Azulle Access Plus Windows 10 Pro Fanless Mini PC Stick, Cherry Trail T3 Z8300, 2GB RAM+32GB

Comment

My advice to future potential buyers... dont pay attention to reviews and titles like "know what youre getting into" because there are many people like these that dont understand how the technology and sales business works and do nothing to help anyone in making a smart decision. There is nothing wrong with this device. It is designed to do what is it intended to do: run windows PC software with limitations, in a portable fashion. The fact that it does run windows 10 with 4gb of ram indicates that you would have more options in installing and running reasonable software that you would run in your regular PC. It is disturbing when people mention "its horrible with gaming" and so on because if I wanted a gaming device I would spend the money to buy one like I did with an Asus ROG gaming laptop. But the imaturity of so many people would paint this wonderful product to be useless when it is not. I use this device to create my powerpoint presentations, Word documents, surf the web, and even do screen recordings. It does what I intended to do because it does what it was designed to do. And that is why I purchased it and am happy with it. Not to mention that I can easily transport it to be used with any TV available and projector I have. If I want to game or work on heavy intensive video applications, Im not going to be imature and complain and review "its a nice device but its horrible at gaming and so slow when using some or multiple softwares" and whatever stupidities people think of just because they think they are so savvy and knowledgeable. No, I would pull out my gaming laptop and work with that to use it for intensive gaming and video editing because thats what it is designed to do and I was not stingy and purchased it instead of trying go cheap and criticize a device that is not designed to game or run intensively. Anyway, enough of my ranting. If you are looking for a tiny form factor portable PC that can connect to your tv or a projector and can run like a desktop PC with your normal low intensive productive programs, then this is a perfect device for you, especially if you are constantly on the go or just want to work on a bigger screen. It can connect with any bluetooth device, but I must recommend that you would have at least a wired mouse for when you first turn the device on for obvious reasons. Ive used the Asus netbook with a windows XP software and though I had a much bigger hard drive it became a problem because it could not run updated programs I needed which now requires Windows 10 like the Brackets web designing program or my WD 2TB back up external hard drive. So since I needed a Windows 10 OS that can still run the software I use, this Azulle device was perfect, especially since it allows me to work on my giant TV screen and portable mini projector! I really appreciate Azulle for making this wonderful device. It does make life a little easier and more productive.

Show more

Comment

I wanted something cheap and small for a HTPC application. This is borderline too slow for this application, at least when it comes to iTunes movie streaming. I am working on moving my library to network storage to download all of my iTunes movies to see if it will stop stuttering the video. I would have probably would have marked this with 5 star anyway because its still a good small PC if it were not for the almost endless reboot from a BSOD related to the USB3 controller. Ive seen others have this issue so I will share what seemed to fix it with me. I had to hit F8 booting up to get it to the troubleshooting menu for Windows 10, then I had to reboot into Safe Mode. After that, I brought up the Device Manager and went to the Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller and uninstalled it. Trying this in regular mode kept bringing up the blue screen. I rebooted it and logged back in and it finally stopped rebooting. I think that it must have reloaded the driver upon booting and stopped it from erroring out. I used to be a computer technician before moving into Systems Engineering thankfully, or I probably would have given up. Make sure you run the updates for Windows first thing, it takes forever. Then run Disk Cleanup, making sure you click the Systems Settings (I think thats the name) so that you can remove previous versions of Windows which will clear like 15-19GB after the update. Also, for home theater use, resist the urge to move the audio to the highest sampling rate and bit rate. When I did that, I only got 2 channel audio going to my AV Receiver. I could go to the audio settings and add the surround channels, but I could only do L C R RS. I had to move it down to DVD quality 16 bit and then I could do L C R Sub RS LS. Getting iTunes to use the surround channels was also difficult until I found advice after an hour of Googling. You have to launch a movie and click the little balloon icon in the lower right corner of iTunes that is the Audio settings. You have to put a checkmark next to the one that says something about Bypass for AC3, then it sends Dolby Digital to the AVR. Other than the stuttering of video, my only other complaint is I cant make the icon on the start menu super large like the others. RIght now I have it in Tablet mode so that it brings up just the start menu icons that I am using for streaming. eta: I have tried downloading movies and running them but iTunes continues to lag. I think the iTunes app must be a bit bloated compared to other video services. I even brought up VUDU and put Gravity 3D on while downloading iTunes movies in the background, figuring that 3D would be harder to download and play smoothly, and it played flawlessly with all of that going on. So VUDU really blows iTunes away for streaming, even with already downloaded iTunes movies. I just dont get it. VUDU seems to stream pretty good using the Windows 10 app. I was going to try to use Kodi as a hub for all of my streaming apps, but something it does prevents VUDU from playing movies; it kept giving the HDCP error until I removed Kodi. The Disney and DisneyXD apps work better than on my Apple TV, it seems to output surround sound which my Apple TV app does not. My Dish Network channel isnt in HD, so I used to use the Apple TV to watch Star Wars Rebels in HD, so now I get surround sound too; small win! Native Windows 10 movies stream extremely well. HD, 5.1 surround (my Yamaha AVR is only 5.1), and no lag. I assume all movies work fine, but I only have Disney Movies Anywhere movies in my Windows collection since I linked DMA to my Microsoft account. But running movies from the Movies and TV app is really great for video and audio. Dish Anywhere app is very laggy, especially Audio, which I noticed on all apps, until buffering catches up, sound like Princess Leia in Return of the Jedi when she is talking through the voice modulator in the bounty hunter costume. I wish YouTube had an app like on iOS that I could just launch and play videos rather than using Microsoft Edge to go to a website. I may have to make a shortcut to YouTube and pin it to the start menu. I still need to think about getting the small remote/keyboard that they offer, I currently use the Logitech K400 keyboard/trackpad, and I do love it, but once im done setting it up completely for streaming, I want something a bit smaller to control it all. I have no idea how streaming works over wifi, I chose to just plug in the Ethernet to the switch in my entertainment center, no sense in competing with all of my wireless devices. I havent decided if I am just going to leave it on all the time or turn it on when I need to use it. I just dont know if I trust a fanless computer running 24/7. If you boot it up on a tv and the start button and clock run off the side of the screen, go into your tv settings and look for an aspect ratio setting. On my LG, the proper aspect ratio setting was "Just Scan". Previously it was set to something like "Set By Program", but that had my start button going off of the screen. I think that covers my experience, if I remember anything else, ill update later.

