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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

        • Mirage on 28/04/2015 - 21:43

          Nice!
          Will look into that. cheers!

  • chumbucket on 28/04/2015 - 21:43
    -1

    Its actually $97.99USD from dealsmachine for you cheapskates out there

    • mr kindface on 28/04/2015 - 21:49
      +2

      dealsmachine usually adds expensive shipping on top

      • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:51
        +1

        Beat me to it!

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 21:51
      +1

      DealsMachine don't offer free shipping - shipping is $12.35 to Australia

  • Davo1111 on 28/04/2015 - 22:05

    I saw Michael's review and nearly posted about this in the forums. It seems good for the price, but i don't really have a purpose for it.

    Holding off.

    • Epyc on 28/04/2015 - 22:16
      +2

      He who waits, waits forever.

      Just do it.

      I finally did.

  • netsurfer on 28/04/2015 - 22:05

    Can we get some more USB 3.0 performance testing on this (on USB 3.0 hard drives or SSDs)? If it must be a USB flash memory stick, any chance to test one of those Sandisk Extreme ones (i.e. real USB 3.0 devices)?

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 22:13
      +1

      The USB I tested was USB 3.0 but the Ainol PC only performed at 50% of what I got when using the same device on another PC so I don't think it had to do with the USB I used.

      • netsurfer on 28/04/2015 - 22:16
        +1

        Thanks for the info. So it looks like a USB 2.0 backend with a USB 3.0 looking physical port. Hm… that's disappointing. Well, I guess intel is smart. They sell Baytrial chipsets to everyone else with just USB 2.0, but their own devices (e.g. intel Celeron NUC, even the intel Atom NUC) do have proper USB 3.0 support.

        • iridiumstem on 01/05/2015 - 02:10

          I am sure that there are USB 3.0 on Baytrail devices that are not made by Intel (i.e. Winbook TW801)

  • Ordinance on 28/04/2015 - 22:07
    +1

    What a nifty little device! Is there such thing as a miniature battery powered display with HDMI input to go with it? A shame phone and tablet displays don't support such input.

  • ezza on 28/04/2015 - 22:26
    +1

    Couldn't resist as I need something for Foxtel Go in another room - getting sick of plugging a HDMI cable into my computer and not being able to use it / messy cabling.
    The review on suggested to buy this for USB 3.0 (USB 3.0 Female to Micro USB 3.0 OTG Cable with Adapter 20CM - White), can anyone confirm they have purchased one from somewhere that actually works, some comments suggest that not all of these cables work.
    +1 to the op :@)

    • Darkscythe on 28/04/2015 - 22:29
      +2

      Thanks. I bought a cheap one from Sydney which worked. Looks like this but in black.

      • ezza on 28/04/2015 - 23:50

        Thx I'll get one of these.
        Best to add it in the description for those interested in getting one that works ;@)

  • freelife on 28/04/2015 - 23:14

    I bought one two weeks ago but since bought a MacBook so if you want to buy mine for $110 it's yours. I'm in the city tomorrow at Wynyard. Brand new. Black colour.

    • freelife on 29/04/2015 - 06:47

      If anyone keen you can grab mine in Sydney today for new price of $99 +$1 no coin fee. Brand new and no wait :) I installed Windows in Bootcamp so really don't need this.

      • kommy on 29/04/2015 - 09:16

        I am interested, would be able to pickup from wynyard today.

        • freelife on 29/04/2015 - 16:14

          Sorry guys just read the replies now. I won't be back in the city until tomorrow. Since Kommy replied first he gets first dib… pls PM me your mobile. If you don't reply I'll move on to Trojan :)

        • kommy on 30/04/2015 - 16:03

          @freelife: Thanks mate, great product.

      • Trojan on 29/04/2015 - 11:09

        Interested. Where is pickup from?

      • ulun-lpg on 29/04/2015 - 14:31

        i am also interested, can pick up in 1-2 hours time :)
        Thanks!

  • beeze on 28/04/2015 - 23:36
    +1

    Temptation was too much.

