We’ve already seen Apollo Lake TV sticks such as MeegoPad T11, ECDREAM A9, or BBen MN10. Linuxium reviewed ECDREAM A9 model on this blog, and found out that Windows 10 (pre-installed), and Ubuntu 17.04 operating systems ran reasonably well with two main downsides: the relatively slow eMMC flash, and the noisy fan.
Another issue is the size, as with 58mm width, it looks more an hybrid between a mini PC and a TV stick, than an actual TV stick. Another Apollo Lake TV/PC stick is now available with CA98 (aka CSA98) found on Aliexpress for $100, as well as on Shenzhen Indo Technology’s Alibaba page.
CA98 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Celeron N3350 dual core processor @ 1.1 GHz / 2.4 GHz, 12 EU Intel HD graphics 500 @ 200 MHz / 650 MHz; 6W TDP
- System Memory – 2GB LPDDR3
- Storage – 32GB eMMC flash (optional 16, 64 or 128GB) + micro SD slot up to 128 GB
- Video Output – HDMI 1.4 port
- Audio – HDMI + 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity – Dual band 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.2 (Intel 3165 AC module) with external antenna
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 ports
- Misc – Power button
- Power Supply – 12V/1.5A via power barrel
- Dimensions – 11 cm x 4.7 cm x 1.73 cm
- Weight – 400 grams (must be package weight?)
The stick is said to run Windows 10 Home & Linux, but based on the description Windows 10 Home is pre-installed, and if you want Linux, you’d have to install it yourself.
The ports arrangement is the same as BBen MN10, so I’d not be surprised if it was based on the same PCB. The dimensions – provided by a customer representative on Alibaba – are not exactly the same, but close enough. The main differences compared to MN10 are the lower memory & storage (2GB/32GB vs 3G/64GB), and different case with an external WiFi antenna.
Via AndroidPC.es
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
Just got an other email from them:
That Form Factor just needs to die already