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Beelink Pocket P1 Quadcore Windows Mini PC ~$115 AUD Inc Shipping @ GearBest

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Beelink Pocket P1 Quadcore Windows Mini PC ~$115 AUD Inc Shipping @ GearBest
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Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 16:38 gearbest.com (539 clicks)
Last edited 28/05/2015 - 22:41
P1

Hi all,

Currently reviewing this box. So far, it's pretty impressive. Build quality is good being all metal, and thermal performance is impressive from my brief testing. I've also put up a video showing it in action.

GearBest are running a promo to get it for US$89 for 50 units. I'm told there's around 20 left at that price that are IN STOCK. EDIT: Sold out I believe

Technical Specs

  • Chipset: Intel Baytrail quad core processor with Intel HD graphics (Z3735F)
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR3
  • Storage: 32GB eMMC + microSD slot up to 64GB
  • Video & Audio Output: HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm Audio
  • Connectivity: Dual Band 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • USB: 2x USB 2.0 port
  • OS: Windows 8.1 with Bing (32-bit)

For those interested in my experience with it so far, I've put up my intial impressions on my site Home Theatre Life

Electrical & Electronics Beelink Pocket P1 Microsoft Operating System

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closed Comments

  • aaronaldo on 28/05/2015 - 16:41
    +1

    Here we go again….. (Love your work OP. I am actually referring to the Gearbest emotional rollercoaster ride to come)

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 16:43
      +1

      Hoping not. I'm told these are in stock…

      Thanks for your support! Trying to give back to the community that makes me spend so much!

  • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2015 - 16:43

    new work computer :D

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 16:48
      +1

      That's the coolest thing about these devices. They're so cheap and perfect for office tasks like word processing, web browsing, etc. I've got a few of these for various tasks and I know a few people who use them as computers for the kids.

  • notewar on 28/05/2015 - 16:56

    Im not a tech expert but Im curious about will it have any heating issue?

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 17:00

      That's one of the most important questions with these boxes and why I'm now dedicating a section to thermal performance.

      The Beelink case is all metal and it seems that they're using it effectively as a big heatsink.

      The games I tested in the video didn't show any clear drops in framerate which is a dead giveaway for thermal throttling as I experienced with the VOYO mini PC.

      Also, running Prime95 for 20 minutes saw temps stabilize at 50 degrees celcius so it seems good so far.

      I'll have a more detailed analysis when the full review comes early next week.

      • scrimshaw on 28/05/2015 - 20:35

        I would like to see one torn down (that is, the innards). Would be interested to see if they have used any TIM or none at all and whether the processor is actually contacting the metal chassis.

        I'm surprised to see that the Intel Compute Stick actually had a fan in it's tiny body. No idea they made fans that small.

  • 17833 on 28/05/2015 - 16:57

    Wow … great and interesting review. I am officially feeling old (remembering old commodore 64 etc) … definately an interesting product.

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 17:01

      Thanks for the feedback!

  • whats up skip on 28/05/2015 - 17:04

    Ethernet socket?

    • Davo1111 on 28/05/2015 - 17:11

      No, it's a compact device. Wifi/bluetooth.

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 18:09

      You could use a USB to Ethernet adapter. Just be aware you'll be limited to the USB speeds however.

      • whats up skip on 28/05/2015 - 21:24
        +1

        It isn't just the limitation of the USB speed, it is all the CPU overhead that the USB network devices create. This can really slow down a small unit like these.

  • whats up skip on 28/05/2015 - 17:12

    Pity.

  • hockey on 28/05/2015 - 17:15

    Compare to Ainol Mini PC Windows 8.1 and this which one is a better unit ?

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 17:59

      The Ainol I had was powered by the Intel Z3735D which had USB 3.0 but since the switch, they're pretty much on par so far. It just depends on whether you want the 7000mAh battery and extra USB port on the Ainol.

  • ulun-lpg on 28/05/2015 - 17:16

    better ainol or not ainol?

  • scupper on 28/05/2015 - 17:29

    No battery? I guess the built-in UPS on the Ainol would be useful.

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 18:06

      There is a battery in there as I just turned it on when unplugged but no idea on the size as its not mentioned on the spec sheet. Rumor is that it's 3000mAh.

  • bargaino on 28/05/2015 - 17:29

    Is there any reason this would not run Linux? (e.g. ubuntu or OpenElec?)
    It's OK if the internal audio does not work.

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 18:01
      +1

      32bit UEFI BIOS on these units which means Linux isn't supported at this stage AFAIK.

      • bargaino on 28/05/2015 - 18:25
        +1

        The 32-bit UEFI is a pain, but can be worked around. I read that the P1 is an Intel reference design, so hopefully will be OK.

  • mutantx on 28/05/2015 - 17:30

    Im trying to figure out how you could use a dual monitor setup with these.
    i'm guessing that its fairly impossible … hdmi splitters are for duplication.
    And i dont want to duplicate the image - i want to create an extended desktop over multiple monitors, the same as my current pc setup.
    (Maybe using a usb-connect graphics card ?)

