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KAMRUI AK2 Plus Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake N100, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD $229.99 Shipped @ KAMRUI via Amazon AU

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Just noticed the Kamrui Mini PC has lowered down to the previous best price, posting it again as the last deal was posted over a month ago

Apply $160 coupon to reduce the price to $229.99

【 Latest 12th Intel Alder Lake- N100】KAMRUI Mini computer is built-in faster&newest 12th Intel Alder Lake- N100 processors(max up to 3.4GHz, 4C/4T, 6MB L3 Cache), Power consumption is only 6W. The mini pc is noticeably faster and a better performer and has lower power consumption delivering over 20% of performance improvement over the Intel N5105 and N5095 CPU.
[16GB DDR+512GB SSD, Support Expansion]—-KAMRUI MINI PC GK3 PLUS 16GB Mini PC with large storage to save big files, enhance running speed and make your work more efficiency, support to flexibly expand storage by adding 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD or Inserting a mobile hard drive into USB3.0/2.0 interface, also supports Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake and Auto Power On.
[UHD 4K & Triple Screens Display Support]—-KAMRUI micro computer is built-in Intel UHD Graphics that ensures faster image processing and featured 4K UHD(4096x2160@60Hz) video playback. Support triple display through 2HDMI and 1VGA interface for different tasks in the same time,greatly improving the work efficiency and saving unnecessary working procedure,Ideal for visually home entertainment, home office, conference room, etc.
[Stable WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2]—- Windows 11 Small PC have reliable and stable wireless connection, Opening website in seconds,watch movie without buffering and download files fluently, Connect the monitor by WiFi or Ethernet, Use a wireless keyboard and mouse through bluetooth 4.2, that will be powerful workstation for you.
[What You Will Get]—-Package content will include 1Tiny PC,1 HDMI cable,1VESA mount,1 power supply and 1*user manual, We also provide 1-year product satisfaction and Lifetime Technical Support Service,If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in any time.

Cybersecurity advice:

Note: It is recommended that you install your own copy of Windows (or Linux, if preferred) over the existing installation as there have been numerous reported incidents of generic branded Mini PC's being shipped with spyware / keyloggers. This process should only take 15 to 20 minutes of your time.

See Forum Discussion, Net Guy Reviews (original source), Gamers Nexus, TechSpot

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • +29

    Chinese spyware included?

    • +4

      Safe to assume it will be by default

    • A friend bought this model and thinks it might be present. Google Chrome pre installed

      • +9

        under normal circumstances Google Chrome won't be preinstalled on a Windows PC (Google and Microsoft are competitors after all, they'd want you to use Edge). If it is installed, then there's malware preinstalled too that will scan your Chrome user profile folder to steal your passwords

        • +3

          Yeah that is pretty much the conclusion we reached. Total deletion of all partitions and clean OS install was the hopeful solution.

          • +1

            @Budju: Probably reflash the BIOS, too.

            • +1

              @RedHab: Yeah maybe… But still BIOS is going to be a product from KAMRUI/ACEMAGIC.

              I guess if that BIOS is virus filled KAMRUI is dead as a company. Probably worth while.

              • +1

                @Budju: Yeah, hard to prove it's clean. There are tools to unpack the BIOS modules, which your can probably run through virustotal, but one can never be sure.

                • +1

                  @RedHab: Yeah now you got me thinking I would want to reflash that BIOS lol. Hopefully now that the cat is out of the bag these PCs will be tested to the nines to find out where they have tried to dog us.

                  • +2

                    @Budju: This looks like a modern tool for pulling a BIOS image apart into various components:
                    https://github.com/pk4tech/BIOSUtilities-Bios-Extractor

                    It's been 15 years since I did something like this, but provided it's not encrypted then it should be fine.

                    BTW: Those that wipe the disk, be sure to wipe all partitions, as the UEFI partition can contain loadable modules.

    • If I reinstall windows or ChomeOS?

      • +5

        Delete all partitions reinstall using clean image.

        • Ive heard people reinstalling Windows and it asks for a key as the original is not actually a real version, might buy this just so I can see

          • +4

            @BatmanAU: Yeah the original install is a phoney image made by criminals, at least on some micro PCs made by this company. The company made a statement saying they outsourced a contractor to make the images who they blame for including the spyware. For me I think I will pay the premium for Beelink or Trigkey if I buy one of these. I've had my eye on these PCs for a while.