Show more

Comment

I liked this device. It did not like me. For the record, I just filed the RMA for mine because it seemed to be a lemon. Aside from that, Ill give you my impressions. This device is good at mono-tasking. It can handle some browsing, some paper writing, maybe even at the same time. However, the instant you try to power-user this thing it flees in terror. Or just freezes, deer-in-the-headlight style. I was prepared for this. I knew what I was getting on paper. Ive dealt with netbooks and intel graphics, cheap windows tablets and so on. However, there are a few quirks and caveats I was not prepared for. Ill list the obvious ones. At the time of this writing Windows 10 will occupy a grand 19gb section of your storage space. This leaves very little for you toy with. An SDHC card is highly recommended, if not mandatory. Again, not an issue if you are just browsing yon web, or writing that paper, or watching some youtubes. If you plan on catching up on your backlog of old PC games while using this stick, consider the following. This device, and many stick pcs it seems, are incapable of stretching a small resolution to scale in full-screen. This is regardless of your settings in the Intel HD driver suite. Go ahead and set it to full-screen scaling, it will make no difference on any display. Wing commander 3 is really cute at 320x240. You can use a window to stretch it larger, but most games will fail to accept full-screen resolution. Again, no biggy if this is your media suite. This device will get very, very hot ("On purpose!" states the bottom), so be cool with that heat. Be prepared. Dont wrap it in your thermal blankets. The power button takes a second to respond. Hold it for a touch until the light turns blue. Know how to minimize your startup programs, this device needs all the leeway you can give it. That processor chokes easily (more than I thought it would). I stated I liked this device, and its true. Theres a lot to be impressed at. The RAM is spacious for such a teeny computer, it is marvelous. The WiFi is incredibly fast, and supersedes my gaming PC in reception. That little antenna isnt just for show. It does run well if you dont rush it. Let the tabs load, dont multitask too much (the Ram says yes, the Cherry Trail says no). When you want to play classic games, and they dont face scaling issues, they run very well. I was rocking Age of Wonders 2 (windowed), Freedom Force, Wacky Wheels. And, even some slightly newer fare (Legend of Grimrock, adjust the settings, Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, full spec). There is a lot to like here. Just for entiretys sake, Ill mention my computers lemony features. Hopefully you dont face these irregularities. -My device lost its SD card. I had to restart for it to find it again. This happened abruptly. -Firefox choked my PC to inoperable at one point. 100%, shadow clicks. Heat symptoms. Scary stuff. -My date and time settings were entirely uncooperative. The date and time, despite my best efforts in Services.msc, is slow. It runs behind. It jumps hours off. Something was wrong here. -The above mentioned scaling issue (no one had hitherto mentioned this) was unpleasant and unacceptable I study and make games, this does not fly. I give it three stars. It isnt polished, but it does work. The price point is lovely, and it is truly a compact Windows PC if you have a specific need for one. I need something else.

