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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 (5645 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

      • boozler on 28/04/2015 - 15:36

        Thanks. When does the special $101 USD Inc Shipping ends?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:39
          +1

          No word just yet but most likely a week. I'll find out ASAP.

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

          And whilst the unit is being charged, you cannot use it right?.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:43
          +1

          @boozler: You can use it whilst being charged - the charging is passthrough, like a laptop.

        • boozler on 28/04/2015 - 15:50

          last question, you say it comes with Bing pre-loaded is that the internet browser?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:56

          @boozler: Yep. You can change it to whatever you want after.

        • beeze on 28/04/2015 - 21:03

          @boozler: You can still use it.

    • krisspy on 28/04/2015 - 15:37
      +1

      Bluetooth yes. Usb 2.4ghz dongle yes

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2015 - 15:40

    hey guys, would the mini HDMI 1.4 mean I could get 2560 x 1600 resolution on my monitor?
    Don't care about gaming, just wanna be able to view as much screen as possible when browsing.
    Thanks!

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

      Unfortunately, Intel's chipset only outputs up to 1080p so no luck on that one. There are Android devices that support 4K output for around the same price though but probably not what you're after.

      • DaiShan on 28/04/2015 - 23:25

        Hey mate - any examples of an android device that does this? What would be better? The 4K android or the ainol? Keeping in mind the primary purpose is HTPC

        • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 00:01
          +1

          From memory, devices using the Amlogic S812 chip should do 4K output like the Rikomagic MK12, Beelink S82 Plus, Beelink i One - Those are just the ones i've reviewed. Unfortunately, I don't have a 4K TV to test yet (mainly due to no content).
          I'd probably still head towards the Ainol mainly because it's running Windows which means 1080p Netflix and auto frame rate switching works under Kodi. Those 2 things alone for me are massive - but your priorities may differ.

  • de22 on 28/04/2015 - 15:46
    +8

    I came here for the jokes…and am leaving extremely disappointed.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:47
      +1

      I know right :p

    • pointless martyr on 28/04/2015 - 15:51
      +11

      Good backend for htpc

    • Wallyt99 on 29/04/2015 - 00:26

      I too will depart without any ainol satisfaction.

  • cureforanitch on 28/04/2015 - 15:49
    +1

    I've got one of these already. All in all a very capable device.

    My only issue is the USB 3 port is the micro kind, and i cannot get any cable or hub to work so i can cannot usb 3 devices

    I've tried 2 different cables; a male Micro USB 3 to USB 3 full female, and a male Micro USB 3 to male USB 3 full and neither work.

    Anyone got any suggestions?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:58

      You'll need a micro USB 3.0 OTG adapter like this one

      • cureforanitch on 28/04/2015 - 16:00

        Thanks mate. Already bought a similar one off ebay but no luck. Will give this one a go

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

          That's odd. I bought a cheapie from Sydney which worked fine. I'd give you a link but the listing has been removed.

  • AlbyDuck on 28/04/2015 - 15:52
    +1

    I've got an Ainol Android tablet. The hardware was really very good for the price and for its time. The software support from Ainol was abysmal. To my knowledge there was never a fully-working Android version for it. The only semi-working efforts were from a couple of enthusiasts. Apparently they got no support from Ainol either. Maybe vendor support isn't quite as important with Windows. If I were buying this, I'd hope so.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:01

      Often a fear with overseas manufacturers but by using Windows, it tends to mitigate these issues as it uses "common" PC components.

  • chukkii on 28/04/2015 - 15:53

    Could this transcode plex?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 15:59

      I wouldn't think so as it is an Atom CPU after all.

      • Zythyx on 28/04/2015 - 16:07
        +1

        So now I'm confused, above you replied to my comment saying it could handle Plex Media Server, and here you say it probably couldn't, which is it?

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:10

          Sorry, I thought you meant a Plex Client. I wouldn't use it as a server as I don't believe the CPU would cope with transcoding.

        • lamerthanlam on 28/04/2015 - 16:12
          +1

          He means it can support the server but not transcoding.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:13

          @lamerthanlam: Yep, thanks. Although you'd struggle running a server from a wifi connection as there wouldn't be a huge amount of bandwidth.

  • draistlin on 28/04/2015 - 15:57

    Just bought one, I think its a pretty good deal, ~$128AUD using my Citibank card. Just a headsup regarding shipping, there's 3 kinds of shipping, all with differing shipping times, so I just selected the last option which was Australia Line Toll which had estimated shipping of 3-7 days, its free anyway. Not sure if its a error or not.

  • siggy213 on 28/04/2015 - 15:59
    +2

    It is indeed interesting and useful to have a built in battery.