            • @Budju: They much different in price? I might just buy one of these to run some tests then bin it

              • +1

                @BatmanAU: Beelink is about $30-$40 more for the same hardware, but might be lacking the 2.5" SATA expansion capacity. I don't think you need to bin the PC, just wait and see how things develop now that people know about the spyware. Probably purely software.

          • @BatmanAU: If you login, it will add to your microsoft account, then if you re-image and boot and login it activates.

            • +1

              @garage sale: Nice one, and change your password immediately afterwards me thinks lol

    • +7

      Never use any oem system, wipe the disk and install clean os is a basic thing to do when getting a new computer…

      • +3

        Do you have to use the oem system to find the windows product key first?

    • Yes, definitely do a clean install of windows. Mind has it

    • Reinstall the windows

    • +1

      yeah you are a very important target for them, be wary

    • +19

      Definitely.

      Clean install always… then install FB and Google, then you'll be totally safe then.

    • +5

      They are spying on your bargains

    • +1

      Yes, it does. Don't buy it.

      • +2

        Terms and Conditions, they tell you and you agree to it to use it. Hidden in software without your knowledge is different. American companies do get thrown under the bus when they are caught, US even gets the super rich American business men in front of tribunals, look to Mark Zuckerberg for an example. Not perfect, but better.

        • T&Cs updated weekly that no one reads? Collecting your data without consent is no difference. Selling them in large scale is even worse. They got caught for decades but the power of money. People already live with it. Not sure if the last senate hearing is to deal with the rise of Tik Tok since Tik Tok becomes the most popular among teens? When it comes to "a site for child sex trafficking" and "a child is sold for sex every 2 mins in US", it's not better?

          • +1

            @Bii: You are ranting a bit and I don't fully understand you. If you don't read the T&C's, that is on you. I agree that collecting your data and selling it without consent is no different. Tik Tok is Chinese. Not sure where child sex trafficking is coming into it and sold for sex.

            • @FabMan: Most of what I'm saying are straight from the last senate hearing if you watch the full video except the Tik Tok part.

              Tik Tok has CN version and US version. The data centre of the US version is specially built in US. They claims it runs by international investors and never been asked for any data from China. Tho, a senator said he didn't trust Tik Tok lol.

              • -1

                @Bii: Are you still continuing this pointless sidetrack about FAANG spyware 10 hours after you acknowledged that these machines really do come loaded with literal spyware designed to send screencaps and capture cryto credentials?

                Maybe you should spend this energy lobbying Amazon and Microsoft instead </s>

                You're in a hole. Stop digging.

                • @rumblytangara: you mean google doesn't spy and report on every move you take. No difference than the 'legal' spying American companies do where you cannot opt out.

                  • @subwoofer: Are you seriously saying that it's the same to rip passwords, as to track someone's metadata or browsing habits?

                    Both are unethical, but one is clearly illegal. And which one is going to result in your bank accounts being compromised?

                    Which is worse- that a big company knows that you're into furry porn, or that your finances get hacked. Admittedly, that might take a while to weigh up.

                    • @rumblytangara: I think it's worse, you got israeli companies with help of the US selling spyware to rogue governments to spy on dissidents and assassinate them. Every Android and IPhone is compromised and a spy device. America with the help of US companies can spy on any individual they like. This is why China banned iphones for government employees

                      • @subwoofer: And here I was thinking that I was paranoid <shakes head>

                        • @rumblytangara: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_(spyware)

                          • @subwoofer: You are not telling me anything that anyone in tech doesn't already know about. The NSO stuff was big news several years ago. It even made it into non-tech media sites.

        • +1

          There is no objective way to look at it to be honest. The facebook example, honestly, is hard to completely rule out there was zero political motivation behind it (wasn't the whole reason to start the enquiry had something to do with certain country trying to influence US election). Question is, if the election result were different, would that whole thing still get exposed? If not, if feels like politicians decide what we are allowed to know?

          My biased view is that these Chinese "cost effective" mini PC makers don't take security seriously. They care more about cost. One article indicated Kamrui sub-contracted the creation of the Windows images of those mini PCs to someone else. Kamrui most likely picked the cheapest. That does open the door and increases the risk of someone dodgy trying to take advantage of the situation.

          Security issues will only be dealt with by big companies. Anker did cave in to fix Eufy security mess. The only way for Kamrui to take security seriously is for a large enough group of people in the United States to make a big fuss about it.

      • Recently Acemagic ones were found with malware preinstalled

      • Any evidence? Yeah a lot, try some research.
        Misleading? Try Googling it and do some reading before carrying on like a 3 year old.
        Racist? They are made in China, with Chinese built software, so unfortunately trying to start up a racism bandwagon on a forum…..Not today junior, not today!

