My current setup is an old MacBook woth 2 external HDDs, and I am almost happy with it, for now. I just saw this mini PC on Amazon and I am considering buying it, just to try out a new thing. I think it is cheap (~22 USD).
What I am worried about is that this much memory and storage might make it almost unusable. I was thinking of hosting some minor services, like remark42, shynet or vaultwarden. What else do you think I can host? If my mind changes, I will also try it with a desktop environment and try to connect it to my 4K Android TV.
Here are some specs, if you don’t want to visit the webpage:
| Brand | thinvent |
| Personal computer design type | Mini PC |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| RAM Memory Installed Size | 2 GB |
| CPU Model | Cortex A5 |
| Special Feature | Memory Card Reader |
| CPU Manufacturer | ARM |
| Wireless network technology | Wi-Fi |
| CPU Speed | 2 GHz |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|
| RAM Memory Maximum Size | 16 GB |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet |
| Memory Speed | 2 GHz |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10 x 10 x 1.8 Centimeters |
| Speaker Description | built in |
| Video Output Interface | HDMI |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Hard Disk Interface | Unknown |
| Style | With Wi-Fi |
| Manufacturer | Thinvent Technologes Pvt Ltd |
| Form Factor | Small Form Factor |
| Item Height | 1.8 Centimeters |
| Item Width | 10 Centimeters |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 1.8 cm; 460 g |
| Item model number | Micro 5_2021 |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| RAM Size | 2 GB |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive Size | 16 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Linux |
| Lithium Battery Energy Content | 5 Watt Hours |
| Manufacturer | Thinvent Technologes Pvt Ltd |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Item Weight | 460 g |
I will just say it uses an ARM A5 which was introduced in 2011. It is 32bit processor which could be problematic as most linux distros are moving or have moved to 64-bit. And most importantly only has USB2.0 ports.
No, and it will likely need some outdated off-mainline kernel meaning it will not be possible to update properly.
Either get an ARM SBC from a reputable brand with good software support, or some refurbished x86 thin-client.
Of course the big question is “what will you use it for” because some uses will run just fine.
I would max that out so fast though.
Exactly. The use-case dictates requirements, then you build according to that. Will this work for a camera system? With the right drive(s) added, sure. Would this run something graphics intensive very well? Not particularly.
