HP 260 G1 Mini PC €137

imitation

As there was huge interest earlier in the year for the Pipo Mini PC's I said I would post this interesting PC bargain that has come up. Its the HP 260 G1, its a little enterprise Mini PC that has been around for a while, but its dropped to €137 recently. Its got a number of advantages over the Pipo as far as I can see.

http://www.dabs.ie/products/hp-260-g1--desktop-mini-pc-intel-celeron-2957u-2gb-32gb-ssd-windows-8-1-with-bing-64-bit-BC7Y.html?src=15

Pros

Has Haswell Graphics and CPU (about 30-40% faster than Bay Trail Atom PC's)
Has a spare ram slot so you can bring it above the bare minimum 2gb
Has a Hard drive slot and SATA port so you can stick in a disk
Its a proper machine from a proper vendor, with support, a power supply that won't burn your house down and vendor you can return to easily.
Has a fan and decent heatsink, no modding required if you don't want it running at 90 Deg C like the Pipo x7.
Has gigabit Ethernet and loads of usb 3 ports, VGA.
Comes with a keyboard and mouse.

Cons
It doesn't come with Wifi/Bluetooth, can be added easily with usb or PCI-E
Its 30-40% bigger than the pipo.
No HDMI out (but you can sort that with a Displayport HDMI adapter for a tenner)
CPU is dual core (but still beats quad core bay trails without issue)

I'm getting it as a TV box, but its got enough power to run office and browse the web as well, so it would be an ideal second machine. I know there are tempting little stick PC machines on the Chinese sellers and the Intel compute stick, but I think for a little extra you can get something that can be upgraded into a solid little machine. I have got a stick of 4gb ram with it and have a spare hdd here I will throw into it. (I maybe biased by the fact I got a DOA Pipo and have to ship the dang thing back now !). There is also the HP stream mini in the US which is $170 and has similar specs in a smaller package, so that might be coming along soon, but to be honest I doubt it will be cheaper than this.

kungfual

Looks really interesting, I was going to try build a HTPC but just don't have the time/experience.
So is this a viable alternative?

No HDMI out - you mention adding a display port adapter - any quality loss with this? Does it go on the VGA out?

loopymum

I'm tempted as well, my dell laptop died recently and I have a spare monitor lying around, and I could use the hard drive from the dead laptop

long_b

They're always saying on hukd that these low cost Windows PCs can be used to run Plex/Kodi (XBMC)
Surely they'd be underpowered for transcoding? Or are people just using them as clients?

CantGetNoSleep

Why why why do I use this forum???? No need for this but it is on its way to me anyway

CantGetNoSleep

What are people going to use to control this if connecting it to the TV? Was thinking of adding a Logitech K400?

Can anyone link to a good extra 4gb ram to add please?

I will use it as a media player for Kodi and also as a back up for browsing, office etc. when I don't take my laptop home. I use a Mac so it is handy to have a Windows PC for the few things that still won't work on Mac

kungfual

Is it possible to add a normal 3.5 hdd for media to sit alongside the ssd for the OS?

imitation

The Displayport to HDMI adapater is pretty much a digital pass through, no quality loss, and it sends audio as well. Vga is just another option.

Ram wise it takes DDR3L SODIMMS, thats effectively laptop ram, so you might be able to scavange some from a dead laptop

I ordered this particular one, its the correct size, voltage and speed.
http://www.dabs.ie/products/crucial-4gb-ddr3-1600-mt-s--pc3-12800--8PQF.html?q=ddr3l&src=16

I don't know about the trans coding, on one had its got quick sync and a haswell GPU, on the other hand its a dual core celeron - I imagine you'd probably want an i3 or something really to get the most out of it.

CantGetNoSleep

From what I can see it does have WiFi too? I would hard wire it for streaming, but the WiFi would be handy for someone just using a mini PC in a bedroom etc.

CountingCrows

Been looking in vain for a decent but cheap mini PC solely for running Sky Go through the TV. With the HDMI adapter added, is this the one?

CountingCrows

imitation wrote: »

No HDMI out (but you can sort that with a Displayport HDMI adapter for a tenner)

Where's the best place to get these adapters? Can't seem to find one for less than €20.