    But my question is this; If you are planning to have this plugged in constantly to the TV and decide to leave the power running through it constantly, wouldn't you then have to worry about over charging the battery?

    Yes sure there might be an over-charge chip built inside but its the same as leaving a laptop plugged into the wall, in the end the battery just dies as its never had the chance to discharge completely and kills the cells.

    Just a thought…

    • edgar28 on 28/04/2015 - 16:03

      my exact thought, that's why thinking of minix , but that one is a lot more ex than this

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/186674

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:06

        The Minix is an excellent unit but there is a big jump in price, though it does have a slightly faster CPU.

    • dead5pur on 28/04/2015 - 16:06

      Good question, as that's what I'd be planning on doing 90% of the time. Would be interested if anyone had an answer.

    • twodollah on 28/04/2015 - 16:18

      Interested in the answer to this as well.

    • expertreader on 28/04/2015 - 20:00

      Also, what happens when the battery dies? Will the device work or it becomes brick?

  • Hotpotcorn on 28/04/2015 - 16:17

    can i check out your review?

  • ibnsomeone on 28/04/2015 - 16:37

    Looks great, have been thinking about getting a smaller HTPC for another TV in the house. How does this compare to Kodi running on a Raspberry Pi 2?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 16:38
      +1

      It'll be much smoother as the CPU is more powerful, plus you'll get Netflix as its running Windows. Main issue is that it'll always be Kodi on Windows rather than a dedicated distribution like OpenELEC.

  • Choc83 on 28/04/2015 - 16:43
    +2

    I'd imagine Ainol would be a stretch for most people on Ozbargain.

  • robb6014 on 28/04/2015 - 16:44

    I have an Ainol tablet and it worked for a few months then became a paperweight - battery would last a few minutes at most after a while.

  • Sharp on 28/04/2015 - 17:02

    What does presale mean? Not released yet? Still in production? Can't see anything about the shipment time?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 17:03

      They gather the sales before the stock arrives. I've been told stock should arrive in the next 2 days.

      • cornbeef on 28/04/2015 - 21:03

        Be fair to add that assumes they have ordered enough stock to match the demand. The Pipo X7 deal left a sour taste for some.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:07
          +1

          Yes, I agree. Hoping this doesn't happen. The big issue with the PiPO X7 was that PiPO had to switch from a tablet to mini PC license mid-production which caused all the delays.

  • Dave1988 on 28/04/2015 - 17:09

    this is a good deal for someone looking for mini computer with a battery and x86 intel, personally i would be waiting for Windows 10(final relaease) for Raspberry pi(1/3 of above product ) http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/2/7962179/raspberry-pi-window…

    • netsurfer on 28/04/2015 - 21:47
      +2

      That's just marketing form Raspberry Pi. Yes, it will have Windows 10, but it's Windows 10 ARM edition. Remember Windows Surface (the one with ARM CPU) didn't really take off? Most windows 10 apps will be Intel/AMD based, not ARM ones.

      • Dave1988 on 29/04/2015 - 11:00
        +1

        yup totally overlooked that bit….by the way it was my excuse to not buy it as i don't need one but mind says buy now figure it's use later…

  • Belv on 28/04/2015 - 17:17

    Can some one explain to me how i would use this as a media player over say a Western digital media player ??, i don't have usb on my plasma so would i use hdmi from TV to This device??, then what plug a external hdd with movies on it into the Ainol Quadcore Windows Mini PC ?? Any other suggestions how i could use this for streaming movies would be nice

    thanks

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 17:19
      +1

      Yep, you'd basically install Kodi on it and then either plug in a USB HDD or set up network shares i.e. Samba or NFS shares. Additionally, Netflix can be used by installing the Window 8 app from the store.

      • cornbeef on 28/04/2015 - 21:07
        +1

        Or if you're not a fan of Kodi you can use the native windows folder system with the likes of MPC as a default vid-player, or VLC if required, winamp or the like for music library and/or spotify for streaming.

    • netsurfer on 28/04/2015 - 22:01

      If you are happy with WDTV Live type devices, just stay with that. You get a remote and it is pretty much hassle free.

      This one, you do have to set it up a bit first. If you want to spend that kind of effort, might as well get something that is intel i3 based (or at least a Celeron that's Haswell based CPU).

      I have a stream 7, which has basically the same CPU. It is a nice toy for < $100, but it is slow (CPU hits 100% quite often and I am just using VLC and Chrome). While the 2GB RAM will help a bit, you cannot fix slow CPU with RAM.

  • shaybisc on 28/04/2015 - 17:27

    Can you remove the battery?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 17:28

      It's not "user replaceable" - you'd have to pull the device apart to get it.