    Thanks OP

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

      No worries. Happy to help.

  • droodle on 29/04/2015 - 00:14

    Could this have some kind of EPG installed and used to record TV like a mini PVR ??

  • uccoffee on 29/04/2015 - 08:02

    this will be perfect if comes with a usb type C charging port… wait for next gen~

  • dead5pur on 29/04/2015 - 08:54

    With some people saying this unit would be slow, could anyone comment on the performance if the unit was being used mainly for Kido with an external 2TB HDD attached with movies / TV shows / Photos, plus some streaming services like Netflix and Foxtel go?

    Would it be slow if the HDD was quite full, or would it have no issues with this sort of setup?

    • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 09:30
      +1

      It's fine for your use case - In fact, I'd argue that if you're only watching movies and streaming media, the Intel Atoms are great as they tend to be passively cooled so they are completely silent.

      Have a look at the YouTube video in my review to see a few use cases including scrolling in Kodi which tends to choke some devices like the Raspberry Pi.

      The only thing is to have some headroom on the internal storage in case Windows needs to store anything there.

  • onabudget on 29/04/2015 - 09:27

    The main problem I have with this is that I'm still waiting for the Pipo… Had such long email conversations with Gearbest, issue after issue…

    I'd say, be careful when buying from Gearbest.

    • beeze on 29/04/2015 - 10:03

      IMO, all the Chinese mass tech distributors work on high-volume, low margin.
      Risk is always there, but with amazing prices I will often have a go.
      If its not been shipped, get a refund?

      • onabudget on 29/04/2015 - 10:41

        They shipped it already. Apparently it's on the way from the Netherlands. It's literally been months!

        I did request a refund, they said they would instead give me store credit. And then suddenly, they said the item was available again.

        Honestly I could write a few paragraphs about what happened. Just a warning to all fellow ozbargainers, it's a huge risk… I'll be happy when I see my Pipo in my hands.

        • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 11:13

          The PiPO was a strange case as they were using tablet Windows licences and had to switch mid-production which I suspect called all the delays. Hence, why there were issues across all these sellers.

          Not that it justifys your situation however.

  • Melbtown on 29/04/2015 - 10:58

    Would this work to stream steam games from my laptop to my TV?

  • az4u on 29/04/2015 - 12:19
    +1

    Cheers got one…all I needed was a 1080p mkv viewer.

  • scupper on 29/04/2015 - 14:26

    What's the HDMI interface? Mini, micro or full size?

    • scotty on 29/04/2015 - 15:05
      +1

      From the description of the post — mini HDMI.

  • optimusprime on 29/04/2015 - 16:47

    @Darkscythe : Does this come with an Australian power plug?

    • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 17:38

      Hi, mine came with a US plug with a universal adapter.

      • draistlin on 29/04/2015 - 18:15

        Sort of new to this so was wondering if I need to buy any cables eg HDMI cables etc, or does it come with everything?

        • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 21:35

          The only thing you need is a keyboard and mouse or equivalent.

  • nige0090 on 29/04/2015 - 20:25

    Does this come with a year of Office 365, like the Pipo X7?

    • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 21:36

      No unfortunately, but neither does the PiPO X7 anymore I believe, as they were using tablet licences for Windows which they had to change. Perhaps someone with a newer PiPO X7 can confirm.

      • nige0090 on 29/04/2015 - 21:55

        Thats unfortunate. I activated my Pipo's Office licence on my main desktop PC and it works great. I thought it was a great value-add.

        • Darkscythe on 29/04/2015 - 21:58

          Yep, it was great. Although I thought Office 365 is bound to your Microsoft account, not to the PC AFAIK.

  • ih8nayms on 30/04/2015 - 04:34

    Interested, might get one, but question - if i were to get an exterior gpu and attach it would it be able to run games parallel better? CPU is quad core, so i am assuming its decent. Only the integrated graphics would need to be turned/swich off for it to work for medium core gaming?

    Ideas/thoughts guys?

