It has been repeatedly made attempts to combine the set-top box with a mini computer, but most of them doomed to failure. Chuwi in his model HiBox decided to go even further and comes with your device is not only gorgeous on the hardware performance, but also the manipulator. Today we meet Chuwi HiBox.
UNPACKING AND EQUIPMENT: CHUWI HIBOX
Packing device made of simple but durable cardboard with “intel inside” noble inscription.
On the right side of washable coated layer to authenticate your device.
On the left – an indication of the presence of the two operating systems and the main technical characteristics of the model.
Below is a service information with the address and production company’s official website.
Options HiBox more than the rich. At first, we were met by a label of quality control and manual in English and Chinese.
The operating instructions are given full specifications mini PC and a detailed description of all functional elements.
To connect to a TV set is present in the HDMI-HDMI cable.
Power supply non-standard – 12 volts 2 amps.
To connect to a monitor I bought separately VGA-HDMI cable.
Also, included lying bracket for mounting on the wall Chuwi HiBox and 4 screws to him.
With mounting spar, HiBox looks very stylish. It is evident that engineers Chuwi thought carefully about this point.
The most amazing are the presence in the assembly. The device does not an infrared port, so use it as a full-fledged TV box might be somewhat difficult, but with the presence of all the questions removed. I first experienced this unit remained in full delight – it’s a lot better than control mice and more convenient in the case of multimedia content.
DESIGN / ERGONOMICS: CHUWI HIBOX
In his hand is great.
Powered by two batteries AAA.
At the top of the lamp unit is located. In my opinion, significantly outperforms the remote has the fact that the panel had fiercely aimed at the device, and this mouse brings usability to a much higher level.
All the buttons rubberized, there is nothing superfluous: the standard three Android buttons, volume keys, power button cursor, cross with different directions and an OK button in the middle. Interestingly, the buttons function as in Android, and Windows 10 – making incredibly versatile.
Between the power button and the “menu” is indicator LED.
The functionality of the holes on the button “menu” I never found out. I suppose that there must be placed a microphone.
Housing Chuwi HiBox completely made of matte plastic, practically does not collect fingerprints and easily fits into the grip of the average male hand.
On the bottom of the device are rubber feet and a unit for fastening the bracket.
The upper part of HiBox repeats styling package.
Bottom left is the indicator LED. There also should be commended designers Chuwi: although LED and bright, but it is quite eye-catching and certainly not blind.
The front part is a slot for SD memory cards, two USB 2.0 connector, and a power button.
The memory card is stuck in about the middle, but it still looks pretty cool.
The left side is reserved for all other outputs. Here is the audio jack, reset button, HDMI version 1.4, USB 3.0 and a power connector.
The rear face of completely empty.
But on the left, to the amazement, there are two holes for the microphone. Looking ahead to say that I did not manage to get it to work on Android, but on Windows 10, the microphone is functioning just fine.
THE MONITOR: CHUWI HIBOX
As I said in the unpacking, I have gained an additional cable to connect the mini PC to the monitor. And I did it knowingly because my TV is some feature – it displays a picture immediately. Thus, by connecting Chuwi HiBox to the monitor, I learned about the existence of the operating system of choice for downloading, as well as able to go into the BIOS.
BIOS was very stripped-down functionality, it is literally a couple of settings. However, his presence guarantees the ability to easily reinstall your operating system.
COMMUNICATION: CHUWI HIBOX
For switching to Chuwi HiBox provides a Gigabit LAN port, Bluetooth 4.0, and 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi. During work, I always used Wi-Fi connection and the quality of communication was quite pleased.
However, SPEEDTEST speed tester provides an extremely small value.
INTERFACE: CHUWI HIBOX
Android 5.1 is the classic interface, without any hints on use as a TV box.
There is a wireless upgrade and Play Market.
The only problem for me was the inability to obtain root privileges.
At the top curtain has a reset button in Windows 10, and at the bottom, there are the onscreen controls.
In the settings, you can set the Russian language, adjust the HDMI connection settings, use the mini-PC as an access point, and include the installation of “intelligent video”.
For use as a TV box, I set my favorite app for viewing Lime HD TV television and the online library of films, cartoons and serials HD VideoBox.
These two applications are fully disclosed to me Chuwi HiBox as a set-top box, but the case fans can be installed and KODI. Manage HiBox extremely pleasant and easy.
Windows 10 was in English and Russian at first had to install a language pack. Yes, it is a complete home 64 bit Windows 10.
Additionally, I checked the microphone in the audio panel – everything works.
The disc divided into a plurality of parts that conforms to the standard Windows + Android. Naturally, one of the operating systems can be deleted if necessary, but it is not advisable to do in my opinion. Under Android allocated a total of 10GB of internal space, the remaining 54 are reserved for Windows 10 needs.
IRON: CHUWI HIBOX
Powered Chuwi HiBox on the new 4-core 64-bit processor Intel Atom X5-Z8350 Cherry Trail 1.44 GHz, with the schedule meets the Intel HD Graphic 8 generation. The power of the processor and video quite impressive, so Chuwi HiBox perfectly pulls at medium settings legendary STALKER under Windows.
RAM 4GB device and built – 64. Speed figures are good, that is, modules installed quite decent.
TEMPERATURE AND THROTTLING: CHUWI HIBOX
The maximum temperature recorded me for Android – 75 degrees. When working in the mode of TB boxing overheating absent.
Under Windows, the processor almost immediately throws off frequency to 1.68GGts. Strange, but at this point, no overheating is observed. I can assume that the frequency 1.68GGts installed as the primary means of BIOS.
After that, I spent several hours loading the CPU and the video, but the rate will not fall below 1.68GGts., And the temperature remained at 85 degrees.
In my opinion, although the body and is made of plastic, but with Chuwi HiBox coped fine. And considering that the Mini PC is not becoming for many hours of critical loads – for office work with temperature and throttling in HiBox all just fine.
CONCLUSION: CHUWI HIBOX
Summing up, I want to say that the main advantage is its Chuwi HiBox full use as a home entertainment center on Android, as well as advanced office computer to Windows 10. One of the advantages – updated 4 vigorous processor from Intel, 4/64 memory configuration, two systems, complete there, there is a built-in microphone and the presence of ports USB 3.0. Of the minuses – there is a small throttling. Mini PC Chuwi HiBox was very interesting and very powerful device and equipment – just a great idea that should certainly take note of all the manufacturers of similar devices.
FOR €136!
Title: Review Chuwi HiBox – mini computer with a set-top box functions
Updated: 2017-02-10
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