranty, it'd be a false economy over a chromebox, NUC, Zotax, etc.

  • +1

    I was just about to buy till I found this: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/149587#comment Has anybody any good luck stories with Gearbest? I am hesitant to buy now.

  • Anyone know what wifi card is in this? The Meego device with similar hardware had a crippled realtek card in it, which is useless for HD streaming.

    • Hi @Gunz, its a Realtek RTL8723BS

      • Ok, then heads up to buyers, unfortunately that's a budget wifi part that likely won't be good enough for HD streaming. See here for a test of its ability, turns out v poor.

        http://www.anandtech.com/show/8760/hp-stream-7-review/4

        • HD streaming doesn't use that much bandwidth anyway, unless you're talking about 4K.

  • So why do I need one of these? I have a wd TV and a smart TV. What other functionality does it give?

    • +2

      Plays minesweeper and solitaire.

    • You probably don't need it then, but: it's a fully-fledged windows PC, it can do anything. Anything a PC can do.

      Just a pretty weak one (too slow for hardcore gaming, etc) so most people are planning to use it for media, something like what you already have.

  • slightly off the topic of this product but looking for something similar… can anyone suggest something similar with usb3 (preferably more than 2 of them) and gigabit lan…. looking for something to build a torrent machine and SAN on….

    • +1

      The ZBox deal from Amazon finished a few weeks ago, otherwise that one would be pretty good. Intel NUC Celeron is an option (but only 1 USB3).
      If power consumption is not a big issue —> ITX motherboard, any CPU, some RAM, SSD (or HDD), decent ITX case.
      If you are willing to spend more, and you want low power devices —> intel i3 NUC + RAM + SSD (or HDD)

      • thanks netsurfer…. all good options but it's hard to beat they s <$100 price…. i can do without USB3 but would be so much more tempting if it had gigabit network… i'm sure give it a few months a new one will come out with usb3 and gigabit network… but for right now…. this is so so so tempting……

        • Would you get a netbook without a LCD screen for $112 AUD? Or, would you get a low end windows 8 tablet without the LCD touch screen for $112 AUD? USB 2.0 is considered slow nowadays (except for tablets / phones).

          As you pointed out, if it had gigabit ethernet, then it will be much more attractive.

        • @netsurfer: I suppose to answer your question…it's probably "yes"… as I'm currently using a netbook for this purpose atm except it is on it's last legs and it's still running windowsxp (i think)… i just term serve/remote into it for torrenting and have it to host my 3 external USB2 hard drives…. so the screen is not a deal breaker for me… if this comes with Windows8 and i can term serve/remote in then it will be a stop gap to replace what i have atm until they release one with gigabit an and usb3

        • +1

          @wippy: Watch out, it comes with Windows 8/8.1 (standard edition with Bing) I think. Unfortunately, Micro$oft made a change in Windows 8/8.1 that you need Pro edition in order to accept remote desktop / terminal services.

          There are free alternatives. For example: VNC.

        • +1

          @netsurfer:

          Also there is http://stascorp.com/load/1-1-0-63 (haven't used it myself though, YMMV)

        • @chiefbodge: Thanks for that.

        • @netsurfer: bugger… thanks for the heads up…. i just assume you could always term serve into Win OS…

  • I end up getting a similar one with 64GB SSD, 4GB Ram and Celeron 1037U for around $240 incl. Shipping but that's another whole story.

  • Looks really interesting for me, wanting to replace and aging XP laptop that manages torrents, and add in some IP cameras via something like ispyconnect to record to a NAS.
    But wondering how do you set a box like this up in terms of seeing the gui - can you remote in from the outset or do you need to use the hdmi port to a compatible screen?

  • +1

    I wish Windows could operate as a Windows Media Center Extender. I currently use an Xbox 360 as an extender, and it uses 90W of power (plus is a bit noisy). If Windows itself could be an MCE extender I could use one of these Pipo X7 devices instead, which I bet would use only a fraction of the power.

  • And i bought one. If it doesn't do everything well, at least it will make a great media streamer for the bedroom with the built in wireless. Thanks for the deal.

    Also the order email still says the full price of US $105.89, but the paypal email says the correct discounted amount.

  • What is the hard-drive on this thing? It has windows 8 so it must be stored somewhere?

  • Any thoughts/guesses on its ability to play xmbc for HD streaming 1080p?
    And vlc to play my network shared media?

    Thts all I need to do.
    any other suggestions around 100$ budget would be appreciated.
    Thanks.

  • +1

    After much deliberation, decided to go with the upgradable Zotac Zbox. Cheers all for your insight. :)

    • +1

      any bargains on that? :)

      • Purchased the ZBOX-CI320NANO-U here for $219.62 delivered (with 2% off via Cash Rewards). Possibly cheaper on US based websites but personally have more trust in eBay.

