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Chinese computer maker Mele is expanding its PCG02 line of pocket-sized desktop computers with a new “Pro” model that’s the first in the series to support an optional M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD.
The new Mele PCG02 Pro is available now for $200 and up. The entry-level model is a pocket-sized computer with a fanless design, an Intel Celeron J4125 Gemini Lake Refresh processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage. But you can pay for additional eMMC storage or bring your own storage upgrades thanks to that M.2 2280 slot and a microSD card reader. You can also opt for a model with a faster Intel Celeron N5105 Jasper Lake processor… if you’re willing to sacrifice the M.2 slot.
Earlier members of the PCG02 family were PC-on-a-stick devices with an HDMI connector that allowed you to plug the computer directly into the back of a TV or monitor without using an HDMI cable.
The new model is a bit larger in order to accommodate the PCIe slot, so instead of a built-in HDMI connector, this model has two HDMI ports. The upshot is that you can now easily use the same mini PC to drive up to two displays.
The Mele PCG02 Pro is still pretty small by desktop PC standards. Weighing just 182 grams (6.4 ounces) and measuring 146 x 61 x 20mm (5.75″ x 2.4″ x 0.79″), it’s smaller than many modern smartphones. It’s a desktop computer that you could easily slide into a pocket and take with you anywhere you go.
Mele offers the PCG02 Pro with up to 512GB of eMMC storage and says you can add up to a 4TB PCIe NVMe or SATA SSD. The microSD card reader also supports cards up to 2TB.
Mele ships the PCG02 Pro with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, but the system should also support most GNU/Linux distributions.
One thing to keep in mind when looking at the product page at Amazon is that Mele also offers versions of the PCG02 Pro with a newer, higher-performance Intel Celeron N5015 processor based on Intel’s Jasper Lake architecture. These models, which sell for about $220 and up, should deliver better CPU and graphics performance. They also offer better wireless capabilities. But despite the fact that they’re the same size as the Celeron J4125 models, they do not support PCIe M.2 2280 storage.
Here’s a run-down of some key specs for the different models:
| PCG02 Pro (J4125) | PCG02 Pro (N5105) | |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J4125 4-cores / 4 threads 2 GHz base / 2.7 GHz boost 10W TDP Released Q4, 2019 | Intel Celeron N5105 4-cores / 4-threads 2 GHz base / 2.0 GHz boost 10W TDP Released Q1, 2021 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 600 250 MHz base / 750 MHz boost 12 execution units | Intel UHD 450 Mhz base / 800 MHz boost 24 execution units |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4-2133 Single channel | 8GB LPDDR4-2933 Single channel |
| Storage | eMMC (128GB to 512GB) M.2 2280 (PCIe 2.0 x2 NVMe or SATA) microSD card reader | eMMC (128GB or 256GB) microSD card reader (M.2 not supported) |
| Ports | 2 x HDMI 2.0 1 x USB Type-C (5 Gbps) 1 x USB Type-C (12V/2A power input) 2 x USB Type-A (5 Gbps) 1 x 3.5mm audio 1 x Gigabit Ethernet 1 x microSD card reader | |
| Wireless | WiFi 5 Bluetooth 4.2 | WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro Linux supported | |
| Other features | Wake on LAN Boot from USB VESA Mount | |
| Dimensions | 146 x 61 x 20mm | |
| Weight | 182 grams | |
| Starting Price | $230 (or $200 with coupon as of Nov 3, 2022) | $250 (or $220 with coupon as of Nov 3, 2022) |
via FanlessTech
Looking at the CPU selection, I’d be happy to sacrifice the M.2 slot and take the newer CPU. The N5105 has a faster integrated GPU than the J4125. Also, for something meant to be used for light to medium tasks, 256GB eMMC is more than enough.
what the n5105 model doesnt have a nvme slot at all???
this is on top of the usual only single memory problem, thats a shame
cant buy it untill its done right
Really disappointed to see single channel memory again.
How would this be as a streaming/media-pc?
Basically just linux, chrome, browser-version of all the popular streaming services.
It can run standard windows fine, just don’t expect gaming and high end emulation performance to be great. These specs work for a second pc or home media setup also and these can chew through local files fast.
Office tasks, emulation below GC, older or lite games, streaming, web browsing, local media playback, and streaming is great on a board like this.