JJJJNR

Quick specs are interesting, wonder would it run linux for XBMC etc

http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c04531792

styron

CountingCrows wrote: »

Where's the best place to get these adapters? Can't seem to find one for less than €20.

€9 With a month or so wait:
http://www.tmart.com/Displayport-to-HDMI-Converter-Adapter_p125701.html

Chimichangas

The HP brand is putting me off, but would this be a good pc for streaming off the internet/using through the TV?

Is that the idea?


(OK I just noticed its HP and DABS.ie, thats 2 reasons putting me off...but the price...hmmm...)

Redriddick

styron wrote: »

€9 With a month or so wait:
http://www.tmart.com/Displayport-to-HDMI-Converter-Adapter_p125701.html

€10 on ebay!!

imitation

CountingCrows wrote: »

Where's the best place to get these adapters? Can't seem to find one for less than €20.

Ebay is your only man for this sort of stuff. Probably best place for the wifi dongle if you need it as well.

http://www.ebay.ie/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.H0.Xdisplay+port+to+hdmi.TRS0&_nkw=display+port+to+hdmi&_sacat=0

I'm 99.99% certain it doesn't come with wifi, mainly because people on hkud have pointed this out, but also if you look at the quick specs you'll see it can only be added through the PCI-E slot, which is listed as free by dabs.

long_b

Here's a comparison between this and the CPU on the netbook that I'm currently using with 2GB RAM, Win7 (a very frustrating experience)

Is the 2957U on this one "night and day" better ?

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Celeron-2957U-vs-Intel-Atom-N455

styron

Great value but looks as if they're clearing stock for a new compact model (same proc, SSD & RAM, less USB) with HDMI, wireless, bluetooth, keyboard and mouse: currently $180 HP US. (Specs)

imitation

long_b wrote: »

Here's a comparison between this and the CPU on the netbook that I'm currently using with 2GB RAM, Win7 (a very frustrating experience)

Is the 2957U on this one "night and day" better ?

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Celeron-2957U-vs-Intel-Atom-N455

Yes, I actually own a laptop with a Celeron 1017U, more less the same as the 2957, its perfect compared to any atom I have ever used, its just fine for video playback and general browsing. The intel integrated graphics now is actually enough to play Blizzard games at low settings too. I would advise getting another 2gb of Ram though, you really just need it these days.

long_b

This versus the HP Micro Server as a joke server so?
You'd have to use external HDDs with this instead of internal disks.
This does have audio out and better graphics out of the box though. Plus it comes with Windows installed

Chorus_suck

This post has been deleted.

long_b

Chorus_suck wrote: »

The only difference I can see between the machine you link to and the machine in the OP is the HDMI port, keyboard and mouse. Otherwise looks like pretty much the exact same machine ... Am I missing something?

Fewer USB ports (4xUSB3 + 2 USB2 vs 4xUSB3)
Bluetooth and wifi built in

styron

Chorus_suck wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

As mentioned the built in wireless & bluetooth with a keyboard and mouse supplied (and a built in card reader) but otherwise it's just the jazzier smaller (fanless) form factor with the same proc, SSD and memory. You can run dual monitors too (HDMI & Displayport) but ventilation poorer as you'd expect.

darlenmol

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/VX2-Celeron-J1900-Windows-8-1-Mini-PC-Intel-Dual-Core-500GB-802-11ac-Gigabit-LAN-Bluetooth-4-0-VGA---White-343473.html

Better job altogether

styron

darlenmol wrote: »

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/VX2-Celeron-J1900-Windows-8-1-Mini-PC-Intel-Dual-Core-500GB-802-11ac-Gigabit-LAN-Bluetooth-4-0-VGA---White-343473.html

Better job altogether

Dunno, share the OP's suspicion as to heat dissipation with all small boxes like this - that lifespan is traded off for size reduction (doesn't stop my hypnotic purchase of multiple android quad core boxes). At least the HP260 has a laptop fan and old school airflow!

imitation

darlenmol wrote: »

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/VX2-Celeron-J1900-Windows-8-1-Mini-PC-Intel-Dual-Core-500GB-802-11ac-Gigabit-LAN-Bluetooth-4-0-VGA---White-343473.html

Better job altogether

I'm a big fan of the gadget websites, but from now on I'm not paying more than 50 quid for anything. I'm kicking myself hard right now after buying from geekbuying, firstly the exchange rate is lousy right now so I paid almost parity for a Pipo x7 at . Then I had to pay duty and vat on the import, another 40 quid.

