So far, most Chinese manufactures of Intel based mini PCs simply ignored Linux distributions, with Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 the only game in town. However, a few days ago, we found out about MeLE PCG02-U TV stick running Ubuntu on Intel Atom Z3735F processor, but the company appears to now taking Ubuntu more seriously as they are now promoting two other Ubuntu products with PCG01-U TV stick, and MeLE StarCloud PCG61U Braswell mini PC at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair.
The product is not finalized, but the main specifications are already known:
- SoC – Intel Braswell Celeron processor @ 1.6 to 2.08 GHz with 12 EU Gen8 Graphics, likely Celeron N3150 processor (6W TDP)
- System Memory – 2, 4 or 8 GB DDR3L
- Storage – 32, 64 or 128 GB internal storage, or HDD/SSD slot, SD card slot
- Video Output – HDMI & VGA
- Audio – HDMI, microphone and earphone jack
- Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – USB 3.0
- Expansion – mini PCIe slot(s)
The video below shows the two TV sticks, and quick mention of the mini PC.
Mass production of MeLE PCG61-U is expected at the end of May, so the tiny computer will likely ship with Ubuntu 16.04 scheduled to be released at the end of April. Contrary to systems based on Bay Trail and Cherry Trail processors which have their set of issues with Linux, Braswell mini PCs such as MINIX NGC-1 runs Linux distributions fairly well, and Linuxium reported features such as WiFi, audio and Bluetooth all worked out of the box with an Ubuntu installation from the standard ISO file.
Price has not been decided yet, and will depend on memory and storage options.
Via NetbookItalia
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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i hope there is a vesa mount seeing the form factor.
the N3150 accept DDR3L in dual memory channel mode, i wonder how many slot they propose.
nice, this will make a nice htpc with storage option, and less power consumption that diy’ng it with mini itx