Alexandra Burlacu
Zero Devices is known for selling a range of mini PCs designed to run Google's Android operating system. Gadgets include small media center devices, in-car entertainment systems, as well as PC-on-a-stick devices, but the company's next mini PC may be its most powerful.
Adding to its mini PC range, Zero Devices has now introduced the Z2C, an Android PC-on-a-stick sporting a Rockchip RK3066 ARM Cortex A9 dual core processor, 1GB DDR3 and 8GB of NAND Flash memory, microSD card slot for expandable memory, and support for an external hard disk drive of up to 5TB. It also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
The Z2C's appearance resembles a number of other PCs-on-a-stick currently on the market, including the $69 UG802 mini PC. The UG802 is powered by a Rockchip RK3066 ARM Cortex A9 dual-core processor, and packs 1GB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage, microSD card slot for expandable memory, and an integrated HDMI connector.
The Z2C, however, appears to have one USB 2.0 port for charging and two more mini USB ports for connecting peripherals. Instead of an HDMI connector, it has an actual HDMI port, which means that users can use a cable to connect the mini PC to a TV or a monitor, rather than plugging the Z2C directly into that device's HDMI port. The Z2C also offers twice as much storage space than the UG802, but it will likely sport a slightly higher price as well.
Compared to the popular MK802 mini PC, which is powered by an AllWinner A10 ARM Cortex A8 single-core CPU, the Z2C packs a significantly more powerful processor. The MK802, however, can run various Linux versions right out of the box, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux-based operating systems. Meanwhile, Rockchip does not officially provide support for Linux.
The Z2C mini PC will be available with an $82 price tag, or $78.72 if you purchase three or more devices. The Z2C is expected to be available for pre-order soon.
most read
more stories from Tablet
Google is giving Google Earth a new look and features that will let the users enjoy the planet in a whole new way.
ernest hamiltonAmidst the lack of an official announcement regarding the product Microsoft will be unveiling at its big spring event on May 2, there's hearsay that the Surface Pro 5 and the Surface Phone will not make an appearance despite multiple rumors hinting at the devices' looming launch.
ernest hamiltonHTC is regrouping to deliver a better unit to redeem its predecessor's shortcomings.
ernest hamiltonThe May hardware launch event has already been confirmed, however, analysts say it is possible that no new laptop will be revealed during the said event.
ernest hamiltonMay 2 might not be the perfect time for a new Surface Pro device.
As Apple runs out of stock of the iPad 4, it will be replacing the device that consumers bring in for service with the newfangled iPad Air 2.
ernest hamiltonAnother much-awaited device from Apple is the iPad Pro Mini, which is expected to be released alongside the iPad Pro 2 and will be equipped with Stylus.
ernest hamiltonRecent reports suggest that Huawei is gearing for the unveiling of three new 2-in-1 hybrid Huawei Matebook that will probably be unveiled during Computex in Taiwan.
ernest hamilton