        • A lot of evidence while you failed to provide a solid link or source yet for your claim.

          Request a refund and ask Amazon to google it? Lol

          Do you comment any "US spyware" ever? Tons of evidence in decades but I can't find any through your comment search.

          Do you say disable people or people with disability? Just curious.

          • @Bii: A lot of people are just jumping on the bandwagon, but cherry picking bits and pieces. We are being spied on constantly. Personalised ads just magically happen without some form of spying? It's not just the US. There is plenty of spying here too.

            The all time low deals you posted on N95 mini PCs are real bargains (I was too slow and missed out). Anyway, I don't think Kamrui knowingly put in vulnerabilities, but as part of saving cost (e.g. on Windows), they might have unknowingly used a method that has something that's dodgy. For people who are really serious about security, they would know there is recently a new BIOS update for most PCs to patch LogoFAIL vulnerabilities. Did they update every single one of their PCs / laptops? I haven't even patched one PC for that vulnerability yet.

            That said, it is still good to point out people should do a full wipe and install a proper / legit copy of Windows. Also, I don't know how frequent Kamrui releases new firmware. It's not an issue for N95 / N100 (seriously, at this price, have realistic expectation), but for more expensive mini PC, especially AMD CPU based, having prompt AGESA updates would be good.

            • @netsurfer:

              For people who are really serious about security, they would know there is recently a new BIOS update for most PCs to patch LogoFAIL vulnerabilities. Did they update every single one of their PCs / laptops? I haven't even patched one PC for that vulnerability yet.

              My reading on that vulnerability last year is that it could be mitigated simply by ensuring that the normal login account doesn't have admin rights.

              Could be wrong, it was a while ago. (But my laptops are certainly patched, just as a matter of course- the manufacturer utility handles it.)

          • @Bii: I don't need to, obviously by this thread, there is enough evidence out there that people know about.

            Why would I comment about US spyware, never came across any. I did however buy a thumb drive which was potentially linked to this article, so I returned it to eBay, oh sorry to be racist but it mentions China, so please read with caution and strong feelings

            https://au.pcmag.com/security/100572/china-linked-malware-sp…

            I will answer your question with this question, do you say ladies and gentlemen in group meetings?

            • @BatmanAU: So, I will take it as a no that you never say US spyware but Chinese spyware. I don't believe you never come accross any. It's common sense as to assume US spies on everyone while China is new to the game in comparison.

              Another question is you like to be spied by your own gov or a foreign gov.
              https://www.reddit.com/r/browsers/s/txR7w32cj7

              Again, best practice to have a clean installation whether it's a Dell or a Lenovo as these all come with pre-installed spywares.

              Most of the thread here is based on one YouTube video if you pay attention on their reference. Solid? Hard to tell.

            • -1

              @BatmanAU: While I do find Bii biased, to be honest, we all are.

              About the article you posted, the malware got to the USB flash disk because that person shared the USB stick with someone else and that computer / laptop was infected. The malware from that computer altered the USB stick.

              So that article is about the malware, not USB stick came pre-installed with malware. Quoting that article you posted.

              Unfortunately, one of his colleagues had an infected computer, so his own USB drive unknowingly became infected as a result

              I understand your point of view, but that article is not related to the USB stick you purchased (which had malware). Unless you put your USB stick into an infected computer also (but if so, then it seems weird to blame the USB stick maker). I don't think USB sticks are smart enough to only get infected by Chinese malware, but not malwares made by people from other countries.

              The spyware packages used by US are far more potent and sophisticated. They tend to go straight into the phones or devices. US is number 1 in tech. They are far better at it and doesn't bother going for people they are not interested in.

              About this PC's malware in Windows, it is basically the maker went cheap and paid some dodgy 3rd party for dirt cheap (most likely illegal copy of) Windows image. However, it's still their fault even if the hardware maker unknowingly caused it. Also, they probably don't care because that dodgy Windows is probably a free throw-in.

    • I prefer US spyware

    • can confirm my preivous one had spyware, not disclosing the country but hidden files text speaks for itself.

  • +12

    always has been around this price. been at this price for very long. doesn't update on 3c because of the voucher but the voucher is there always.

    • $229 for n100 is very good though.. if n95 I think that's fairly normal

    • Yeah, OP just should've marked the january deal on the same product as back in stock.

  • what do people use these for?

    • +3

      Plex
      Emulation.
      Decent web browser with ublock origin

      • so no one uses this as a main PC???

