MINIX NEO Z64 mini PC powered by Intel Atom Z3735F was unveiled in September 2014, but as other Windows 8.1 Intel based mini PCs hit the market in late December, early January, some people suggested NEO Z64 may end up being vaporware… Fortunately, it appears those people might be wrong, as I’ve been informed of a cached page on DX.com selling the computer for $148.07 with Android 4.4.4 pre-installed.
MINIX NEO Z64 specifications remain mostly the same as the ones published in September:
- SoC – Intel Atom Z3735F “Bay Trail” quad core processor @ 1.33 GHz (Burst freq up to 1.83 GHz) and Intel HD Graphics
- System Memory – 2GB DDR3
- Storage – 32GB eMMC flash + micro SD slot
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.0
- Video Output – HDMI 1.4
- Audio Output – HDMI, 3.5mm stereo jack
- USB – 2x USB 2.0
- Misc – Power button, IR receiver
- Power Supply – 5V/3A
- Dimensions – 11.5 x 11.5 x 2 cm
- Weight – 273 grams
The package will include a MINIX remote control, a power adapter (1.4m cable), an HDMI cable (1.05m), a USB cable (1.00m), and a user’s manual in English, Chinese, German, Russian, and Japanese. The Android 4.4.4 firmware also comes with XBMC pre-installed, but I’d assume it’s just the one released on xbmc.org. MINIX NEO Z64 is the first Atom Z3735F that officially sell with Android, while all others come with Windows 8.1 with or without proper license. A MINIX NEO Z64 Windows 8.1 version will also be available and might include Word, Excel (TBC) and XBMC, but I don’t have price information yet.
So how soon can we expect the device? According to a Vietnamese website, the product should be officially launched on January 22, 2015, and once it’s up again you’ll be able to purchase the box on DX via this link, as well as many other websites, which should all offer more or less the same price due to strict MINIX pricing policies.
[Update: MINIX NEO Z64 is also listed on Aliexpress (not possible to order), and they mention a $30 Windows 8.1 license]
[Update 2: Listed on Geekbuying for $144.90 (Android- Z64A version) and $174.90 (Windows 8.1 – Z64W version). The Windows version is also on DX for $174.91]
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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So vs Pipo X7 & MeegoPad T01, the differences are:
– higher price
– Minix brand (seems to have some fans)
– availability of Android flavour
– legal Win licence (possibly?)
– form factor (vs MeegoPad T01)
?
I’d rather buy a Wintel CX-W8 for $100 on AliExpress (which is basically same as that MiniX Neo Z64 but the antenna) and later buy a valid Windows license for an additional $20.
If this will support also accelerated full features Linux distro – Ubuntu e.v. I will be interested. Or, better Linux/Android dualboot.
@qwiqooq
How can you later buy a valid license for cheap? I think that option is only available for OEMs…. or am i wrong?
@Patrick
is against the policies of Microsoft, but it’s possible
No thaks, Pippo X7 with Activated Windows 8.1 for 89 USD.
no thanks, once I bought Minix S812 and returned it, their support is worst thing that can happen to somebody
To Resume my story…
My experience with Minix is very bad, and here is my story. I buy Minix X8, and first strange thing is that it arrived after 14 days, second thing package was opened, RCU not working. Then I contacted Minix for help but no body was answering about any of my questions.
I was shocked after saw that they released Minix X8-H with DTS and Dolby support, and they didn’t want to refund or exchange to nobody Minix X8 with S812 CPU which is without DTS and Dolby.
They cheated all of us
@kusta
The license on Pipo X7 looks valid, but it’s for tablet, so it’s not a valid license.
But if you are an early buyer, you may not care that much (unless Microsoft does something nasty), it’s just that Pipo X7 at $90 may not last long, expect a jump to $110 – $120 in the near future.
Minix NEO Z64 is now on GeekBuying -> http://promotion.geekbuying.com/promotion/minix_neo_z64
@Sobtech
contact Mr. Scutt, he is very helpful:
john.scutt@minix.com.hk
I have one and have had no issues, am really happy and Win 8.1 runs like a dream. I just have one question though is there an option to start it back up automatically after a power failure? I run it as a gateway server to my home and noticed after a power outage it was not available and had to be turned on manually.
@Amy
Hi Amy I actually only discovered the answer to this last night as I was searching for it myself. Yes it is possible to set the Z64 to power back on automatically after power failure but it does involve opening the device.
I have recorded the steps (with image) for doing it here if you wanted to know: http://www.aukihenry.com/2015/03/minix-neo-z64-auto-power-on.html
so does the minix z64 android support dd and dts. some say ya some say no. like to know before I buy.