The Chuwi LarkBox is a tiny desktop computer that’s small enough to hold in the palm of your hand, but which has enough horsepower to function as a simple Windows or Linux PC, media center, or signage system, among other things.
Now Chuwi has added a slightly more powerful version to the LarkBox family.
Like the original, the new Chuwi LarkBox Pro is a 2.4″ x 2.4″ x 1.7″ mini PC with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of eMMC storage, and an M.2 2242 slot for an optional SSD. But instead of a 10-watt Intel Celeron J4115 quad-core processor, the LarkBox Pro has a slightly faster Celeron J4125 chip.
Strangely, the LarkBox Pro is also a little cheaper than its predecessor. Kind of.
The Chuwi LarkBox is currently selling for $239 at the Chuwi Store, while the LarkBox Pro is available for $219.
Those might only be the list prices though – Amazon is selling both models for deep discounts, and if you do order from Amazon the LarkBox Pro does cost a little more than the original LarkBox:
The only reason I can think of for the lower list price is that the Celeron J4125 might be easier to come by: Intel doesn’t even list the J4115 processor on its website.
Here’s how the two chips stack up against one another:
| Celeron J4125 | Celeron J4115 | |
| Cores / thread | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Base frequency | 2 GHz | 1.8 GHz |
| Turbo freq (single-core) | 2.7 GHz | 2.5 GHz |
| Turbo freq (all cores) | 2.7 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 600 | Intel UHD 600 |
| Graphics base/turbo | 250 MHz / 750 MHz | 250 MHz / 750 MHz |
Both processors are based on Intel’s Gemini Lake Refresh architecture which means that, at their hearts, these are Intel Atom-based processors designed for low-cost, low-performance computers. So don’t expect workstation-class performance from either the LarkBox or LarkBox Pro.
Instead, these systems are designed to fit in places where you might not normally place a full-sized computer, like behind a TV or monitor, or even in your pocket as you travel to and from work.
You can find more details in Liliputing’s Chuwi LarkBox review. Most of the details will likely be the same for the new LarkBox Pro, with the possible exception of benchmark results.
For what it’s worth, when I reviewed the similarly-sized GMK NucBox with a Celeron J4125 processor, I found it scored lower in many tests than the J4115-powered LarkBox. But I suspect that may have more to do with cooling than the processor itself.
thanks weakish!
I found that they now selling it with a different description that the type-c port is “full-functional” is that mean the USBC port can do the video output right now? I will buy one to replace my GPD Win 2 immediately if it can do the power supply and video output in one single cable.
Where have you seen that description? If you can provide me a link, I’ll see if I can get an answer from Chuwi.
I saw this on amazon UK under the description for the I/O Specifications.
♕[I/O Specifications] Built in and Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4G/ 5G Dual Band WiFi 802.11a/ac/b/g/n (Model: Intel 9461), 2x USB 3.0 ports, 1x HDMI, 1 x Micro SD Card port slot, 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic Combo Interface, 1x Full Function Type-C port,1 x Ethernet port.
Link:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/CHUWI-Intel-Processor-Computer-Bluetooth/dp/B08GH7S1GP/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=larkbox+pro+mini&qid=1604246032&sr=8-1
Moreover, Chuwi is also selling it on their Japanese page show that the type-c port is “full-function” (全機能搭載 type-C )
Link:
https://store.chuwi.com/products/chuwi-larkbox-pro-jp
However I saw review from ETA Prime said that the USB-C port is power only, cannot do data transfer and video output.
Interesting, thanks! I can confirm that the original LarkBox could only use the USB-C port for charging. But I hadn’t seen this description on English-language pages advertising the new Pro version.
I’ll see if I can get Chuwi to confirm or deny.
I checked with Chuwi and they confirmed that the USB-C port for the LarkBox Pro is the same as for the original LarkBox – it’s for power only and cannot be used for data.
Fan speed has no speed curve,off then on at max speed every 15 seconds or so. Runs zippy though.
Yes, powerful enough but fan noise is a deal breaker.
according to my sound pressure level meter….the lark box pro is SIX dB quieter than my prodesk HP 600 after everything but the ps fan and uP fans are spun down. The amount of fan noise is negligible…not even worth mentioning….UNLESS you really must have ultra quiet…audio production room wannabe.
I didn’t realize Amazon was selling them so cheap, I might order one now.
Still has that pesky M.2 2242 slot unfortunately. I’d gladly accept a larger footprint for a 2280 slot.
had mine for 3 weeks. no burps…hiccups…just reliable does what I say when I say. Can’t ask for much more.