CHUWI LarkBox Pro, a complete PC that you can carry in hand
Chuwi is an old acquaintance here in Gizlogic, for a long time we have followed the launches of this relatively small Chinese company specialized in Laptops, computers and smart tablets such as Chuwi HiPad Plus. As you will see, the brand has a long history in terms of computer products, and the device that we will examine on this occasion is no exception, we are talking about the CHUWI LarkBox Pro, a Mini PC that exceeds in price-quality ratio and in space saving, since it is very, very compact.
For those who want the short version, this pocket-sized kit packs a chip Intel Celeron J415 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage internal. It also has the usual wireless connectivity in addition to 2 USB ports type A and one type C; all this and more in a computer whose cost is barely around 200 euros, which shows how much computer products have progressed in recent years.
CHUWI Larkbox Pro Technical Specifications
CHUWI LARKBOX | |
---|---|
DESIGN | |
Dimensions | 6.1 x 6.1 x 4.3 cm |
Weight | 127 grams |
Colors | Black |
SCREEN | |
Display technology | Has no screen |
PERFORMANCE | |
CPU: Brand – model – frequency – cores | Intel CeleronĀ® J4155, Quad Core, 1.80 ~ 2.70GHz |
Chipset | – |
GPU | IntelĀ® UHD Graphics 600 to 750Mhz |
RAM | 6GB LPDDR4 |
STORAGE | |
Capacity | 128GB eMMC |
SD slot: | Micro SD card reader (Up to 128GB) |
Optical unit | Not included |
OS | |
OS version: | Windows 10 |
CAMERA | |
Make and model / Resolution | – |
BATTERY | |
Guy | – |
CONNECTION PORTS | |
USB-C, HDMI, 2x USB-A 3.0, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio Jack | |
CONNECTIVITY | |
Wifi | Wi-Fi 2.4G / 5G, 802.11a / ac / b / g / n |
LAN | – |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
AUDIO | |
Speakers | – |
OTHER FEATURES | |
Manufacturer’s guarantee | – |
Materials | Polycarbonate and Aluminum Magnesium Alloy |
Manufacturer site | CHUWI |
A PC in the palm of your hand
We can’t stress enough how compact and powerful the Mini’s have become. PCs in recent years. Maybe the CHUWI Larkbox Pro doesn’t shine for its performance, but it does shine for its small size and lightness; We are not exaggerating when we say that it fits in the palm of your hand or that you can carry it in any bag, it is simply that compact and light. To show a button, the body measurements are 61 x 61 x 43mm and the weight is 127 grams.
But enough to focus only on the size, because the build quality is not bad either, we are talking about a aluminum-magnesium alloy that make up the chassis. As you can see, the upper part has several ventilation slots for heat dissipation, and speaking of that, inside it has a fan quiet (20dB) and a copper module that help internal components stay within reasonable temperatures.
With that said, some users complain of overheating problems with the CHUWI Larkbox Pro, so obviously the system is not infallible, so it is recommended to locate it in a place that encourages the cooling of the equipment and where the air flow is not obstructed. Also, the manufacturer could have increased the thermal limit of the CPU to account for this situation.
Leaving that aside, the team has VESA mounts for mounting on the back of a monitor or on a wall.
Hardware and Features
The Chuwi Larkbox Pro is a Mini PC that prioritizes energy efficiency and low consumption above all things, on top of that it is a very affordable product, so let’s not expect stellar performance. With that said, the CPU on duty is a Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0Ghz (with Turbo Boost at 2.7Ghz), nothing extravagant or powerful, but enough to move office programs fluently, surf the Internet and also play movies or series in 4K quality thanks to the company of an integrated Intel GPU UHD Graphics 600.
IF they read our analysis of the model that precedes the Chuwi Larkbox Pro, they will know that the CPU and GPU combo is not made for heavy duty or gaming. In general, this equipment is designed to play a role as a client PC, Media Center, HTPC or NAS, in these scenarios it is more than enough, but for approximately 100 additional euros you can buy an entry notebook, so we can establish that it has a niche specific market.
Likewise, the equipment has 6GB of RAM along with an internal storage of 128GB type EMMC. If this amount seems little to you (which objectively speaking it is), fortunately there is a free M.2 slot to add a solid state disk, as well as a TF slot for Micro-SD cards, although the first expansion method is more recommended if we plan to use it for more demanding purposes.
As far as operating system is concerned, the Mini-PC ships with Windows 10 Home 64-bit and it supports updating to the latest version, but unfortunately some users report problems installing drivers. Either way, installing a Linux distribution is also a valid option.
Connectivity
Wirelessly the Chuwi Larkbox Pro consists of the usual, and with that we talk about Wi-Dual band fi and Bluetooth 5.1.
For its small size, this PC is well stocked with physical connections, starting with two classic USB 3.0 type A ports in the company of a USB type C input, whose presence is appreciated for the price. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones, Micro-SD slot and an HDMI output for connecting to a monitor. Overall, this is a fairly complete package.
CHUWI availability and price Larkbox Pro
There are two good places to get hold of the Chuwi Larkbox Pro at a good price. First, is Amazon.com and secondly, we can choose to acquire this Mini PC on Gearbest.
- Affordable like few others
- Very compact dimensions and light weight
- M.2 slot available to add an SSD
- Possibility of installing different operating systems
- Multiple connection interfaces and wireless connectivity options
- Fair hardware and low-performance CPU
- Heating problems
- Some users report problems to install the drivers