A Computer in the Palm of your Hand
How small can a computer get? Laptops and Notebooks have gotten historically smaller and smaller, to the point where manufacturers are creating machines with the claim that they are some of the smallest, thinnest and lightest in history. Apple also introduced a Mac Mini, a small form factor desktop computer, the smallest of its kind at the time of its inception. Nothing as close to being as small as what I’m about to show you.
Imagine a computer that can now fit in your hand. It looks nothing more like a regular USB stick. The people behind Android have created a new device that will peak everyone’s interests for a few reasons. The Android Mini PC MK802, is also known as “the smallest Google TV player". The entire system weighs a total of 200g.
The MK802 was released in May 2012. It’s a thumb-size device with which you can'turn a computer into a television, and vice versa. It looks more like an ordinary USB Flash Drive. Inside it has a Processor, RAM, Storage, and I/O ports. It basically can perform like any ordinary computer. Along with the hardware, you also have access to Google Android 4.0 operating system and the Android Market. Its sleek design isn’t the only bright spot, the price is very reasonable and it currently sells for $74. The device isn’t by far the greatest computer on the market, but the price and the size has made it a very popular one. It also has shown a possible trend on where computer manufactures might go in the future.
Android Mini PC MK802 Specifications:
Operating System: Google Android 4.0
1.5 GHz Allwinner A10 ARM Cortex-A8 Processor
Preloaded Apps and Android Market
512MB of RAM
4GB of Storage
Built in WiFi for wireless connection
microSD card slot (for extra storage)
Mini HDMI Port (for connecting an external display)
USB port (for a keyboard or mouse)
The device also has a mini USB port which you can use to power the MK802, connect it to a computer, or plug in peripherals.
So what can you do with it? With this connected to a computer monitor or television screen, you have access to Email, Internet, Google, YouTube and a slew of extras. Instant access to Apps and Games from the Android Market. Watch movies on Netflix, create a document in Open Office and more.
Have a look at a few of the demos that have been posted online by various users.
Until then, have fun!!
Greg
2 thoughts on “A Computer in the Palm of your Hand”
WoW, Android Mini PC MK802, is putting the mini in mini computer, amazing a thumb drive sized device can be a computer. Wonder where I could get my hands on one. For $74 sounds pretty sweet. Thanks for keeping us on top with what is happening in the Tech Biz .. Greg. Sure put the Raspberry Computer in a different league. I don’t image the Android Mini has any expansion options ..
I understand there is a other mini computer about the size of the Android Mini PC MK802 called CottonCandy that is to come out the latter part of this year that is more powerful that the Android Mini, but at a higher cost. The suppliers will only say at this time that it will be less than $199.00. It runs on the Android operating system. Check it out on YouTube