Today, somebody asked me to test 4K output on Intel Atom Z3735F, but I can’t do that since the platform only supports 1080p. As I just posted my unboxing of MeLE PCG03 mini PC, I noticed several ICs where added for extra functionalities, and people also started to complain about lack of Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet via a USB bridge, no USB 3.0, and no SATA. That’s what happens when you use a Tablet SoC in a mini PC, but if you’re ready to pay a little more, you could still get a mini PC with a proper desktop processor (Bay Trail-D) including SATA, USB 3.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (maybe) for about $125 (shipped) with X29-J1800 computer powered by Intel Celeron J1800 (10W TDP). That’s the price for the barebone system without RAM or storage, and if you want a complete system with 32GB eMMC and 4GB RAM the price goes up to about $200 including shipping via DHL. The quad core version with J1900 is also available for about $20 more. None of these processors support 4K video output however, as the maximum listed resolution is 1080p.
X29 specifications:
- SoC
- Intel Celeron J1800 dual core processor @ 2.41 GHz (base) / 2.58 GHz (Burst) with Intel HD graphics (10W TDP) or
- Intel Celeron J1900 Quad core processor @ 2.0 GHz (base) / 2.41 GHz (Burst) with Intel HD graphics (10W TDP)
- System Memory – 2x SO-DIMM sockets for unbuffered dual channel DDR3L 1066/1333/1600 MHz SDRAM up to 8GB
- Storage – 1x SATA 6Gb/s, 1x mini SATA 3Gb/s
- Video Output – HDMI + VGA
- Connectivity – 2x Ethernet ports (via Realtek RTL8111E Gigabit Ethernet controller or RTL8103EL fast Ethernet controller), optional Wireless network card
- Audio – Realtek ALC662 HD audio codec, 1x microphone jack, 1x LINE OUT jack
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 host portm 2x USB 3.0 ports.
- Expansion slot – 1x Mini-PCIE slot
- Misc – COM port (RJ45). power button, power LED
- Power Supply – 12V
- Dimensions – 134 x 124 x 36 mm
- Certifications – CE, FCC, RoHS
- Temperature Range – Operating: 0 to 60 C; Storage: -20 to 85 C
It’s also not 100% sure how you’d fit a 2.5″ SATA drive inside, so a mini SATA drive should be a more workable option, and should be included when storage is offered.
There’s no mention of operating system, although the product title may include Windows or Ubuntu, even with system without storage, so you’d have to take care of that yourself. Ubuntu is not always perfectly running on Atom Z3735F processor (e.g. Wi-Fi, audio), and to be honest, I’m not sure of the support for Celeron J1800 / J1900 processor, but at least two Celeron J1900 computers and five Celeron J1800 PCs are listed as certified on Ubuntu website.
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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