    • scrimshaw on 30/04/2015 - 08:11

      Not possible. Besides, you need a computer with a Thunderbolt interface to do so, as USB3/USB2 doesn't have enough bandwidth.

    • scotty on 30/04/2015 - 09:32

      Also

      CPU is quad core, so i am assuming its decent

      These days we can't trust the megahertz NOR the number of coles, unfortunately. It's a Bay Trail Atom for tablet and single core performance is just a bit more than 1/3 of Core i3.

  • KRM123 on 02/05/2015 - 19:14
    +1

    Bought one the other day but just noticed my payment didn't go through.

    Reading the freaktab forums it seems that it is suspected that the chipset on the new batch has been downgraded to Z3735F rather than the D version. Ainol have confirmed on their site that the new batch only has USB 2.0 inputs, which would fit in with the chipset change, though their page still shows the D chipset

    Gearbest have changed their listings and now show the F chipset on all their literature. As far as i can see the F chipset is a downgrade. Any thoughts?? Should i cancel my order while i have the chance? See link for the specs.. F is a slightly cheaper chipset that runs a bit slower (i think it's the type 3 v Type 4) http://s28.postimg.org/5i0cbwcnh/untitled11.png

    http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player-support/intel-based-tv-p…

    http://www.ainol-novo.com/ainol-mini-pc-black.html

    • Darkscythe on 03/05/2015 - 20:55

      That's so frustrating that a change was made without an official announcement. Thanks for posting this. Although the performance should be the same, just sans USB 3.0.

  • Umpani on 03/05/2015 - 17:34

    Damn. My order is now showing Z3735F. WTF. How bout an update OP.

  • Umpani on 03/05/2015 - 18:35

    Now the order is showing Z3735E. Great.

  • KRM123 on 03/05/2015 - 18:49

    Yes it has changed again on their website since last night and on my pending online order as well.

    Sounds like a lucky escape for me due to the payment mishap. Z3735E temp performance is a downgrade and it can only accept a max of 1gb memory as per the below intel link. (despite gearbest still listing it as 2gb)

    http://ark.intel.com/products/80273/Intel-Atom-Processor-Z37…

  • Umpani on 03/05/2015 - 19:37
    +1

    Yeah my payment has gone through. Had some suspicions about this preorder but proceeded based on the positive feedback and OP response.

  • Umpani on 03/05/2015 - 19:54

    Sent gearbust a question about this. Come on OP. Post a reply.

    • Darkscythe on 03/05/2015 - 21:00

      I hadn't heard about the change but the model that I tested had the Z3735D chipset. It does seem like Ainol have switched to the Z3735F though as vendors are updating their spec sheets but Ainol haven't mentioned anything.

      Assuming its the Z3735F, the only loss will be the USB 3.0 port which wasn't particularly fast in my testing. AFAIK, performance-wise they should be more-or-less identical however.

      I did see that GearBest have listed it with the Z3735E though which I think is wrong, as their chip comparison shows the Z3735F and the Support person in the comments has stated it has the 2GB RAM also backing up the Z3735F switch.

      I'll see if I can find out what on Earth is going on and update ASAP.

  • Darkscythe on 04/05/2015 - 10:52
    +2

    Hi all, GearBest Support have advised that it is the Z3735F now. I'm so frustrated that Ainol changed the CPU without notifying anyone.

    The only real difference will be the loss of USB 3.0 but performance should be roughly the same.

    I've updated the deal accordingly so people know about the change.

    • nicksinternet on 05/05/2015 - 09:02

      How can I cancel my order? They've already taken my cash!

    • nicksinternet on 05/05/2015 - 09:08

      This is what is says I have ordered when I check order history:

      Ainol Mini PC Windows 8.1 Intel Quad Core Z3735E TV Box 7000mAh Power Bank

      So you are saying it is no longer this?

      Also, I think they are having stock problems… I get a feeling this isn't going to ship anytime soon. I have emailed them to cancel and issue a refund.

      • Darkscythe on 05/05/2015 - 09:19

        The only change is the CPU which has the same clock speed but doesn't have USB 3.0. Everything else is identical spec-wise.