  • DryScissors on 28/04/2015 - 17:30

    Good Foxtel Go option for those with dodgy accounts.

    • astarman on 03/05/2015 - 00:26

      please elaborate?

      i dont understand what you mean

      • DryScissors on 03/05/2015 - 14:57
        +1

        If you have a "family member" with Foxtel go, you can stream Foxtel on up to 3 devices. You need a PC, mac or supported mobile device. If you're with Telstra BigPond, it won't count towards your data limit

  • dead5pur on 28/04/2015 - 18:21
    +1

    Can anyone answer the question about the unit being used as a media centre (so constantly plugged into the TV and always 'charging')… Would this affect the battery and eventually kill it?

    • scrimshaw on 28/04/2015 - 19:42

      Li-Po batteries have a finite lifespan, even more so if it is a cheap no-brand chinese battery. Without doing any sort of endurance testing it's impossible to say how many 'charge cycles' this battery has.

  • Dack Smith on 28/04/2015 - 18:24

    Has anyone bought from Gearbest before ? Are they reliable ?

    • Dack Smith on 29/04/2015 - 14:02

      No replies …. says a lot about site. Enjoy.

      • dead5pur on 29/04/2015 - 14:23

        I've purchased with them once previously and had no issues.

        Perhaps in this case and with the amount of people who happily pre-ordered yesterday (you could tell as the number of pre-orders increased on Gearbest substantially once this was posted), no news is good news.

  • nige0090 on 28/04/2015 - 18:35
    +2

    The OP and the hometheatrelife review says that the CPU is a Z3735D (i.e supports 2GB ram).
    The GearBest listing says that it has a Z3735E (which only supports 1GB ram).
    GeekBuying lists it as having a Z3735F (supports 2GB but less IO ports).

    Thoughts?

    • G5 on 28/04/2015 - 19:10

      I noticed this too, any more info OP?

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 19:57
        +2

        I can confirm that it's a Z3735D and has 2Gb of RAM

        • KRM123 on 02/05/2015 - 19:05

          Looks like it has changed to Z3735F chipset. The ainol website confirms they are only supplying the unit with USB2.0 inputs but they seem unable to confirm that the new batch come with the F rather than D chipset which seems strange (see the ainol website comment section) Gearbest have changed all the literature on their website, as have other sellers to show an F chip.

        • Darkscythe on 03/05/2015 - 20:49

          @KRM123: That's frustrating as I hadn't heard about it. The model that I have has the Z3735D. Both chips are the same speed-wise however.

    • dealman on 28/04/2015 - 19:53
      +2

      The OP and the hometheatrelife review

      You realise that OP IS the Home theatre life owner and reviewer.

  • Umpani on 28/04/2015 - 19:23

    Z3735E good pt.

  • jjsnacks on 28/04/2015 - 19:30

    How would it compare to a celeron nuc?

    • scrimshaw on 28/04/2015 - 19:40
      +2

      Slooooow. This is pretty much a Windows tablet without a screen. The CPU is one that's designed to be used in a mobile device, not a laptop. It's also passively cooled, So don't expect it to be near as fast as a laptop.

      A NUC will beat this in almost every area (CPU, GPU, RAM, Disk IO), but do bear in mind the NUC is priced higher and the RAM, HDD and Wifi is not included unless it is a bundle.

      • jjsnacks on 28/04/2015 - 19:47

        Thanks for the reply, il keep my nuc ;D

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:12

        Yep, perfect explanation although passively cooled doesn't necessarily harm performance.

      • netsurfer on 28/04/2015 - 21:38
        +1

        Single core performance, Celeron N2820 (Celeron NUC) wins. However, due to Z3735D having more cores (4). Z3735D can beat N2820 in multi-core benchmark (but that's benchmark test, not real life apps). Also, Celeron N2820 is Baytrial T (not Ivy Bridge or Haswell).

        However, the NUC has some advantages. Gigabit ethernet, intel wifi with bluetooth, infra red, ability to upgrade RAM, a SATA port (so you could put an SSD in there if you want).

        The USB 3.0 speed on this device seems more like USB 2.0. The NUC's USB 3.0 is a proper USB 3.0 and that makes a big difference.

        Honestly, the CPU on this thing is weak. It is faster than iPhone 5, but slower than iPhone 5S (performance is closer to an iPhone 5 than iPhone 5S). An equivalent Android device CPU would be the one in Nexus 7 2013. Hope that helps.

  • nicksinternet on 28/04/2015 - 19:55

    Your site says 802.11 a and ac. This OZB post says only bgn…. which is it?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:10

      Which page? I just checked the review and impressions articles and can't see any reference for Wireless AC for the Ainol Mini PC. Let me know so I can fix it.

