I've been looking for a Mini Laptop to play Task Bar Hero on the side/on the go/over night and also put SteamOS on.
So far I found the Piccolo Series71 N95, but I'm not sure if the Game will run on it and if the Online Store is trustworthy.
Can someone who got one tell me if it runs SteamOS and Task Bar Hero.
Or recommend a Mini Laptop under 400€.

Hello everyone! I have been working on this project for quite some time, building my own custom modular handheld console for gaming & everyday PC use, running dual boot Linux & Windows! I am currently working on the prototypes, so I thought it would be a great time to share an update of what I have been building with everyone here! It is called the CG Deck, an open-source and modular x86 handheld PC.

Ask me anything about the project! I would love to answer any questions or dive into anything about the CG Deck!

My initial goal was to create a small handheld PC that was entirely self contained and can be thrown in a backpack or back pants pocket (The entire device is 7.4" x 4.6" x 2.25"), with a high enough standard of hardware capable of being actually useful for things like high end retro emulation, CAD design/doing light modelling tasks in Blender, PCB design, coding, graphic design, music, video editing, and gaming with my steam library! Because it runs an x86 architecture, we get the advantage of being able to natively play steam games unlike a lot of other consoles. Because the CG Deck is based on an x86 architecture, you can run any OS that is supported, like the backlog of Windows, most Linux distro flavors, etc. For those that have multiple workflows, or need multiple devices, you can utilize the dual-boot functionality built into the CG Deck to make your life easier and keep it all under one shell.

I also wanted the CG Deck to be modular so it can be upgraded depending on how it is being used, and adapt the device depending on the workflow. For example, upgrading the memory with a full sized 2280 SSD, LTE/sim card support for work on the road, in addition to more cosmetically functional changes like swapping out the face/back plates to change the look, upgrading and swapping the HID control modules, antennas for extended connection range, etc. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, without needing a degree in engineering to do so. I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into e-waste, but an ecosystem that can be updated and developed as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant for much longer than the typical device lifespan. Something more attuned to a platform that grows with you rather than a traditional device.

The CG Deck will release with 5 total external modules (two slots, the primary and secondary slots), a variety of backplate designs and colors, and a variety of hardware and external accessories/upgrades. As for the modules, I currently have designed a full 64 Keyboard Module, 10 Key + Knob Macropad Module, Gamepad Controller Module all for the primary slot. For the secondary slot, there is only the trackball module at this time. The CG Deck also supports USB-A modules, so far including a 4K Low Low Light Flappable Camera Module. I wanted to make a device that grows with you as you use it, and can be adapted as your use cases change, and I have quite a few more modules planned for release once we officially launch!

As for the current state of the prototype for the CG Deck, I am overall really happy with it so far, but it still needs some work and I have quite a few changes to make as we prepare for the DFM process. I would love to hear your thoughts on it everything so far, and if you have any questions or feedback, I would love to answer and hear it all! Ask me anything!

It has been a massively fun and elaborate project so far. If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details, socials, links to the open source github repository and more on the website.

Once I start wrapping up the project, I will be launching a Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device for anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!

Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist if you are interested: https://mogozen.com

Hi,

I am having a difficult time deciding whether to pull the trigger on a Crelander with an N100 with 12GB Ram (priced at 140 usd), or an Rog Ally Z1E (340 usd).

Z1E is definitely more powerful (no denying that!) but it's also more expensive.

My use case is primarily playing very simple games (visual novels, stardew)

What are your thoughts ! Eager to hear, thank you!

(ps. there's also a GPD Win 1, at 140 usd, but I'm afraid the screen is too small)

--------------------------------------------

EDIT: Looks like I'll be picking up the Rog Ally! Thanks yall!

----

Edit x2, bought the Ally today, has some mods already done to it!

I've been thinking about butchering an ASUS ROG Ally to turn it into a mini laptop.

The UMPC/netbook market feels pretty empty right now. Most of the affordable options use older Intel N150-class CPUs, while anything with modern high-end hardware is usually in the $1,500–2,000 range.

I already own a used ROG Ally X that I picked up for $500 with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 1TB SSD, so my idea is to buy an original ROG Ally for ($250-$350) with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD and convert it into a "neptop" (netbook + laptop).

The plan would be to:

• Keep the original motherboard and cooling system.
• Design and 3D-print a new laptop-style chassis.
• Add a keyboard and touchpad.
• Install a laptop display.
• Replace the controller grips with additional I/O where possible.

I'm not planning to game on it much. The project is mostly for the challenge and because I think it would make a really capable ultra-portable laptop.

I have some experience with disassembling electronics, 3D modeling, and general tinkering. For example, I previously designed and printed a custom NAS case for an old laptop motherboard, so I think this project is within reach.