        • nicksinternet on 05/05/2015 - 09:41

          Yep, including the price! Sorry but you can't move the goal posts after the fact, thats poor form. The deal was for USB 3.0. Its a poor reflection on the whole deal and product. What else about this is dodgy?

          Now I have lost confidence. Someone even said this doesn't support more than 1GB ram now.

        • Darkscythe on 05/05/2015 - 10:46

          @nicksinternet: I completely understand. I wish I'd known that Ainol were going to change the CPU mid-production so I can sympathize.

          The 1Gb RAM reference was when people thought the chipset was the Z3735E - The Z3735F supports 2GB RAM. GearBest have corrected their listing.

  • dead5pur on 05/05/2015 - 11:07
    +1

    It is very disappointing that they have made a promise and taken money based on a particular product, yet they haven't bothered to notify the buyers about any changes. This is poor form on their behalf. I have sent them an email requesting clarification on the exact details of the product they intend to ship and when they intend to begin shipping the items so that I can make an informed decision on whether I request a refund or not.

    I understand it's not a big change in product, but when you purchase something, you expect it to be that exact product. At a minimum, I would expect notification if the product changed during the processing period.

    • Darkscythe on 05/05/2015 - 11:26
      +1

      Yes, I agree and I wish I was told about the change. I've tried to make sure everyone is aware of what happened by updating the deal body to reflect the changed specs.

      It seems most sellers of this device have changed their listing to the Z3735F now.

      • dead5pur on 05/05/2015 - 11:28
        +2

        Nothing against you at all Darkscythe, you've been very helpful throughout and I'm sure everyone appreciates your efforts, especially considering you aren't really affiliated with Gearbest.

        • Darkscythe on 05/05/2015 - 11:42

          Thanks. I appreciate it.

  • stumo on 05/05/2015 - 13:26
    +4

    Yeah usb3 was the main unique selling point of this thing, even if it was only half proper usb3 speeds.

    The way ainol have sneaked this in through the backdoor stinks.

  • Umpani on 05/05/2015 - 16:26
    +1

    This is poor form Ainol. Fail. As to gearbest. How about some communication? Fail. You are also on my sh.tlist. The whole PREORDER thing is the BIGGEST FAIL. I'm going to go through with the order just to see what happens.

  • nicksinternet on 05/05/2015 - 23:28

    Paypal claim process started. Sigh.

    Is there a process for banning vendors from Ozbargain that do dodgies to Ozbargainers?

    • NiteMice on 06/05/2015 - 10:06
      -1

      There is, but I don't think it's really appropriate in this case.
      As @Darkscythe has noted, the spec changes have come from the manufacturer, not the seller.
      I agree, they definitely could've communicated the changes better, but it sounds like they weren't even fully aware until just recently.

      • nicksinternet on 07/05/2015 - 20:36
        -1

        Take money then say nothing when specs change??? OZB customer if unaware would have been sent something which was not what was advertised because seller was happy to keep quiet. Thats poor sorry. I say ban.

  • NiteMice on 06/05/2015 - 10:02

    I just received an email from GearBest telling me my order has been cancelled.
    I've got the option of choosing something else, or refund. I think I'll get my cash… Hopefully I don't lose out because of exchange rates.

  • aaronaldo on 06/05/2015 - 15:13

    Has anyone received their order yet? Also, can someone tell me whether the Windows 8.1 that comes with this will get the free upgrade to Windows 10 when it comes out?

    • Darkscythe on 06/05/2015 - 15:41

      I don't think anything has officially been announced but I can't see why it wouldn't.

      • aaronaldo on 06/05/2015 - 16:17

        Reason I asked was there was a Q&A on the gear best page and one of the answers said it is not eligible

        • Darkscythe on 06/05/2015 - 16:30

          It's something alot of us have been wondering about but Microsoft haven't given an indication either way. But I think their messaging about what is and isn't eligible hasn't been the greatest so far…

  • Umpani on 06/05/2015 - 20:26

    Anyone else been sent a discount code from gearbest because of this stuff up?

