PiPo X9 Review – A Cheap Dual Boot Hybrid Mini PC

PiPo X9 Review – A Cheap Dual Boot Hybrid Mini PC

Recently I reviewed the first hybrid Tablet/Mini PC with a screen from Pipo the X8, now their latest and greatest Atom mini-PC model the PiPo X9 has just come out and it has the same Atom Z3736F chipset only it now comes with Windows 10 and a larger 8.9 1920 x 1200 tablet IPS panel in it.

Due to time constraints and the fact it doesn’t really fit into the site as a tablet, I have just finished an in-depth video review above for those that are interested. The video review covers almost everything, apart from I forgot to mention I had issues with the LAN port not working in Android, maybe a driver issue.

Funnily I do like this concept, I thought it was a real oddball when I first saw it, but in use it actually works. It’s great being able to launch a movie from the screen without having to connect up a mouse and keyboard like other mini PC’s I’ve used connected to my TV.

With my 5 days using the tablet/mini-PC, I can conclude that it’s a great Atom mini PC for the price of $126 from GearBest.com, the format isn’t going to suit everyone, it’s neither a tablet or a mini PC. But it covers them both as a bulky tablet and a larger mini PC. But I would rather have the 64GB version, which isn’t shipping just yet unfortunately. 32GB for a dual OS mini PC isn’t enough. I look forward to seeing Cherry Trail X5 Z8500 and Z8300 Mini PC’s in this format from PiPo, which I’m sure won’t be far away.

My Pro’s and Cons I encountered:

Pros:

  • Bright sharp  1920 x 1200 screen
  • No bloat in the Android Rom, stock launcher experience
  • It can power 1TB 2.5″ external drivers without the need of a powered hub
  • Dual Boot, Windows 10 Home and Android 4.4.4
  • Runs well
  • Plenty of ports, 4 x USB 2.0 with MicroSD card slot
  • Full sized HDMI Port
  • Good wireless range and speed
  • It will power on if plugged in, no need to push the power button
  • Can be run as a desktop, using only the second screen in Windows 10
  • Windows 10 Home (activated of course)
  • Android games are very smooth and playable
  • Performance matches other Atom Z3736F devices.
  • Cheap at $126

 

Cons:

  • Android 4.4.4, it would have been nice to see Android 5.1 at least
  • Speakers have static in Android
  • The screen can’t be switched off in Android if connected to a TV or Monitor. (Runs as a duplicate)
  • Rather large WiFi antenna
  • Tablet screen in a mini pc format that won’t be for everyone
  • Very limited user space. 12.8GB in Windows, 4.1GB in Android just isn’t enough
  • Ethernet port doesn’t seem to work in Android
  • No internal battery to allow it to be moved without powering it off.
  • Intel graphics driver scaling issues when running an external display (Common Bay Trail issue)

 

 

 

Video tech reviewer and tech blogger. I have a huge interest in the latest tech, tablets, laptops, mobiles, drones, and even e-scooters. Active in the tech community since 2008 days of the Omnia i900 Windows phone. Samsungi8910omnia.com, Samsunggalaxysforums.com founder from way back.

16 Comments

  1. Hi there!
    I bought this Pipo X9 recently and it has a really big issue. Under Android when playing a video through Kodi the device goes to sleep mode and finally stops, making even the Ethernet connection to be off. I’ve been trying to sort it out changing the configuration of the Display and/ or Hdmi on Android but nothing seems to work properly. I think it is a bug, but I am not sure. Do you think this issue is easy to solve or I should not bother and try to get a replacement asap?
    Best wishes

  2. Hi guys,
    Do you know if we can have a resolution for a second monitor more than 1920×1080 with the PIPO X9 ?
    I have a AOC Q3277PQU monitor (2560×1440 native resolution) , and both with Windows 10 and Androïd i cannot get more than 1920×1080 with my PIPO X9 connected with the HDMI port.

  3. PIPO X9 : How do a choose to login to Android rather than the default windows 10 ?

  4. Is it possibly to scrape Android off this and run it as a pure W10 PC?

  5. Is there a way to switch the Pipo X9 on and off remotely?

  6. Hey, in cons, you said “Intel graphics driver scaling issues when running an external display (Common Bay Trail issue)” is it with both android and Win? Do you mean the resolution is not good or the scaling cannot be showed in full screen and it has black margins? Can we have pictuers for both Android and Win connected to TV and tell us what is the resolution used please? I have a full HD Samsung TV (1920X1080). Many thanks in advance

  7. In your review of the X9 you state “◾It will power on if plugged in, no need to push the power button”. Does the X8 have that same capability?

    • I can’t remember 100%, but I’m pretty sure it did also do this.

  8. Hey, what do you think of Pipo X7-Pro?

    • The case is like Vensmile IPC0002 and Beelink Pocket P1, but with Intel Cherry Trail Z8300 and one usb 3.0

    • Looks good, Atom X5 Z8300, USB 3.0 with Windows 10. Nice and slim too.

    • @Denislav, It’s the same price (only $6 difference) as this X9 device. What is the advantage of essentially the same device minus the display for the same price?…. less bulk in your briefcase/backpack? More connections/ports?

      • Atom X5 X8300 and USB 3. I will not comment the X9 hybrid design.

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