The PiPO X8 is a Windows mini PC that features a built-in touchscreen. PiPO have been making waves recently thanks to the incredibly successful PiPO X7 which we’ve reviewed, which essentially started the trend of cheap Windows mini PCs that we’ve grown to love.
The PiPO X8 is incredibly unique however. It essentially grafts a 7-inch tablet to the standard mini PC frame. The screen features a 1024 x 600 resolution and or 5-point multi-touch support.
As discovered by Notebook Italia, PiPO were showing off the unique device at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair.
PiPO X8 Technical Specifications
There are a few specifications that are unknown at this stage. However, I’ve summed up what we know so far:
- Chipset: Intel Baytrail quad core processor with Intel HD graphics (Z3735F and Z3736F available)
- RAM: 2 GB DDR3
- Storage: 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage + micro SD slot
- Video & Audio Output: HDMI, 3.5mm Audio
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 10/100 Ethernet
- USB: 4x USB 2.0 port
- Other Features: Power button, Integrated Speakers
- OS: Windows 8.1 with Bing
Interestingly, there is increasing speculation that the addition of a touchscreen was more an economical decision than based on market feedback. With the PiPO X7 launching at sub-$100 thanks to its use of a tablet licence, we saw its price jump as it had to migrate to Microsoft’s mysterious mini PC licence at an additional cost. The addition of a touchscreen should see the device be applicatble for the free Windows licence once again.
Although it does appear to be an odd hybrid, I can see situations where the dual screens could be useful, such as a jukebox with song selection handled by the touch panel and visualizations on an external screen or for controlling presentations displayed on a projector. Only time will tell what sort of use cases people come up with.
It’s expected that the PiPO X8 will be available in May for under $100.
[Via Notebook Italia]