  • frostee on 07/05/2015 - 13:46
    +1

    I am personally not fussed about the USB3.0 port. I did contact them and ask for an ETA and was told it wasn't available and I could get a refund, exchange or keep waiting. Happy to wait assuming it is a reasonable amount of time, any alternatives from Gearbest for a Windows mini PC perhaps?

    • Darkscythe on 07/05/2015 - 16:02

      I'd look at the Minix Neo Z64W (although it comes at a premium) or Rikomagic MK36 (Dual boot, apparently cooling is good - there's a coupon on my site). Apparently, the Beelink Pocket P1 is good - I'm waiting on mine to arrive.

      Unfortunately, I'd say the Ainol is the best at that price point as its thermal profile is exceptional. Others may be similar but I haven't tested them out.

      According to the product page, new stock should be arriving on the 15th of May.

      • frostee on 07/05/2015 - 16:34

        I am keen on the Pipo X8 but can't seem to find how far away the release date is.

        • Darkscythe on 07/05/2015 - 17:24

          I'm hearing late this month at this point but nothing confirmed.

        • frostee on 07/05/2015 - 21:04

          I might swap it for the Beelink, looks decent. Performance wise I am guessing the same as the Ainol?

  • Umpani on 07/05/2015 - 20:33
    -1

    This post is about the Ainol Quadcore Windows Mini PC unless Im missing something OP. 15th May hey. We will see.

    • Darkscythe on 07/05/2015 - 20:35

      I'm replying to an Ozbargainer's questions/comments. Just trying to help.

      With regards to the Ainol Mini PC, 15th of May is just what GearBest have put on the page for the Ainol Mini PC. That's all I have to go on.

  • ezza on 09/05/2015 - 14:15

    Hmmm strange in my gear best account, it shows I ordered this now:

    Ainol Mini PC Windows 8.1 Intel Quad Core Z3735E TV Box 7000mAh Power Bank

    Not the F model, an E model?

    Any idea when these folks will dispatch, i'm not too too fussed about USB3.0 via USB2.0 its not the biggest deal cruncher me I suppose, would have been good with it but oh yeah still a bargain!

    • Darkscythe on 09/05/2015 - 23:05

      Think the E is a typo as the item page says it's the F now and that's what it is across a few stores.

  • Epyc on 10/05/2015 - 16:07

    Cancelled my order and already received a refund from Gearbest. I am disappointed that this does not support USB 3.0.

    Am now looking at a Gigabyte Brix NUC.

  • frostee on 12/05/2015 - 20:47

    What is everyone doing for this deal? I really want this thing but Gearbest have been unable to give an ETA. If that is a few weeks, no worries but I am really not sure. What is everyone else planning on doing? Is there somewhere else I can buy this or a slightly different model?

  • Umpani on 13/05/2015 - 17:14

    I've had a whinge about this deal changing but decided to press ahead out of curiosity. My order is stalled at processing, money deducted, stock available from the 15th. Lets see what happens on the 15th.

  • dead5pur on 13/05/2015 - 18:00
    +1

    Just got notice that mine has shipped!!

    • aaronaldo on 14/05/2015 - 14:49

      Mine is still processing… Also, I didn't realise the change in specs was an "upgrade"…

      Note:Because of factory product upgrade, now the product upgrades from previous 2 x 2.0 USB, 1 x 3.0 USB to 2 x USB, 1 x Micro USB slots

  • frostee on 14/05/2015 - 11:53

    Anyone who is a bit "bummed" about this deal and have cancelled their ordered might be interested in an offer from Geekbuying. They are offering the same Ainol mini PC for $104.99 with the coupon code MKHCFEYK. Just ordered mine, the rep has said they are in stock so hopefully they should ship soon.
    http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Ainol-Windows-Mini-PC-Intel-Z…

    • ezza on 14/05/2015 - 18:24

      is this the same product? or something diff?

      • frostee on 14/05/2015 - 18:46

        Should be same, no USB3 port still though.

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