Take the guts of a cheap Windows tablet and stuff them into a pocket-sized, screenless box and you have the makings of a small, low-power desktop computer like the MeegoPad T01 or Zotac ZBOX PI320 pico.

There’s one thing those systems don’t have though: a battery. But the new GULEEK i8 has one.

It’s a compact desktop computer with Windows 8.1 software, an Intel Bay Trail processor and a 3000mAh battery. DealExtreme is taking pre-orders for $104.

guleek i8

The battery should let you use the system for a while without a power adapter, which could come in handy if you want to move it from place to place without shutting down or rebooting.

Desktop computers of any size don’t usually have batteries — because you tend to use them with monitors and other peripherals (such as printers) that need to be plugged in anyway. But this little guy’s built-in battery opens some interesting possibilities. For instance, maybe you could build your own laptop?

You can also use it as a headless system. For instance, DealExtreme notes that you can use an Android app to remotely login to the GULEEK i8 so you can interact with Windows apps on an Android phone. There’s also an Android app that lets you use your phone as a remote control for the computer to control media playback or other apps without a keyboard and mouse.

For the most part, the GULEEK i8 has the specs of a cheap Windows tablet, including a 1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z3735F quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a microSD card slot, and a fanless design.

Other features include 2 full-sized USB ports, a micro USB port (for charging), a micro HDMI port, and a headset jack. The system supports 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.0.

The computer measures 5.9″ x 3.2″ x 0.4″ and weighs about 8.5 ounces.

Update: CNX Software reports there’s a virtually identical system called the Vensmile iPC002… but that model has a larger 7000mAh battery and 32GB of built-in storage.

via AndroidPC.es

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35 replies on “GULEEK i8 is a tiny, cheap Windows PC with a battery”

        1. why an ac adapter? micro usb chargers are everywhere. this unit has extra usb ports too unlike many tablets which only have one, meaning you can charge and use it at the same time.

          i have a linx 7 tablet, plugged into the mains and into the big screen via hdmi but cant use the usb port for anything else (ive tried splitters). it has bluetooth though so keyboard/mouse is still ok

          for anyone else interested: tablet 7 inch full windows 32gb only 1gb ram (£60) + Gmyle BT backlit keyboard (£25) + Thinkpad BT mouse (£25) + Blaupunkt 1080p 50 inch TV (£220) + Trixes folding Tablet stand (£1) + Micro hdmi and micro usb and usb host cables (£1) + folding usb charger (£4) + small laptop bag (£4)

          = grand total of £340 including VAT for a real HD 50 inch fully featured smart TV. (or £120 for a portable full PC set up to take anywhere you need in a bag, or £60 for a full windows tablet to take anywhere in your pocket!)

          1. Because why bother running this on a battery when it could run full Windows? It’s already a low power device as is. Whether the AC adapter plugs in through micro USB or a power connector is irrelevant. The specs of this device sure can be powered by battery, but that’s pretty silly to me.

          2. i agree a headless unit has less need for a battery than a windows tablet but why not? you can use it in a hotel without finding a socket. Or you can use it with a usb battery bank

          3. it’s not always easy to get power to your box near the tv without a massive extension lead. anyway ive done it with my tablet in a hotel where there was no spare socket near the tv and im glad it has a battery, much more versatile

  1. I think this is meant to be a Smart TV console rather than a tablet…..hence the price

  2. Not sure why everyone is comparing it to a tablet. It’s very similar to an Asus X205TA netbook, except that has a bit more storage memory. Personally I think having the dual screen option is worth the extra money.

    1. Typing this on an asus x205ta I got for $100. Really nice for price. Way better than 1st generation arm chromebook.

    2. It’s really pointless when consumers can spend less and have a fully portable system with dual functionality. This mini PC would only work if it was on par with prices to the ARM devices.

      If you need a dual display option you can buy a Asus Vivo that runs Intel 4th Gen. It supports THREE displays connected at once, runs Linux and Windows and is almost the same price as this mini PC.

