Once I asked MeLE if they planned to sells Bay Trail Ubuntu mini PCs, and they did not really seem interested, but the company has now changes their mind, as they are about to launch PCG02U TV stick powered by Intel Atom Z3735F processor with 1GB RAM, and 32GB flash for $59, which is likely to be the factory price, not the retail price.
MeLE PCG02U specifications:
- SoC – Intel Atom Z3735F “Bay Trail” quad core processor @ 1.33 GHz (Bust freq: 1.83 GHz) with Intel HD graphics Gen 7 (2W TDP)
- System Memory – 1 GB DDR3
- Storage – 32 GB eMMC + micro SD slot
- Video & Audio Output – HDMI
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 with external antenna
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 host port, 1x micro USB port (for power only)
- Misc – Power button, Kensington lock
- Power Supply – 5V/2A via micro USB port.
- Dimensions – N/A
These specifications are very similar to MeLE PCG02 TV stick running Windows 10, except the memory has been decrease to 1GB, and the case is now Ubuntu Orange. A version with 2GB RAM will also be available for $69. Charbax got a short demo with the stick at MeLE office.
Some other manufacturer such as MeegoPad also provided Ubuntu TV sticks, but they simply loaded images made by Linuxium, and not even the latest one. We’ll have to see what MeLE provides, and the retail price. For reference, Ubuntu PCG02 with 2GB RAM now sells for $98.60 including shipping and a Windows 10 license, so I’d expect the Ubuntu version to be slightly cheaper since it does not include the Windows 10 “mini PCs” license, and the version with 1GB RAM to be even cheaper.
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.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
Too little(memory) too late(old processor).
Will this support audio over HDMI?
Is still a big problem on these Intel Atom chips so far …
1GB isn’t enough memory, especially if they are forced to run 64-bit Ubuntu because of a lack of 32-bit drivers (a common problem with a lot of hardware these days).
@GunterO
If they run Linux 3.16 with the right patchsets HDMI audio should be OK.
@GunterO
Atom Z3735F ,AFAIK, has no more major problem.
the new CT(cherry trail) ATOM still has audio issue, last i checked.
@cnxsoft
if i remember right linuxium did a dirty hack over the dts to get sound over hdmi
http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/05/08/minix-neo-z64w-intel-atom-z3735f-mini-pc-gets-hdmi-audio-in-ubuntu/
it make a nice thin client and there is the possibility to add a security cable
@baoboa
“a security cable” = Kensington lock?
Yes, but read this (same guy): http://www.linuxium.com.au/how-tos/soundontheintelcomputesticksterlingcity
Hm, but some promising news as well 🙂
http://www.linuxium.com.au/articles/soundandwifionlaterkernelsforthez3735f
@Sander
yes, the brand free name 🙂
@GunterO
HDMI audio is supported on Bay Trail (hack, not mainline), but not on Cherry Trail.
PCG02U will support HDMI audio.
I believe it when I see it 🙂
@GunterO
You can see it in MINIX NEO Z64W (Atom Z3735F) @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2015/05/08/minix-neo-z64w-intel-atom-z3735f-mini-pc-gets-hdmi-audio-in-ubuntu/
That would really be silly of MeLE not to support HDMI audio on PCG02-U since all info is available around the web. But better safe than sorry :).
Indeed, but I meant mainline. I think Intel should put some resources in that.
I have bought a Rikomagic MK36S LE (yep, Linux-Edition) and guess what. No HDMI audio.
When you ask Rikomagic about the status of it, they say “depends on the Linux community”…
So they are not putting any work in it :-/
Same for the Up-Board (kickstarter), they are struggling to get audio over HDMI.
@GunterO
For mainline, it’s not going to happen. I’ve read Intel is not putting resources into the low cost processors for Linux support.
That’s quite disappointing about the MK36S LE. Rikomagic told me HDMI audio may not be supported at first, but they would be working with Intel to resolve it. But the Cherry Trail processors used in Up Board and MK36S LE don’t support HDMI audio at all, with or without hack.
@cnxsoft
The Up-Board developers replied this when I asked:
Yes, we know it. We’re working with Intel on it.
Hopefully we can get it ready before the UP board delivery.
So, there is maybe a little hope for the Cherry Trail?
Up for sale for $69.99 -> http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Fanless-Ubuntu-14-0-4-Compute-Stick-MeLE-PCG02U-Mini-PC-Stick-Intel-BayTrail-Z3735F-2GB/715968_32653580885.html