Want to buy an entry-level Intel NUC mini-computer with an Apollo Lake Processor? A barebones model will set you back just $133.
But that price doesn’t include memory, storage, or an operating system. The best price I’ve seen for a model with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of eMMC storage, and Windows 10 is $225.
But there are other options: the ACEPC AK1 mini PC, for instance, is a similarly-sized, similarly-specced computer… but a model with twice as much RAM currently sells for $190.
The AK1 has a Celeron J3455 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of built-in storage. It also has a 2.5 inch drive bay for a hard drive or SSD.
The system also features a Gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a USB Type-C port, a microSD card slot, and HDMI 2.0 and 3.5 audio jacks.
The computer measures about 5″ x 5″ x 2″ and weighs about 14 ounces.
via AndroidPC.es
So, I got one of these and it turns out it also has an mSata slot under the hood. So, you can add an SSD to boot your system from. I ordered an SSD and I’ll let you know how that works out for me.
I wish there would be fanless case for J4205-ITX motherboard (yeah it’s fanless even now, but need to be more effective one)
Since it comes without an operating system, it would be neat to try either ReactOS or ArcaOS on it.
The $133 version has no OS. The $190 version has windows 10.
If I were planning to use Linux or another OS, I would probably choose the bare-bones Intel NUC with the same processor for the same price (www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSZTD8N/ref=twister_B06XG2KVV7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1).
If I wanted a cheap Windows 10 machine, this looks like the better deal because you get twice the RAM as the NUC for $35 less.
32GB is very limiting for Windows 10. If you install Chrome and Office 365, you’re going to run out of space on every big Windows Update.
Which is why it’s nice that this model has a 2.5 inch drive bay.
Brad,
I strongly recommend trying out a build with ASRock deskmini. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856158048
I build one with g4560 and 8 gb ram. It’s my favorite minipc build.
Hum… looks interesting, but more expensive and more powerful.
Anyone else think “ACEPC” is ripping off the “ACER” logo?
Checking again, I noticed that Acer logo is all small letters while this is all caps. The design is ripped off of HP slice mini pc, though.