I was expecting that, but then what I ordered arrive and it was a dud, so now I have ship it back for another 30 quid, and hope they honour paying back the postage and refunding the item, at least then I will only be down the duty paid. Worst case is they don't refund and I have to do a paypal dispute and still be down the postage and duty.

Even if it does work, I want to leave it on all day unattended, and I just can't trust a j-random chinese box with effectively no heatsink and non-ce AC adapter. (Also being able to upgrade from 2gb ram > 10% higher CPU benchmark)

long_b

In Depth review of the next gen of this device.
Should answer some questions as I'm guessing most of it will apply to the older model too


Watch "HP Stream Mini PC - $179 Windows PC In Depth" on YouTube
HP Stream Mini PC - $179 Windows PC In Depth: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCZHp4d1HnIuPuursxPPks3GVf2KvNyfY

rtron

Does anyone know if this would come from dabs, with the correct plug type for Ireland?

p4xel

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

What are people going to use to control this if connecting it to the TV? Was thinking of adding a Logitech K400?

Can anyone link to a good extra 4gb ram to add please?

I will use it as a media player for Kodi and also as a back up for browsing, office etc. when I don't take my laptop home. I use a Mac so it is handy to have a Windows PC for the few things that still won't work on Mac

I am using Pulse-Eight CEC adapter with my HTPC. No need for extra remotes.

imitation

p4xel wrote: »

I am using Pulse-Eight CEC adapter with my HTPC. No need for extra remotes.

If you have an android phone you can use this, works well.

http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/intel-turns-your-android-phone-into-a-keyboard-for-your-windows-pc-1297352

zom

imitation wrote: »

http://www.dabs.ie/products/hp-260-g1--desktop-mini-pc-intel-celeron-2957u-2gb-32gb-ssd-windows-8-1-with-bing-64-bit-BC7Y.html?src=15

If that's the same yoke as HP EliteDesk 800 G1, it seems quite upgradeable with CPU:

http://pc.zol.com.cn/492/4920204_all.html

imitation

zom wrote: »

If that's the same yoke as HP EliteDesk 800 G1, it seems quite upgradeable with CPU:

http://pc.zol.com.cn/492/4920204_all.html

Its the same case, but sadly not, the celeron 2957u is a laptop cheap really, and only comes in a form that is soldered straight onto the motherboard.

styron

HP do offer this with an i3 proc, a 500GB standard HD and 2GB extra RAM for a suggested ( ie."SRP Only") €707

rtron

imitation wrote: »

Its the same case, but sadly not, the celeron 2957u is a laptop cheap really, and only comes in a form that is soldered straight onto the motherboard.

Can the ssd be upgraded in the g260?
Can't find answer on Google.

alanhiggyno1

so is it worth buying guys.im in the market for a good pc

CantGetNoSleep

Depends what you want it for - as a media centre it looks great to me, and should be ok for browsing / word processing etc.

I see the eBuyer UK price has gone up to 120 now (was 99)

alanhiggyno1

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Depends what you want it for - as a media centre it looks great to me, and should be ok for browsing / word processing etc.

I see the eBuyer UK price has gone up to 120 now (was 99)

ya just for browing and installling a few programmes that i ocasionally use

CantGetNoSleep

alanhiggyno1 wrote: »

ya just for browing and installling a few programmes that i ocasionally use

It should do the job - I ordered an extra 4GB ram for mine. Remember that you need a screen, speakers. It is not clear that there is a keyboard & mouse included, and there appears to be no WiFi on this model.

alanhiggyno1

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

It should do the job - I ordered an extra 4GB ram for mine. Remember that you need a screen, speakers. It is not clear that there is a keyboard & mouse included, and there appears to be no WiFi on this model.

i have all the keyboard and mouse etc and i have one of those homeplugs and usb wifi things

styron

rtron wrote: »

Can the ssd be upgraded in the g260?
Can't find answer on Google.