    • llama on 28/05/2015 - 17:44
      +1

      Im trying to figure out how you could use a dual monitor setup with these.

      I have been playing with DisplayLink recently and that will work OK via USB 2.0 on a 1.8GHz Core2Duo laptop.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayLink

      You cannot game on it (too laggy) but it can certainly provide a FullHD screen, Audio, Decent Ethernet connection, plus a USB Hub and other ports off a single USB connection.
      - It is MUCH better over USB 3.0, of course.

      You just buy a "USB Port Replicator" or "USB Docking Station" off ebay. They are made by Lenovo, HP, and all manner of companies. Load the latest drivers from the Display Link site and away you go.

      DisplayLink firmware and drivers support Bay Trail CPUs from version R7.5M2

      Look at this - quad screens on Baytrail: http://liliputing.com/2013/11/bay-trail-tablet-powering-4-pc…

      No need to use that brand of docking station.

    • bargaino on 28/05/2015 - 17:45
      +1

      Maybe using a usb-connect graphics card ?

      I think you really want USB3 for that.

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 18:07
      +1

      Better off looking at the MeLE PCG03 which has VGA and HDMI out

  • bundy23 on 28/05/2015 - 18:53

    For the first time ever I'm glad to see GearBest as the store cos I don't need it but if it was anyone else selling it I'd definitely buy it :-)

  • Umpani on 28/05/2015 - 18:56
    -2

    Seriously OP. After the bulls..t with the Ainol. Is gearbest paying you for these referrals?

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 19:03
      +1

      I posted this as the their price was significantly under the price of other sellers so I thought it was a good deal, particularly as I'm actually testing it at the moment. I also made sure to ask about stock beforehand.

      I appreciate your frustration, but Ainol switching the CPU without letting anyone know wasn't my fault. I like to think I've been nothing but open and and trying to help everyone where possible.

  • wizzfizz on 28/05/2015 - 19:33

    Has anyone used these types of boxes for Steam In Home Streaming? How do they go?

    • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 19:34
      +1

      Some success on the PiPO X7 http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player-support/intel-based-tv-p…

      Fortunately, specs for the Steam client are pretty low.

      • Insidious on 28/05/2015 - 21:09

        Howdy, You've reviewed a few of these min PC's now. Do you have a clear preference? Any stand outs? Most have near identical stats on paper. I'm after something to mount in my shed so fanless cooling is great way to avoid sucking in dust etc. it would be a permanent install so battery backup or the absolute smallest design isn't really needed.

        • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 21:15
          +2

          My favorite so far has probably been the MINIX NEO Z64 but that comes at a hefty price premium. The Ainol Mini PC was also an impressive performer during my tests.

          The Beelink Pocket P1 is shaping up to be pretty solid so far, but I haven't finished my testing. I'm also testing the Rikomagic MK36 which runs both Windows and Android and that's been good so far. It's fanless but has vents so probably not the best in a shed environment as dust can still get in.

          Both the Ainol Mini PC and Beelink Pocket P1 are relatively "sealed" so to speak.

        • Darkscythe on 28/05/2015 - 22:38

          Just be aware that Ainol have now switched CPUs from the Z3735D to the Z3735F, meaning no more USB 3.0. Performance should roughly be the same however.

  • hippo2s on 28/05/2015 - 22:52

    memory card exp only up to 32GB? Too small.

  • Umpani on 29/05/2015 - 22:35

    Darkscythe your reviews are excellent, albeit very similar. I suppose that is to be expected since you are reviewing essentially mini pcs with the same specs sold by gearbest. I appreciate the value of your referrals and look forward to more reviews. I have just ordered one of the beelinks because the build quality looks slightly better than the Ainol. And they are in stock.

    • Darkscythe on 31/05/2015 - 22:41

      Really appreciate the support! You're right that most of these Windows mini PCs are similar spec-wise, although I suspect we'll start seeing more variation as the newer Intel chips start getting adopted in China. Where the greatest differentiation tends to be is with regards to build quality and thermal performance, which is why I've added more detail in these sections.
      There are some that are starting to feature Dual OS support which I think is pretty cool.

  • bargaino on 04/06/2015 - 17:08

    Shipped. And I see they now have "Regular Price:$214.95" (US) but currently 43% off that. Very dodgy seller.

    • bargaino on 30/06/2015 - 20:58

      … and arrived 4 weeks later.
      Quite a good device. Bootloader is unlocked (secureboot disabled). Windows 32-bit is activated (using a netbook license).
      Am planning to use it as HTPC if I can get DTS/AC3 working in Windows.

      But I'm having a lot of trouble with the HDMI out. Only works with one of four monitors and TV tested.
      Fortunately, am able to use it via an HDMI switch. Anyone else?

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