Fans of diminutive computers will no doubt of heard of the Chuwi MiniBook by now — but chances are they haven’t seen it running Ubuntu!
Chuwi MiniBook Specs
| Display | 8″ IPD FHD (1920×1200, 16:10) Touch Display |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel M3-8100Y @ 1.10GHz (Dual-Core) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
| RAM |
8GB 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB eMMC |
| Ports |
1x USB 2.0 1x USB 3.0 1x USB Type-C Micro-HDMI |
| Battery | 26.6Wh |
| Other |
Dual-band Wi-Fi Webcam |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 |
| Price | From $532/£423 |
The 8-inch Chuwi MiniBook, pitched as a “mobile workstation in your hand”, is currently — and really rather successfully — crowdfunding itself into reality over on IndieGoGo.
Now, in an update to backers of the ultra-portable, China-based Chuwi has confirmed that Ubuntu support is go:-
“Our engineering team’s hard work in debugging and adapting to mainstream systems, most of features can run smoothly for basic operations, office work, or entertainment on Ubuntu system,” they write.
Hmm. “Basic operations” doesn’t exactly sound like a major selling point, does it?
And, when I dived into the comments section of the crowdfunding page I found that there are features of the MiniBook that do not work with Ubuntu, including the touchscreen.
Still, things appear to work well enough for the company to tout Ubuntu support publicly, stating that it “performs equally well” as Windows 10 on the same device.
“After booting into the [Ubuntu] desktop, Chuwi MiniBook is normal in terms of display, network connection, setting operation, etc,” they say, adding that automatic screen rotation also works.
Chuwi MiniBook Overview
The Chuwi MiniBook features an 8-inch IPS FHD touch display (which can be folded back for 360-degree Yoga-style fun), comes with a backlit keyboard, and, having unlocked a stretch goal, a fingerprint reader.
Tinkerers may be interested to hear that the titchy notebook also offers upgradeable RAM (up to 16GB) and features an M.2 SSD slot for expansion.
A marginally cheaper model based on an Intel Celeron N4100 chip is also available, but the device proper features an Intel M3-8100Y processor, 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC. Options with larger memory and storage options are also available.
Do remember that crowdfunding campaigns are NOT like regular retailer pre-orders. You are not guaranteed to receive an item you back so please be careful when throwing your money at the screen!
And just to be clear: although the MiniBook will support Ubuntu it is not being sold with Ubuntu. It comes with Windows 10.
To learn more head over the IndieGoGo page:
A Chuwi rep told me they plan to publish a video of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS running on the MiniBook in the coming days. I’ll embed that video here as soon as it’s available, so look out for an “updated” flag in the headline.
Thanks Anne