With the market booming of slimmer and wider devices, you might think that no one would have the courage to launch a device that looks like a retro radio. Well, the Chinese producer Pipo shocked the market with the Pipo X9, a device that combines the features of a tablet and the specifications of a Mini-PC in a weird shaped device that has the capability to run both Android 4.4 and Windows 10.
The X9 is actually an improved version of the original device, X8 which was the producer’s first try to create this device. They did improve some basic features like featuring a bigger screen (8.9 inches) and better resolution but the device still has some drawbacks like the fact there is not battery or fan included. The X9 can be moved around and the screen will rotate like with a regular tablet, but the movement is confined by the power cable’s length.
Also, the fact that the unit has no fan can be both an advantage (no cooling noises) and a disadvantage for when the unit overheats. Pipo introduced a quite clever vent system that should take care of the heat problem.
The main advantage is the touch screen, fact that allows the user to connect the device on a big screen TV and perform searches on YouTube without having to connect a mouse or a keyboard (the device has the right ports for these peripherals anyways).
The variation is so big because the device comes in two versions that feature different RAM memory and storage space.
The package is rather simple and it comes only with the TV box itself, the power adapter and the user manual. The device will power on as soon as you connect the power adapter cable but it also has a button on the right side to control its state.
The device should also have an antenna attached that is quite big. Still, you shouldn’t worry about the space is going to take as the antenna can be moved towards the left or the right side.
I think we can all agree that this TV box set is a weir looking device, but after the initial shock you will grow fond of it. It is a unique looking device that will definitely attract people’s eye.
Before considering it as a TV Box, you must understand that there is no remote control included and, if you want one, you will probably have to use a software that pairs your phone to the device.
Under the weirdly shaped plastic box, this device runs on an Intel Z3736F Quad Core running up to 2.16GHz, 2GB DDR3L RAM that keeps the unit running smoothly without any lag, and 32GB of storage space. The device features Intel HD Graphics and supports a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The images are sharp and clear, offering a great user experience.
There are multiple options of connectivity like a wireless built-in board that supports 802.11/b/g/n (a bit slow for our times), Bluetooth 4.0 and cable as the device is equipped with an Ethernet jack. You will also find two built-in speakers, 1 HDMI port capable of 1080p, 4 USB ports, and 1 MicroSD card.
The device comes with two OS: Android 4.4 and Windows 10. The Android is the stock version with no re-installed apps fact that allows the device to run it smoothly. The Windows 10 doesn’t behave extremely well but this is mostly due to the fact that Windows 10 needs a little bit more power.
The device can run any app you like and can be a fantastic Media Center Controller if you can let the portability problem go.
Two great OSTouch screen built inUsers can install all sorts of appsHigh resolution display, great for running gamesIt lacks portabilityThe sound quality is not great
The Pipo X9 is an unusual device that is not expected to have a very big niche. Still, it packs some advanced features and can be a great TV Box, especially for that old TV in the kitchen that doesn’t know what Netflix is. It is flexible software wise, but it lacks portability.
Windows10 & Android4.4 Dual OS 8.9 inch 1920 x 1200 LCD screen display Intel Z3736F Quad Core up to 1.83GHz 2GB DDR3L RAM + 32GB ROM Intel HD Graphics Support Bluetooth 4.0 802.11b/g/n LAN