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 |
As others have said, it’s a bit outdated. Being slow is one thing, but having limited software support can be very frustrating.
If possible I would try for a raspberry pi instead, as those have very strong ecosystems (yes, there are problems, but still — it’s a big community). A 5 with 8GB would be ideal, but something lower spec (even a 3) would probably still be more capable.