For a long time already on Habré there was no news about nettops from SolidRun, which are produced under the CuBox brand. This time the company released a new baby called CuBox-M. It is equipped with an ARM processor that is sharpened for Linux and Android.
Its size is only 5 x 5 x 5 cm. The operating system is either Linux or Android. At the moment, the PC supports Android 10, there are specialized assemblies of Debian and Yocto Project for it.
The developers act promptly enough, and so that each user has the opportunity to update, they post everything they need to work on their profile on GitHub.
There are two versions of CuBox-M - the first comes with 1GB of LPDD4 low power RAM, the second comes with 4GB. At the same time, the younger model is not equipped with wireless communication - Wi-Fi 802.11ac module (Wi-Fi 5, 2.4 and 5 GHz bands) and Bluetooth 5.0.
What is such a miracle of technology good for?
It is understood that only for performing ordinary entry-level tasks. It is also suitable for developers, but definitely not for those who need a lot of RAM and a powerful processor.
This system is based on the NXP i.MX8M Plus processor with ARM Cortex-A53 microarchitecture. The younger model has a dual-core chip with a frequency of up to 1.8 GHz. The older one has a quad-core with the same frequency.
Both versions of the mini PC come with 8GB of onboard storage - a cost effective eMMC with not the fastest read / write speeds. Everything is calculated on the fact that the user will add a microSD if additional memory is required (of course, yes).
For connecting peripherals and a monitor, there is an HDMI 2.0 port and two USB 3.0 ports. In addition, there is also microUSB 2.0, plus an IR receiver is installed on the front panel.
To connect the network, both models, both the older and the younger, have an Ethernet connector.
The power adapter is not included (which is strange), you have to purchase it separately.
And finally, the price. The younger model is priced at $ 99, and the older one is priced at $ 160.
And what else is there besides CuBox-M?
If you need more powerful devices that can work with Windows, then there are other options. We wrote , for example, about a small computer from Chuwi, with 6 GB of RAM and a quad-core x86 processor.
Its configuration is better than the previous version:
- RAM - 6 GB.
- Drive - 128GB eMMC, M.2 2242 SSD slot
- Processor - Celeron J4125
- Ports: USB 3.0 Typa-A, HDMI, USB Type-C, microSD.
- Audio: 3.5mm.
Plus the price - $ 179, however, on Amazon, where new batches of miniature desktops are quickly disassembled.
Not so long ago , Xiaomi presented its own "cube" with 8 GB of RAM. PC is based on Intel J4125 quad-core processor with 2.7 GHz core frequency. The graphics are integrated here, this is Intel UHD600. In such a small package, you would hardly expect a dedicated graphics card, so you will have to be content with integrated graphics.
The RAM is 8 GB, which should be enough for most office tasks. Plus, the system does not have a hard drive, but a 256 MB SSD of the M.2 form factor. And all this for only $ 186. True, this is if you take part in a crowdfunding campaign.