Hardware Reference Guide pgs. 11-14

alanhiggyno1

styron wrote: »

Hardware Reference Guide pgs. 11-14

so is it worth it

styron

alanhiggyno1 wrote: »

so is it worth it

I'd add the 4GB memory as a priority first. The 32GB SSD might be adequate for the time being if you already use usb external or flash drive storage and the likes of CCleaner or Wise Disk Cleaner to cut down on bloat of windows updates, browsing etc.

The beauty of any new SSD is that it will probably outlive the machine you put it in and well into the life of the next, so you extract value from it as an upgrade particularly if it replaces a mechanical drive. I'd wait and see in this instance given it's an SSD albeit 32GB and how varied or heavy a use the system is put to (eg. dedicated media player v's multitasking).

alanhiggyno1

styron wrote: »

I'd add the 4GB memory as a priority first. The 32GB SSD might be adequate for the time being if you already use usb external or flash drive storage and the likes of CCleaner or Wise Disk Cleaner to cut down on bloat of windows updates, browsing etc.

The beauty of any new SSD is that it will probably outlive the machine you put it in and well into the life of the next, so you extract value from it as an upgrade particularly if it replaces a mechanical drive. I'd wait and see given this is a SSD albeit 32GB.

ok thanks for info

moonlighting

Have one ordered. This looks great compared to similar arm processors (ras pi etc). Only thing i am trying to figure out is it possible to add a second hard drive 2.5" I know the case doesn't support that but i could modify it. From the specs i found online it doesn't mention a second sata so I am thinking I could use the PCIe mini slot (if it has it (remove wi-fi)) to install a another sata connection.

imitation

moonlighting wrote: »

Have one ordered. This looks great compared to similar arm processors (ras pi etc). Only thing i am trying to figure out is it possible to add a second hard drive 2.5" I know the case doesn't support that but i could modify it. From the specs i found online it doesn't mention a second sata so I am thinking I could use the PCIe mini slot (if it has it (remove wi-fi)) to install a another sata connection.

I think you can add a second HDD but you need a special cable with an all in one power + SATA, I think the SSD is a msata with its own port.

The part number for the cable (from hkud) is 805299-001 I'm going to have a look first though when it arrives, just in case there is a generic ebay alternative..

Do-more

Thread on the Kodi forum which may be of assistance to anyone looking to use this as a HTPC.

zom

moonlighting wrote: »

(if it has it (remove wi-fi))

I like brackets order in your comment. Engineer?

moonlighting

^ programmer lingo. Anyways mine arrived today overall very impressed with it. It comes with a keyboard,mouse,stand,laptop type power supply. Its very quiet and checking the cpu and motherboard temps they stay under 30 degrees Celsius witch is impressive for a small case design. The case itself is very light like an old cdrom drive type weight. you need to order 2 things for this to get the most out of it.
First more ram I tried a few types from old laptops but no luck so your better off ordering some e.g. http://www.dabs.ie/products/crucial-4gb-ddr3-1600-mt-s--pc3-12800--8PQF.html
Second you might need more space the hard drive is solid state but is only 21 gb and with win 8 installed leaves 17gb free. There is space for a 2.5" laptop hard drive so you could ad something like a 1TB laptop drive. The only catch is you need to order a special cable from hp (worked out at 16 euro for me from hp website) also you need special screws for the mounting of the hard-drive.
It has no wi-fi so Ethernet works fine for me. It has a spare pcie-mini if you need to hook up some custom hardware.
I did some basic testing like web brosing,youtube,vlc player and everything worked fine.
impressions overall great value for money.

Vote 4 Pedro

I've just ordered mine, look good for the money, Thanks OP.

CantGetNoSleep

I ordered an external wifi adapter for any times I move it to a room where I don't have ethernet wired, but think this will be quite rare - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141105897514

What are people thinking of adding an internal hdd / ssd? I store very little in terms of media, would just want to install office and chrome, little else. Is it necessary?

Beagslife

I wonder if it would be worth waiting for this. It looks fantastic.

Lenovo ideacentre stick

MC