      And has USB 3, Ethernet yada yada. I just don’t see the market appeal if its priced the same as a tablet.

  3. Wait… Just realized this doesn’t even have a Ethernet port! Why buy this when I can buy a Windows 8.1 tablet with better specs, bigger battery, 32GB, a screen, HDMI out for under $99. Look at the HP Stream 7 or Linx 8 on Amazon.

    Then they still have the cheek to sell it for more than a tablet? $120 (thats the promotional price..)

    Absurd.

  4. I did a fresh install of Windows 8.1 Pro on a 32GB SSD and had 11GB left. After updates I had 5GB. If I wanted to install a fresh copy of Windows 8.1 rather than trust the manufacturers image it would be impossible on this 16GB EMMC.

    Can users even boot from USB in the first place? Apparently not as they are locked down to prevent people from installing Linux.

  5. okay, I understand the point of this, but it makes no sense, really. The specs of this thing are EXACTLY the same as nearly-the-same-priced tablets. At what point do you just pay the extra $40 – $50 for a screen, even if you only plan on using it as a tablet occasionally?

    1. The HP Steam tablet is $99 or a Linx tablet is $60. So its cheaper to buy a tablet with better features then to trash your money on these experiments.

    1. I’m not sure DisplayLink monitors work on a PC without a physical graphics adapter.

      1. Oops, nevermind. Since it has HDMI output there must be some adapter inside.

        1. This LED monitor works just fine without any adapters. I’ve owned one for many years and have plugged many netbooks into it.

  6. Tablets with atom and hdmi out for 100?
    Not that I have seen. This is perfect for diy laptop and maybe they could create a series of mini computers.
    Would like to see dual band WiFi and more Ram and usb3. But I will put one on order for sure.

  7. This would be interesting paired with one of the old Motorola Lapdocks from the Atrix/Bionic era.
    The lapdock itself is powered and would provide nearly everything else that’s missing: Display, keyboard, trackpad, audio (possibly), and maybe some extra USB ports. Roll your own networking?
    Just Velcro the thing to the back of the lid and route the cables into the dock ports like with any other stick PC.
    -if it plays nice with the hardware that is.

    Fun experiment if nothing else.

    1. I’ve been told the MicroUSB features OTG, so the lapdock would be perfect.

  8. As the other comment mentions, why not just get one of the tablets available at a similar price point instead? What would make something like actually stand out for me would be more flexibility. I wouldn’t care if it was a bit larger to accommodate it. But what I’d want is standard laptop style RAM and at least an M.2 SSD slot if not a normal 2.5″ bay and SATA port. Also USB 3 and that ethernet port would be nice.

    1. Believe it or not there are niche market reasons to consider this… A tablet may be similar priced but it would also be much larger, taking up more space…

      This device is meant to be pocket-able or easily hide-able… Besides, this is a China product that isn’t designed to specifically target the US market…

      Emerging markets regions have more basic needs and there is less established infrastructure to rely on…

      While the support for controlling the device with a Android device gives it some interesting niche uses as low cost media center, simple auto uploader/downloader, basic streamer, converting a monitor or TV into a simple net computer, basic server, kiosk system, etc.

      Lack of a screen also means it’s more durable and generates less heat so it can be stuck into tight spaces and still not overheat… along with the battery lasting longer…

      Sure, like many such niche devices it’s definitely not for everyone but it doesn’t need to be for niche markets… Gotta keep in mind that not everything posted on this site is necessarily for the average US or even UK consumer… though, some may still be interested despite or because of the niche nature of the product…

      These products should just not be directly compared with the more mainstream products, which this site also covers…

  9. -Doesn’t have a network port;
    -The power socket is right next to the USB sockets, should be on the back;
    -You can find tablets for the same price with bigger batteries, a screen, and more storage.

    1. Except that tablets at this price point don’t usually have 2 full size USB ports and HDMI out… or a network port for that matter…

    2. you can buy a USBto network from eBay for $12.95 #WhereThereisAWillThereIsaWay

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