Windows-PC the size of Flash: the Nano era is coming
Historically, it so happened that all equipment, reduced in size, looks like a weak link in the evolution of technologically advanced devices. Certainly, you will have to pay for the smaller size with the performance and functionality of the system. But are these criteria important to all consumers? Naturally, Windows-PCs the size of Flash did not go unnoticed by buyers. Indeed, in comparison with ordinary PCs and laptops, the gadget is much more compact and mobile.
Flash-sized Windows-PC: Specifications
| Brand name | XCY (China) |
| Device model | Mini PC Stick (apparently version 1.0) |
| Physical dimensions | 135x45x15 mm |
| The weight | 83 grams |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4100 (4 cores, 4 threads, 1.1-2.4 GHz) |
| Охлаждение | Active: cooler, radiator |
| RAM | 4 GB (LPDDR4-2133) |
| ROM | eMMC 5.1 128GB |
| Expandable ROM | Yes, microSD up to 128 GB |
| Interfaces | HDMI 2.0, 2xUSB 3.0, jack 3.5 mm, DC |
| Wireless Interfaces | Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2,4 and 5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, version 4.2 |
| Operating system support | Windows (versions 7, 8, and 10) Linux |
| Features | Output to monitor 4K @ 60FPS |
| HDMI Power | No |
| PSU included | Yes |
| The presence of antennas | No |
| The presence of a digital panel | No |
| Price | $ 159 (in China) |
Windows-PC the size of Flash: an overview
Considering that we are promoting the direction TV box, the gadget is not much different from the set-top box. Unless it is tailored for IT needs, not entertainment. By design, it is a full-fledged computer that is capable of performing office tasks.
The manufacturer's idea is not new. Such solutions have been on the market for a long time (since 2013). The only difference is in the filling, which is being improved from year to year. The configuration of Windows-PC the size of Flash is selected optimally. A mini PC is enough for surfing the Internet, learning and working with office programs. Naturally, you will need to purchase a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
The layout of the gadget is good, but the build is poor. The general picture is spoiled by plastic. We are extremely negative about such solutions when it comes to the compactness and performance of miniature devices. The Chinese are great - they made active cooling and drilled a bunch of holes in the case. Only the laws of thermodynamics were forgotten. After all, any polymer (plastic) refers to thermal insulation materials. Make a gadget out of metal - everyone will be happy.
The advantages of a Windows-PC the size of Flash
Definitely, the main advantages of a microscopic PC are compactness and portability. For business, this is the ideal solution. Especially for those companies that conduct double-entry bookkeeping. In any country in the world there are enterprises that do not want to work at a loss. And the main enemy of such firms is the police and the tax authorities. Due to its compactness, the PC can be quickly disconnected from the monitor and tucked into a clothing pocket. Legally, inspectors are not allowed to inspect the belongings of employees.
In everyday life, a Flash-sized Windows PC has a great future. Please note that from year to year more and more consumers are choosing compact technology. Full-fledged PCs are purchased only by gamers. The rest are content with laptops and tablets. Such a gadget will be much more convenient than mobile technology, because it can be connected to a large TV and enjoy multimedia with a mouse and keyboard lying on the couch.
Disadvantages of Flash-sized Windows PCs
We mentioned above about active cooling of the device in a plastic case. This is a serious flaw and needs to be fixed. Judging by consumer reviews, the disadvantages include the inability to upgrade the device. And we would agree with this, if not for one "but". While testing set-top boxes for TV, we somehow thought about how we could improve them. And we found a solution.
In fact, any microscopic gadget can be upgraded. There would be spare parts. Almost all specialists of computer service centers are able to perform the task of replacing chips (processor, memory, connectors and other modules). The cost of the service is 20% of the price of the replacement chip.
That is, a Flash-sized Windows PC with the above characteristics can be improved. In our case, we found an intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB LPDDR2133-8 memory, and an eMMC 5.1 512 GB drive on Aliexpress. And everything worked fine. Is that that, the heating has increased. But the problem was fixed by winding the device with copper wire with both ends inserted inside the device. By the way, this has almost doubled the performance of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi - from 35 to 70 megabits per second.
Should you buy a Flash-sized Windows PC
We are very good at Chinese technology. Why China - Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, and all Asian countries, produce excellent products and give the lowest price in the world. This makes me happy. But, in the context of a Windows-PC gadget the size of Flash, we would not recommend this product for purchase. It is crude and needs some work. First of all, a normal metal case to solve the cooling problem.
Probably, the technologists of the XCY company are not aware that televisions for most users hang like pictures, as close as possible to the wall. Our gadget, in standby mode, demonstrates a temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius on the chip. And it sharply raises it, under load, up to 70. And active cooling does not cope with the task. We call this the aspen stake in the user's heart. We are waiting for the modernized device in a metal case to appear on the market.