Most low cost mini PCs based on Bay Trail or Cherry Trail processor come with only 2GB RAM, which may limit what you can do on such device, and limits multi-tasking abilities. MeegoPad T05 and T06 HDMI sticks will allow you to do more thanks to 4GB RAM connected to a quad core Intel Atom x5-Z8500 a x5-Z8500 processors, while MeegoPad T07 is still limited to 2GB RAM, and features the same x5-Z8300 processor found in Tronsmart Ara X5.
MeegoPad T05, T06, T07 preliminary specifications [Update: the specs appear to change daily, see https://plus.google.com/+IanMORRISON/posts/T6MtT6PfVvV]:
- SoC
- T05, T06 – Intel Atom x5-Z8500 “Cherry Trail” quad core processor @ 1.44 GHz (Turbo frequency: 2.24 GHz) with Intel Gen8 HD graphics (2W SDP)
- T07 – Intel Atom x5-Z8300 “Cherry Trail” quad core processor @ 1.44 GHz (Turbo frequency: 1.84 GHz) with Intel Gen8 HD graphics (2W SDP)
- System Memory – T05, T06: 4GB RAM; T07: 2GB RAM
- Storage – 32 to 64 GB eMMC + micro SD slot up to 64GB
- Video Output – HDMI male
- Audio I/O – HDMI, 3.5mm microphone jack
- Connectivity – (dual or single band) 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – [1x USB 2.0 host port, 1x USB 3.0 port] or [2x USB 2.0 ports], 1x micro USB port (for power?)
- Misc – Power button
- Power Supply – 5V/2A
- Dimensions – T05 & T06: 11 x 4.3 x 0.99 cm; T07: 11 x 3.8 x 1.7 cm
- Weight – T07: 280 grams
MeegoPad T07 is said to run a properly licensed version of Windows 10, and ships with a power adapter, and a user’s manual in English. It’s actively cooled with a small fan. That’s the only one that’s available for pre-order right now, and it can be found on Gearbest for $115.15.
MeegoPad T05 can be found on Alibaba, where the title and summary reports 4GB RAM are used, against 2GB RAM in the specs table. The manufacturer / reseller (Shenzhen T.D.S Electronic Technology) also claims the device sells with an “Official Licensed” with Windows 10 Home.
MeegoPad T06 is also listed on Alibaba, includes a small 300 mAh battery, and is also cooled with a fan.
Similar looking devices with Intel atom x5 processors can also be found in Shenzhen APEC Electronics website with the product names: APM-D05F, and APM-D05i.
Via Ian Morrison on Google+ mini PC community.
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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this isn’t even interesting anymore…
Is it possible to install Linux on this?
@yash3339
actually 4GB is extremely interesting, even big shots like Toshiba try to sell Atom x5 systems with 2GB as standard :/
Will deffo pick one up as soon as they start showing up on ebay/more reputable english speaking chinese reseller shops
why this crap windows is in every x86 device ( tablet / stick / stb ) ?
I really want a x5, but for me a dual boot with android & linux is the best.
Buy windows installed device is bad because support for linux will be bad, and i feel terrible lying to increase the market share of Windows, as even going to format the partition to install linux, count as a Windows machine and sending the wrong message to hw makers who think they only need to worry about drivers for windows, because is the hw that they sell more and the only thing that interests them is to follow the money.
@klein
Totally agree!
@klein
@Roel
I’ve only seen MeegoPad T02 sold with Ubuntu until now.
It’s annoying that you need to buy a Windows device (with or without license) to install Linux, but that’s the reality of the market right now. I’ve asked several times to manufacturers whether they had or planned to have a Ubuntu version, but they always said something like “Windows and Intel are always together, why should we change?”.
Confusing intro, the Tronsmart Ara X5 only have a Z8300 so limited to 2GB. The 8500 and 8700 allow for up to 8GB.
Now, if we could only have a 8500/8700 device with 4GB RAM in a small box format instead of a stick…
@Tore, agree!
IS there any way to solder sata support to these? or simply use a usb 3.0 adaptor? I like that fact that I can get intel chips relatively cheaply for other projects.
@Eamonn
Intel Atom™ x5 series hasn’t Sata native support, only USB 3 and PCI Express 2.0.
You have to use a USB to SATA.
@fossxplorer
I’ve tried Linux on Ara X5 @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/08/28/ubuntu-14-04-15-04-tested-in-tronsmart-ara-x5-cherry-trail-mini-pc/ . It runs, but with some limitations (WiFi, Bluetooth, Audio not working out of the box), so you’d need a USB to Ethernet dongle with TV sticks.
@cnxsoft
Do you know which devices are used for WiFi/Bluetooth and which audio codec then on the Tronsmart?
@Tore
I would also accept a slim box format, but my biggest problem with “boxes” is that they use a regular coaxial charging connector. I got into the stick format mostly because of microUSB 2A power input, because I don’t want to carry a power brick for every device….since I can use a multi-USB charger for phone, tablet, portable router, portable NAS, why should I carry another brick just for the media player? Not to mention getting a replacement for when it fails.
Forgot to ask: which are dual-band wifi? I hate that these devices share a single radio for BT and WIFI, since it’s inconceivable that you won’t use at least a BT mouse and internet at the same time.
@Tore
AP6330 module. Not sure about audio codec, maybe it can be found on pictures @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/08/22/tronsmart-ara-x5-cherry-trail-mini-pc-unboxing-and-teardown/
@mathew7
You can see a comparison of MeegoPad versions @ https://plus.google.com/communities/112467586473225134676
T05, T06 and T07 specifications are a moving target… https://plus.google.com/+IanMORRISON/posts/T6MtT6PfVvV
@mathew7
@Tore
Voyo make a small box PC with Z3775 and 4Gb, 125mm x 125mm x 12, I like the format too. It uses microUSB for power, there’s a 1000mAh battery for interruptions. Memory bandwidth of Z3775 is down a little on X5. Geekbuying and Aliexpress.
MeegoPad T06 on GeekBuying for $116.99 – http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MEEGOPAD-T06-Cherry-Trail-Z8300-Windows-10-Quad-Core-Ultra-MINI-PC-2-4G-5G-Dual-Band-WIFI-2G-32G-Bluetooth4-0-356681.html
There’s been some clarifications about the new MeegoPad @ http://forum.x86pad.com/t/future-product-t06-t07-and-t08-clarified-updated/146/9
This also include a MeegoPad T08 with a projector.
I have the T02 running Windows 10 and find the Wifi to be useless so have disabled it and am running an external USB N300. That did not disable the BT and my BT mouse and keyboard are working fine.
Also one who wishes that it was possible to buy devices/PCs without OS as I have spare copies of Windows that I could use so get annoyed at paying for yet another copy. Not only Linux users get annoyed with the OS preload policy.