Show more

Comment

I received this July 28th. It set up perfectly and let me tell you, it was exactly what I wanted. With windows 10, I was able to log in to work and take care of things from home as needed. Now, on August 26, the power button does not work and will not turn on. I had noticed from the very first power on that the button did not seem to travel much at all, but it always worked so I assumed that was normal. Now I have nothing, no beautiful blue light for power on, just the red light of death. This would have made 5 stars only because there were not 6 stars available. I have recommended it to all my friends. Now I am going to have to tell them no. Very sad about this wonderful little computer. Update, 8/30 Its been 2 weeks and still no response from their website, I would love to say they told me how to fix it, that they sent me a knew one, but all I can say is, no one ever even tried to get back with me. Update, I finally got through, and they repaired my pc promptly and under warranty. It works like a charm again. I have to say that they took care of their defect and made me a happy man again. Way to go Azulle!!!

Show more

Comment

My intention is to use this as a Media Center PC running Kodi. I was a bit skeptical that this could handle the job but man, was I wrong. First, the builld quality of this is amazing. If youve got, or seen the original Chromecasts thats what I was expecting. This has a metal case, and very satisfying heft and just screams quality. Setup was very straightforward. I was very pleased that not only did they include a Male - Female HDMI extension cable, but that it was longer than those offered by Amazon that I bought. This is a very snappy PC. You could easily use this as a desktop replacement if all you do is Internet/Email/Office work. Obviously, this isnt a gaming PC, its not a video editing PC. But for the price, it is an exception all around Media Center PC or Desktop replacement. Would be great for anyone with limited space.

Show more

Comment

This is an amazing piece of equipment. I bought this so I could use it for Netflix, Hulu, Cortana on my TV, and a variety of other PC related functions so I could do meetings or demos in my living room. It works flawlessly, even on the Windows Insider program. This works so well with the Creators Fall Update its amazing. Easy plug and play and Ive never had a hang-up with the drivers. I went for the higher end version with the 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal space. Its not worth the money to skimp on memory and storage space when youre talking about a device like this. The Windows 10 64 bit install can weigh in at over 8-10 GB, plus system reserves so to avoid needing an SD card or some other external storage space solution for updates and upgrades, Id firmly suck it up and by the nicer one. Ive just been so impressed, Im buying a USB Microphone so I can use Cortana better and Ive already attached a 4 port USB splitter and a wireless USB Logitech Combo Entertainment style keyboard that looks nice on my coffee table. It all runs so smoothly, originally I had bought a cheap bluetooth keyboard, but dont do that as this units bluetooth range isnt that far, especially if you mount or plug this in behind a TV like I have done.

Show more

Comment

Lets be clear, I knew pretty much what I was ordering when I purchased this. Its a great price point if you are just a touch tech savvy hand have and TV or monitor with an HDMI port. It does what it is meant to do. I can stream music and movies with little or no hesitation, Facebook, play Facebook-style games with no real problem. Note: THIS IS NOT a high CPU/GPU combo for running Call of Duty or high input/output type games. It IS a bit slow (both in wireless and hard wired Ethernet configurations). Ive paired it with a (newly purchased) 24" touch screen monitor, added a wireless mini-keyboard and a Blue Tooth mouse to cover our needs. It came with and is running (with updates) Windows 10 with no discernible issue. Thus, I have a Windows desktop for my style of PC usage, and my wife has hers. She reports no problems other than a slight slowness when compared to other devices in our household. All in all, it works. works at an affordable price, and if left with plenty of open air-flow runs for long periods of time without over heating. I took one star away (and frankly this problem is industry wide) for their use of either a less-than-sturdy mini-USB plug (which is hard wired to the power adapter) or a less-than-sturdy Mini-USB port on the device itself. I have some devices which use the same specification USB where I plug and unplug the device daily for charging. Ive plugged in and unplugged this device less than a dozen times (and yes I use "kid-gloves" - Im big, but gentle) and the power connection fails on a regular basis. Im not going to bother with doing a return unless it goes toes-up completely as I can fashion a method of holding the USB plug/port secure with items I have around. When purchasing, be aware - this IS NOT up to being moved around or relocated much. For the price? It works. Just keep your expectations reasonable and youll be happy. Ive taken away another star as of 08/25/2017. Any reasonable attempt to keep the power plug affixed has been defeated by (I believe) the expansion of the ports contacts due to heat build-up. After running for a couple of hours (I havent timed it or done any rigorous testing) the USB plug loses contact - the unit shuts down (i.e.: power connect indicator light goes out). The concept behind the device is sound and its "okay" for some quick or fairly light use. One of the reasons I held off on reviewing this item was because I wondered how this would continue to perform over time. Sadly, I cant give this a generally good recommendation. This is NOT an item for the general computing public who expects to plug and go with no problems. Coming up with a better power connector MIGHT make this a better buy for nearly anyone. However, until that issue is resolved. My recommendation to the average buyer is to spend the extra money and get a device that is more mainstream like a tablet, low end notebook, or internet media streaming device. Do not buy this with the expectation of problem free use.