      • nicksinternet on 28/04/2015 - 20:12

        Specification
        WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
        Bluetooth: Bluetooth4.0
        Power Supply: Charge Adapter, Built-in battery
        Interface: 3.5MM Audio, HDMI, USB2.0, TF Card, DC 5V

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:15
          +2

          Home Theatre Life is my site, not GearBest. I'll let them know there is an issue on their specs page.

        • nicksinternet on 28/04/2015 - 20:17

          @Darkscythe:

          When I click on the deal it takes me to Gearbest site….???

        • nicksinternet on 28/04/2015 - 20:18

          @Darkscythe:
          … now confused why you are not listing your site to buy it from….??

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:19

          @nicksinternet: I review products on Home Theatre Life to help people make decisions on what devices to buy. I don't actually sell anything.

        • nicksinternet on 28/04/2015 - 20:19

          @Darkscythe:

          Ahh ok, thank you :)

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:41

          @nicksinternet: No worries

  • Maltopia on 28/04/2015 - 20:14

    I have been looking at this unit for $199 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    Thoughts anybody? Only one USB 2.0 port, and the profile might block adjacent HDMI ports on your TV/amp.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:43
      +1

      It looks like some variant of the Meegopad T01 rather than the Intel Compute Stick. About $100 premium and I can almost guarantee it'll overheat as they tend to use passive cooling in a tiny plastic case which is a recipe for disaster.

  • boozler on 28/04/2015 - 20:16

    Hi Darkscythe, I was going to buy the unit for my father using the discount code "AinolMPGB", but he didn't know about the code
    and went ahead without me being here and purchased without applying it. Is it possible to cancel the order WW1504280144568360. If it can be cancelled, I will then place a separate order straight away.

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 20:20

      You'll have to contact GearBest but their customer support is usually pretty good.

  • Epyc on 28/04/2015 - 20:44

    Thank you so much OP, this will be awesome! I've been looking for a Mini PC for months now and missed out on previous pre-order deals from Gearbest, etc.

    This looks far nicer than the Pipo X7 :D

    Which MCE remote will you all be buying (assuming you'll be using Kodi on this) ??

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:12
      +1

      I'd look at the Logitech K400R (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/192045) if you want to use it as a HTPC and for some web browsing, etc.

      I'd also have a look at the Rikomagic MK705 or Measy RC11 (both of which I have) as remotes as they are "air mice" which means they can be controlled via gestures and feature a full QWERTY keyboard.

      The other option is a dirt cheap USB IR remote. I've had one for 6 years on 1 box that's still going strong - Although I'd replace the remote with a Logitech Harmony instead, using the USB IR port only :p

      • Epyc on 28/04/2015 - 21:32

        Thanks bought one off eBay WITH the IR Receiver (cheers for your advice) for $5.99 delivered :)

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:36

          Yep, I haven't killed one yet.

          Btw, thanks for the feedback on my YouTube channel. I appreciate it. Let me know if you think its too loud on the newer videos.

        • Epyc on 28/04/2015 - 21:54

          @Darkscythe:

          You're welcome, it was a good video - and local too :)

          Can you please make the videos longer with a video of the setup to the TV, boot up, bios and more - would be great to see more depth as not many youtube videos show all of this!

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:58
          +1

          @Xenatos: Yep, I'm planning on doing more comprehensive videos soon as well as adding video reviews for products so keep posted!

  • JDrama on 28/04/2015 - 21:12
    +2

    Any idea how this would perform with Steam In-Home-Streaming? I suspect it might be a bit underpowered.

  • astarman on 28/04/2015 - 21:14

    Hi am quite interested compared to say an android stick that can use cast function . can a windows player get things casted to it from their phone. Like I have a TV in front of my bed… But dony wanna be typing everything on YouTube etc

  • Mirage on 28/04/2015 - 21:24

    Anyone know if you can make this work as a wireless Harddrive to share it contents (and stuff on the SD Cards slotted in) to IPhones and other devices?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:31
      +1

      No reason you couldn't install a DLNA server or something to share the files onto your network. I'd worry about the wifi bandwidth for serving multiple video streams however. Files, etc should be fine. Though I'd argue it's an expensive wireless HDD.

      • Mirage on 28/04/2015 - 21:35

        Well not really, cos I was going to buy a WD My Passport Wireless Mobile Storage device which costs already $200. So if this portable mini PC can be setup to do the same then it is a much cheaper solution and more versatile too.

        • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:38
          +2

          I like the way you think! I'd set it up as an SMB or DLNA server and get a compatible iOS app to view the media.

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