        It's barebone with motherboard, case and Intel Celeron N2930 Processor (1.83 GHz Clock Speed, 2.16 GHz Max Turbo, Quad-Core) but I've already got some spare 8GB DDR3 RAM and HDD's lying around plus Windows 8 in ISO form, so it works out pretty cheap for me.

  • Any idea if its Dual Band wireless ? 2.4ghz & 5ghz?

  • Any idea whether you can output dual monitors on this? One through HDMI and one through usb (usb to vga)? Wondering it the Zotac 2957U can handle 2 monitors in standard condition? I didnt think so as both standard vid outputs are digital (HDMI and DVI). I also did a CPU comparison between the 2957u and z3736f and it looks like the 3736 comes out on top - am i missing something?
    http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/717/Intel_Atom_Z3736F_vs_In…

    Any comments would be helpful - I want to use it as a HTPC and a web terminal for online video and web searches. cheers

  • +1

    Found a review but it's in chinese. Maybe someone can help translate it for us :)
    http://articles.imp3.net/65421-1.html

    • +4

      Skimmed through the article. Interesting points starting from page 5.

      • 32GB storage with 20GB usable
      • Almost 1GB of memory (out of 2GB) was used after booting up
      • eMMC's from Samsung with above average performance comparing to other Chinese made Win8 tablets, although still not in the same class as SSD.
      • Wireless throughput seems to be capped at 72Mbps
      • CPU, although fanless, can reach 85 degree, which is close to Z3736F's limit at 90. Possibly due to lack of (sufficient) heatsink.
      • Struggle to decode 4k content.
      • the heat issue is a little concerning….

    • google translate.. not perfect but here you go.
      https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&…

      • Scotty's summary already covered the key points of the article. Here are some other minor points:

        • As it runs Windows, Adobe/Macromedia Flash sites work fine.
        • Web pages / sites still display better on Windows 8/8.1, compared to your typical TV box.
        • The reviewer likes the 2 ports at the back of the device, as it allows keyboard and mouse to be plugged in (google translate is a bit off). Bluetooth is supported (so B/T mouse and keyboard combo should work).
        • No infra-red out of the box.
        • There is a black colour edition.
  • Does this support hdmi-cec?

    • Apparently not, you would have to use a USB or network remote of some description for XBMC/Kodi.

      • +1

        or a pulse-eight cec adapter for XBMC/Kodi

        • True, although it's half the price of the box itself.

  • You can also use code this code for the same deal: "px7cn"

  • Can any one advice as to whether this box or an old MacBook air would be more powerful if I upgraded the MacBooks ram:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/SP617

    • Celeron Z3736F is about on-par with Core 2 Duo SU9400 from 2009 — or might even be slower for single-threaded tasks. On the other hand, I am not sure you can upgrade memory on a MacBook Air, as it's been soldered onto the main board.

      • Very good point thanks Scotty.

  • Presale used to end January 10. Now ends January 16.

    Maybe a purchase from geekbuying with stock would have been better.

    Edit: Actually now geekbuying is a presale with the same date for stock.

    • Coupon expires on 26th or 28th according to Gearbest, so plenty of time if you want to wait.

      Black one is also available for everyone else. Unsure if coupon will work.
      http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box/pp_137996.html

      • Damn, maybe i want a black one instead. I have already ordered a silver one.

  • Managed to cancel my silver order and re-order a black one once I saw the paypal pre-authorisation cancelled.

    Still went with Gearbest and the free shipping. Hope they've fixed themselves up since the last events in the forum thread.

    • how did you cancel the order? did you get the black one at same price?

      • I just asked via the chat. Yes got the black at the same price with the coupon, but not the newly added AU plug (not sure its a plug adaptor or a whole new power cable anyway.

        • just tried through the chat, but was told that I need to contact PayPal to cancel the payment. did you contact PayPal or did gearbest do everything for you?

        • @Logical:
          Gearbest did it all. Try someone else 8 guess.

  • Just ordered. Hope this will work well, if so I'll be getting a few more to be used as HTPCs

  • Apparently the thing can heat to very high temps. I'll be connecting via ethernet and hope that should cut a fair few degrees.

    Further, according to some user reviews the device has no problem recognising, editing and writing on sandisk 64gb sd cards, which is worth knowing whilst waiting for the device to show.

  • Is Foxtel Go compatitble with this device?

  • +1

    Are now advertising one with an AU plug, however its more expensive and the coupon doesn't work on it. Hope we still get sent something on the previous orders.

    • I can get the black one with AU plug now cheaper than the silver one. Waiting now for my cancellation to go through on the silver so that I can order the black and save some more money.

      • Are you applying the coupon? The coupon doesn't work on the AU plug version. Yeah the US plug is $3 more before the voucher, but $12 less after.

        And if you ordered previously, it said it would include an adaptor.

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