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I bought this PC to replace it. Here is my opinion -
When buying a any pc following things are important -
1) CPU - This has a quad core which is decent. Bit dated but will work for mundane tasks (browsing/emailing etc)
2) RAM - This has 4 GB of RAM. This is minimum required for a PC for any modern operating system so it will work but don't expect to be able to do heavy duty stuff (video editing etc).
3) Storage - This has 64 GB . This means that you should use that drive primary for OS. Around Half of it will be taken up by Windows OS itself and it will grow as time passes (with additional applications/junk/temp files/cache etc). So don't expect to store multiple high def videos on board. For any extra storage, use an external USB drive.
Observation specific to this PC -
1) It has a hardwired network port which is very helpful since I want a steady connection (for home automation server, you can't have a flakey network connection). That's a big plus.
2) If you have ever had a device run 24/7 like (home surveillance dvr or a PC), you will know how painful is to have the cooling fan fail after some time. It always starts with high pitch noise for few months with eventual failure. And it is a big pain to find a replacement fan and go through same cycle again. One of the best thing about this PC is, it is FANLESS ! No moving parts to fail. The outer shell has ridges, which seems like aesthetics choice but are actually heat sink which will dissipate heat.
3) This PC also has two full USB ports, which means you don't need to attach a USB hub. One port will be taken by keyboard/mouse combo and other port is available for you to attach external USB drive.
When I got it, I first booted up and tried default windows 10 installation. It booted up fine without issues. Then I tried full screen you tube video at 1080p. During the whole navigation (e.g. going to full screen) etc, sometimes it would lag for a second or more but then would catch up. Once video started playing on full screen, it played smooth with no lag or tearing of video.
Then I installed ubutnu 20.04. Didn't need to do anything special. Just inserted the USB with ubuntu image, changed boot order in BIOS (check picture) and installed.
On ubuntu not everything is perfect as expected. Ubuntu ships with intel video driver (this PC has intel gpu) so no need to install extra driver. However, video in full screen will stutter a lot if you play at full resolution. I reduced the resolution to 1920x1080 (and lower) and then it played but with minor tearing. Watchable but not going to replace your blue ray player.
So overall,
Do not buy this PC if -
1) You want to be able to do heavy duty video editing/photoshop
2) You want a replace your laptop. Unlike laptop, you would need power, keyboard and monitor for it to work. You can carry a portable keyboard mouse combo but I have to yet to see a portable self powered monitor. :D
3) Use it as external hard drive. There is only limited space available after OS is installed. Better invest money in a portable hard drive which can carry 100's of time of storage available for lower cost.
But buy it if you -
1) Have space constraints and looking for small form factor.
2) Need a small pc to access web, do light weight word processing/spreadsheet/email
3) Looking to convert your TV to a real smart PC (not limited to few apps provided my TV manufacturer)
4) Stream media content from ALL websites/services you can thing of and not be limited by apps on your smart tv.
5) Looking to run a server (media server, home automation, file server) 24/7
6) Are energy conscious and want to save energy. (important if point 5 applies to you)
If you do decide to get it : -
Tip#1 : if possible, leave onboard storage for OS and any programs you will install and use external drives (or cloud storage) for any media (pictures, videos, audio, work files) storage. That will make this PC last long time. Otherwise in a year or so you will run out of space.
Tip #2: This PC comes with a microsd card slot, but you really don't want to use it for regular storage since microsd cards have limited writes and it will wear out and eventually fail. Use it as a way to quickly get files on and off this PC. Use external USB drive for extra storage.
TIP #3: Make sure you clean dirt off top of PC routinely to keep this PC working without issues. Also avoid putting it in tight places with poor ventilation. Do NOT put any cover/insulation around this PC. High heat could make CPU's slow down or completely shut down or worse.
Tip#4: To change boot order and to get into BIOS press delete key repeatedly during bootup until it gets into BIOS.