        • If you only use main pc for web browsing, emails and some word processing then sure

          • +1

            @jiminyjillikers: These are more powerful than my current laptop dual intel N3050 Celeron 1.6ghz (ozbargain special) according to comparisons i saw, so may be a cheap option if you get a moniter etc.

    • +1

      Mini home server
      Kodi media player
      Basic productivity

  • +1

    Can you play ROBLOX on it?

    • Yes

      • Awesome. Ordering one now.

        • Be aware it might have spyware pre-installed

          • @Budju: is it just the software or hardware infected too?

          • @Budju: What is the best way to remove? Installing Linux? or is it firmware based spyware?

            • +3

              @Crownanchor: As far as I know it's software based but google Acemagic virus this is the same company. Delete all partitions and create new one with safe OS install from your own image.

              • @Budju: Oh wow thanks for the info

    • But don't expect a lot for more demanding games.

  • +29

    Someone needs to post up a link to the recent thread that identified the malware that comes on these machines.

    Hang on a mo, here it is

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/830554

    Courtesy of @scrimshaw

    • Geez, maybe they should be banned on ozb

      • +7

        I disagree. They should be posted with a caveat note to do a clean windows install.
        https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
        Just put this on a USB launch into bios delete the partitions and install a clean install of windows

        • Is that a free win11 version? Or need to pay?

          • @prankster: That's free but unlicenced

            • @maverickjohn: so can still play around with it, ie. won't restrict you using it
              but then getting a license key i'd have to pay for one, can't i just use a hack somewhere lol
              actually i remember somewhere in this forum they said there was a simple hack to make it licensed - gosh now i have to find it lol

              • +1

                @prankster: Microsoft Activation Scripts
                https://massgrave.dev/

                • @CodeXD: What does this do? install further racist software hahaha whispers 'see above comments'

                  • @BatmanAU: I should have posted to github -

                    A Windows and Office activator using HWID / Ohook / KMS38 / Online KMS activation methods, with a focus on open-source code and fewer antivirus detections.

          • +1

            @prankster: You can download Windows 10/111 installation USBs for free and install it, but you will need a license key to activate it.
            Microsoft offers hardware manufacturers the option to license Windows for their computers and the manufacturer can save those keys into the UEFI/BIOS. Windows can read that key and activate itself with it.
            Does anyone know if Kamrui licenses Windows from Microsoft for this or any of their models?

            • @OZBargainer in SA: i thought you don't need one? you can use the computer without a licence just that you won't have the option to customise the computer, like desktop background and you'll have a "Activate Windows" watermark on the corner.

      • +1

        Nah, shouldn't trust any prebuilt. Always format and reinstall

        • secure wipe & install. Formatting doesn't delete data, ao it could easily be restored/resurrected

    • -1

      Has this been reported to Amazon or Microsoft and what are the responses? If it's true, will you get a refund?

      • I'm sure amazon cares very deeply about one of the millions of scams on their site.

        What's microsoft going to even do, they have nothing to do with this?

        • Because it's using windows, if it's licensed, Microsoft should give a support to this?

          If Amazon sells a product that involves cyber crime, should it be more serious than other million scams?

          • +1

            @Bii: Why would Microsoft do anything if the license they are using for Windows is most likely not legit?

            • @ldd-mn: Your product, even tho it's free, scams people, should you do something?

              • +1

                @Bii: No? Because it isn't Microsoft's issue and it isn't their fault that someone decided to preinstall malware on a mini PC. What are they going to do? Make a blog post about it?

                • -2

                  @ldd-mn: They can do better than that through their police (defender) system. At least, they can direct people to clean/re-install the system and later investigate.

                  What if the person replaces the key with a legitimate key they bought before, will Microsoft give a support?

          • +2

            @Bii: If Microsoft licenses Windows to a hardware manufacturer, the latter is meant to provide support to the end customer.

      • Why are you asking me (some rando on the internet)- why not go and report this yourself and see where it goes?

        Or perhaps it was a rhetorical question.

        • Have you thought that someone might have done it? and can share the answers.

  • Celeron?
    What OS

  • +2
    • That's the N95 not N100 version. Still a great price though

      Edit: Sorry I stand corrected. I just saw the $149 price within the post content for the N100 version

      • $230 is OK, but I will wait for $180 or lower :-)

    • +1

      That's the extra spyware model

  • Would this be any good to run a somewhat large MySQL db (about 15 tables ranging from 50k to 120mill rows) and a discord bot?

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