Show more

Comment

I bought this mini-pc stick to stream video to my TV last June. In the beginning everything works well. The device works as it suppose to be. However after 1 year lightly using (normally 3-4 hours per week). The device failed to work. I talked with tech support and they told me the warranty expired and I need to pay possibly another one hundred dollars to get it fixed, plus the shipping fee. I am a computer expert and had experience fixing my own laptops and desktops. However, theres nothing I can do with this small stick. So now my choice is basically either throw it in the cabinet, or spend another $100 to get it fixed. Neither makes me feel good. I feel like the device may has some design or quality-control problem. Is that just a coincidence that the problem occurred just after the 1 year warranty expires? I would suggest people thinking twice before purchasing their products.

Show more

Comment

0:00 0:00 This video is not intended for all audiences. What date were you born? January February March April May June July August September October November December 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 1905 1904 1903 1902 1901 1900 Submit Adobe Flash Player is required to watch this video. Install Flash Player Will turn any TV into a PC. Very fast and easy to use. Just remember you will need a keyboard or a mouse of some kind.

Show more

Comment

I bought this as a test machine along with two others in different form factors. All had about the same specs. I needed something small, but robust enough to handle a constant HD video stream in a rather warm environment. I wont discuss the competitors, but one was another stick and the other was a mini. All sub $200. Dont do this at home! I honestly tried to kill this thing with heat. I threw two HD streams at it at the same time (one was a camera and the other....movie after movie from my iTunes server). Well this stick got warm but never over heated. After a few days, I put it in a box....no airflow. It kept streaming. So I covered the box with a blanket. And it kept working. Its been running for several weeks and Im trying to make it fail due to heat....but its not happening. So very pleased am I. One point to note, I ran it connected to my network via WiFi as that is just another chipset working harder than it should. Lets talk about hardware. This is not a power house machine ready to get down and dirty with the latest CoD release. Its not for video rendering. This is a great PC for several purposes. First, use it to make your "dumb" TV into a "Smart" TV for streaming video from Amazon Prime or elsewhere. Next, Get a nice monitor, attach a keyboard and mouse, and you have a great work station capable of Office apps, web surfing, and general computing (think of Grandma or the kids). Third, use it as a remote client for various things. Finally, and Ill probably do this, get an inexpensive touch screen monitor with an HDMI input and stick it in the kitchen, the garage, or on the tech bench. Use it to pull up recipes, how to videos, and schematics using Windows on screen keyboard. Lots of options.....just not a lot of storage. Now to the topic of storage. Well, depending upon the configuration, there isnt much. Not a big deal due to the two USB ports. Now, most of us would automatically take the two ports up with a keyboard and mouse. If you want to go wireless mouse and keyboard, then that will be one port. If you want to go hardwired, well, get a USB hub. But if you need more storage space, get an external hard drive. The built in RJ45 is awesome and, as far as I know, the only PC in this configuration to offer one. Performance is snappy....even after the Windows updates. Fast boot times and is able to keep up with what I put it through. Now, of course Im talking about loading Chrome or other light weight pieces of software. Network speeds are fine. The unit does get warm, as says the label, but you wont be playing "hot potato" with it. The size is large.....much larger than the normal stick PC (or least the ones Ive been comparing it to). As such, I wouldnt want to connect this straight to an HDMI port on a TV or monitor. Use the extension cable and find it a place to sit. Someone had mentioned using sticky back velcro to adhere it to the back of the monitor or TV. As I said, the heat dissipates well. Connections all seem solid and reliable. I do wish that they would have used a barrel connector for power instead of the USB connection (I have kids and lots of devices....USB charges have a habit of walking). In the end, I recommend these little sticks and just purchased two more. Beyond my purpose, which is probably more than anyone will use them for, these are great little PCs. Anything from simple internet stuff to kiosks and digital signage (Azulle makes a dedicated stick for this). Home theater application, it would be rock solid.

Show more