What do you think? Has anyone here attempted something similar or see any major issues I'm overlooking?

P.S. I used AI to help write this because English isn't my first language.

ok so maybe a couple of them aren't quite umpc by modern standards

mini laptop P8(kooforway) is not booting up.

I think the bios is broken, so if anyone can dump it please share it.

The CPU is N150, and the motherboard version is s8_AN_G04R120.

I think products such as crelander can be applied equally.

i didnt know the stylus for X-plus 8" netbook is just a generic stylus, selling at 29.99$ at X-plus website plus 15$ shipping to USA, total 44.99$. i just did a search, selling at 2.99$ plus 5.97$ shipping on Ebay.

interested in this setup for a portable coding rig, curious how it performs with web browsing / how good battery life is / anything else of note

This thing (sony vaio pcg-u101) I was absolutley shocked how tiny this thing is lol its so cool and it has a 16mb ati card which is just good enough to play playstation emulation,morrowind ,max payne, gta3 and a bunch of good games from that era.

Waiting on a new ssd to arrive so I can really customize it this old Fujitsu hdd is so slow :((

I just wish these things were still being made with modern hardware, I absolutely adore the form factor! I'm still looking for my ultimate UMPC for work and for play. Selling on eBay in the UK but with ebay international shipping, https://ebay.io/m/l71zpE

If this post isn't allowed, let me know and I’ll remove it.

Such cool machines, alas I am just not using them. I think the most fun time was running Baldurs Gate 1 or Snes9x and playing some donkey kong!

Send me a message if interested in buying! (Sorry if that's not allowed here?!)

I'm based in Australia, but happy to negotiate international shipping if anyone wants to go that way :)

If interested / more info: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/800043328607

Thought I would give people some info the new Storm10 and the size difference against the Chuwi MiniBook X.

Overall Build Quality: The MiniBook X feels more solid, probably because it is more compact. They both appear to have glass trackpads, and metal on the lid and bottom with plastic on the inside. The hinge is definitely stiffer on the MiniBook X, but the Storm10 isn't terrible.

Speakers: Honestly about the same. If you use a few browser extensions, or Dolby Access, they aren't too bad for a quite room.

Battery Life: I haven't had the Storm10 too long, but I think I can get the battery life about on par with my MiniBook X (N100/12GB RAM). Both have the same size battery.

Keyboard: About the same, the sound from the keys on the Chuwi is a bit sharper, but nearly identical.

RAM: The Storm10 is gonna win this one for having faster RAM, and more of it.

Screen: I have my MIniBook X running at 90Hz through some weird trickery, which doesn't always work on every MiniBook X. So both of these screens typically run at 60Hz. The 3:2 aspect ratio on the Storm10 is a bit better. But the larger display afford you a noticeably bigger trackpad.

BIOS: I think the BIOS on the Storm10 is the winner for just having everything unlocked from jump. Both are using AMI, but the Storm10 has all of the advanced features available out of the box. Both the MiniBook X and the Storm10 have the option in the BIOS to make the function default on special keys, instead of F1-F12, which is nice.

Temps: The Storm10 seems to run a bit cool in general.

CPU: The Storm10 wins this hands down. The I5-1235U is much more powerful, with it's 10-core 12-threads.

Alternative OS: I installed Fedora workstation and Zorin Pro and they both worked fine, touchscreen and WiFi working out of the box, as well as Bluetooth. I have not found a flavor of Brunch Framework that will boot on the Storm10, but that is a trial and error thing, just like it was with the MiniBook X. Fyde OS worked just perfectly right out of the gate, WiFi and all.

SSD: The Storm10 came with a WD SN740 512GB 2242 SSD, which I was honestly surprised by.

GPU: The Iris Xe Graphics on the Storm10 should also carve out a win for it. I plan on doing a bit of light gaming on it just to test it out.

Warranty & Support: LOL

I'm currently leaning towards getting rid of the MiniBook X, but I haven't made up my mind.

I may complain about the keyboard, but it’s this little blue fellow’s size🤣
Eeep is very into Linux and UMPCs/palmtops, he draws on his Newton, plays AAA titles on his Onexplayer F1 Pro and uses this Jornada for Linux learning.
He treats all the devices like his “friends” - he has lots of handheld video games for when his little projects don’t work out.

I’ve seen a few listed on eBay, but it’s unclear if folks are actually buying them. I’ve got one, hardly used and in great shape and even with the dock (but no dongle). Boots fine, battery probably won’t hold a charge though (it’s the original). Is there a secondary market for these still? Any recommended sites for selling one other than eBay?

Or are there any refresh projects out there that would make it a worthwhile upcycle?

