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)