Asus is launching a new mini PC in November featuring an Intel Haswell processor and a starting price of $149. No, the new Asus VivoMini isn’t another Chromebox. It’s a barebones PC that can support Windows, Linux, or other operating systems.

Since it’s a barebones PC you’ll need to supply your own operating system though… and memory, storage, and wireless card.

vivomini_04

The entry-level Asus VivoMini will feature an Intel Celeron 2957U Haswell CPU. Asus plans to offer models with Core i3 and Core i5 processors as well, but they’ll have higher price tags.

Each model features 4 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and DisplayPort, and Ethernet jacks. There are full and half-sized PCIe card slots inside the case and an m.SATA connector for storage and wireless cards. The system supports up to 16GB of RAM and has 2 SODIMM slots.

The PC measures 4.9″ x 4.9″ x 1.7″ and features a VESA mount-compatible design if you want to mount the VivoMini to the back of a TV or monitor.

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13 replies on “Asus VivoMini is a $149 barebones PC”

  1. Are you serious? Apple do the same thing in the iMac but with i5 Intel….i prefer ti spend more..to ha e more..

  2. I see this as a NUC with Celeron 2957u. Intel does not make a celeron nuc, and this could fill that void (I would much rather buy this than Intel’s Baytrail NUC). The Asus chromebox is obviously a better value as inexpensive memory and ssd are already included… Microsoft has no problem trying to compete against chromebooks, but they do not seem to be making a chromebox product. Now where is my steambox…

  3. Seems like their Chrombox is a better buy. Just a little more money and comes with wireless, some RAM, a small SSD and an OS which is quite secure and easy to manage. You can always install something else on the Chromebox if you want, as well as upgrade the hardware if you want.

  4. Looks good, but I think a lot of makers of such ‘barebones’ PCs are missing the point somehow. Also, MS needs to have a provision for such mini PCs in the future, perhaps something like it does for tablets at the mo.

    1. Unless Zotac is lying, they’re using the the free Windows license for their out of the box usable mini PC. Although, I wouldn’t buy it because I’d spend more money in the end upgrading the storage and RAM.

  5. Although this is quite interesting I think they are missing a trick by not providing it with the ‘free’ Windows with Bing.

    Zotac are launching the similar Pico next month and it comes with Windows with Bing preinstalled and I expect we will see a lot more doing the same in the coming months.

    1. They could do that but I’m glad there’s a bare bones option. I always rather get my own storage and memory. Too often, I waste money because I have to replace the inadequate storage and memory most devices come with.

  6. Is the full size pcie slot have an x16 connector? Is it possible to add a low profile video card, in x16 or maybe a x1 card ?

    1. I believe this unit has 52-pin mini PCIe connectors, the same kind you would find in most laptops – I don’t know of any graphics cards that are sold in this form factor. However, there are passive adapters and enclosures that will let you connect a x16 desktop graphics cards to this kind of interface. (but I doubt it would be worth the hassle)

      1. Can you explain a bit more about external graphics card options? Is this something that connects to USB 3.0 for example? Curious. Thanks.

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