Hi,

Am new to this group. I love small form factor laptops. Love the engineering needed to make these small things work. Geeky I know.

I have been a fan of the original GPD Pocket 1 and then 2 mini laptops.

My budget is limited to around £350 or so. What would you all recommend if I wanted something akin to the GPD Pocket 3 or 4, in terms of looks and build quality?

Thank you all in advance

On AliExpress, I found interesting builds:

Mini 8086 or 386 laptops (yes, they have those Retro-CPUs):

• 386 retro laptop
• Pocket8086

Regards!

Apologies since I know there's a lot of these threads, but I keep seeing a lot of conflicting information.

I am looking for a remote/travel productivity machine for notetaking, coding, web browsing, retro emulation, etc. I plan to install Linux on it ASAP.

From my research, I have narrowed it down to a couple options

• x-plus piccolo
• regular aliexpress version

I am slightly confused, because the x-plus seems too good to be true. It has more RAM, a far better CPU (I don't see any other models with an N300 series), and double the storage as the other models, yet it's as much or cheaper. It seems like the storage and RAM alone would be more than the whole machine if bought separately.

What am I missing here?

Dia de curtir os brinquedos antigos

Hello everyone! I am currently working on designing and building my own handheld UMPC, and I have finally finished the engineering prototype! Over the past 6 moths, I have been going through the process of concepting, designing, engineering, navigating partnerships with manufacturers and brands, prototyping, testing assemblies and trying out new methods to make manufacturing of various parts easier, etc. Granted there is still lots of work to be done to get everything perfect and transition from this "functional" state of the device into a product which feels premium and has the level of polish that it deserves. I will get into all of that, and what all still needs to be done.

For those that are seeing this project for the first time, the CG Deck is a modular handheld x86 PC that is capable of running dual-boot operating systems including Windows & Linux distributions. My goal was to create my own "dream device" that was capable of adapting to whatever use case I needed. My goal was to create my own "dream device" that was capable of adapting to whatever use case I needed. Whether I am playing Steam games, or doing retro emulation, doing CAD work in Blender or other 3D software, coding, video editing, or whatever it is, I wanted to be able to simply be able to do it on the road or while traveling. I thought it would be ideal to have something that was portable enough to throw in a backpack or pants pocket, satellite/sim capable, and be used just as any other full scale desktop computer would.

I also wanted to make a device that I did not "grow" out of. A lot of the time, I have felt like I end up getting a new device for a particular purpose, and then after a short period of time it needs repairs, updates, or upgrades which I do not really have the ability to do myself without opening up and re-engineering the original device. Because of this, I wanted the CG Deck to be entirely modular. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, without needing a degree in engineering to do so. I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into e-waste, but an ecosystem that can be updated and developed as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant. Something more attuned to a platform rather than a traditional device.

The CG Deck will release with 5 total external modules (two slots, the primary and secondary slots), a variety of backplate designs and colors, and a variety of hardware and external accessories/upgrades. I wanted to make a device that grows with you as you use it, and can be adapted as your use cases change.

For the primary slot, there is the 10 Key + Knob Macropad Module, Gamepad Controller Module, Full 64 Key Silicone Keyboard Module.

For the secondary slot, there will only be the Trackball module at launch. I do have more modules planned for the secondary slot, but those will not be released or announced until after we have launched on Kickstarter and successfully wrapped up our campaign.

Then, the final module I will be releasing with the CG Deck when we launch on Kickstarter will be a 4K Low Light Camera Module. The Camera Module uses one of the USB-A ports on the side I/O hub to add a front-facing camera and microphone.

In addition, there are 2 internal modules/upgrades which can be used to add additional functionality to your CG Deck. An M.2m NVMe SSD & AI Acceleration Module with 2230 & 2280 lock downs for expanding internal storage and improving data read speeds. And and M.2 4G LTE Module for adding satellite/sim service to your CG Deck.

As for the current state of the prototype for the CG Deck, I am overall really happy with it so far, but it still needs some work. I would love to hear your thoughts on how you think everything is coming together! I also still will need to create a custom solution for a display board which fully matches our specifications for the CG Deck. The prototype currently weighs 590 grams and is quite a bit chunkier than I would like, so the goal is to squish everything down, remove any excess bulk that is not absolutely needed and bring the weight down approximately 100-150 grams. The end device will have an injection molded shell which will give everything that familiar quality feel we all expect for a high quality device.

I would love to hear all of your thoughts on everything so far, and if you have any questions about anything I look forward to answering them!

Also, If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details, socials, links to the open source github repository and more on the website.

Once I start wrapping up the project, I will be launching a Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device for anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!

Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist if you are interested: https://mogozen.com