Transform Your TV into a PC with the Amigo Pad - The Smallest Windows Computer on an HDMI Stick!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Amigo Pad: A Mini Windows Computer on an HDMI Stick
3. Hardware Features of the Amigo Pad
   • 3.1 Storage Capacity
   • 3.2 USB Interface
   • 3.3 Power Requirements
   • 3.4 OTG Port and SD Card Slot
4. Setting Up and Performance of the Amigo Pad
   • 4.1 Initial Setup
   • 4.2 Performance Tests
   • 4.3 Web Browsing and Light Computing Tasks
   • 4.4 Gaming Performance with Minecraft
5. Concerns About Windows Licensing
6. Future Possibilities: Dual Booting with Android
7. Where To Buy the Amigo Pad
8. Conclusion

The Amigo Pad: Your Portable Windows Computer

Are you tired of bulky computers and looking for a convenient, portable option? Look no further than the Amigo Pad—the smallest Windows computer on an HDMI stick. With the Amigo Pad, you can transform any television into a full-fledged PC experience. In this article, we will explore the features of the Amigo Pad, its performance, and any concerns you should be aware of before making a purchase.

1. Introduction

The Amigo Pad has gained attention among tech enthusiasts for its compact design and functionality. Running on a Windows operating system, this pocket-sized device offers all the capabilities of a regular PC without the need for a large tower or monitor. Now, let's take a closer look at the hardware features of the Amigo Pad.

2. The Amigo Pad: A Mini Windows Computer on an HDMI Stick

The Amigo Pad, also known as a "computer on an HDMI stick," is a small device that plugs directly into your television's HDMI port. It comes equipped with an Atom Bay Trail processor and is capable of running Windows 8.1. Although the device initially utilizes a trial version of Windows, users are required to purchase a licensed version for full functionality—an aspect that needs to be resolved by the manufacturer.

3. Hardware Features of the Amigo Pad

3.1 Storage Capacity

Despite its tiny size, the Amigo Pad offers a generous 32 gigabytes of onboard storage. It utilizes an embedded flash chip or eMMC drive, allowing you to store your files, documents, and media without any hassle. Additionally, the device also features an SD card slot, supporting microSD cards up to 64 gigabytes for expanded storage.

3.2 USB Interface

The Amigo Pad includes a full-size USB interface, allowing you to connect external devices such as keyboards, mice, and USB hubs. This feature enhances the usability of the device, enabling a seamless computing experience.

3.3 Power Requirements

Powered by a simple USB connection, the Amigo Pad only requires 2 amps of USB voltage to operate. This makes it incredibly easy to set up and power using the included adapter or any 2 amp USB power source. However, it is important to note that the lower power input may lead to a slight decrease in performance compared to similar devices with higher power requirements.

3.4 OTG Port and SD Card Slot

On one side of the Amigo Pad, you will find an additional USB port called the OTG port. With the help of an OTG cable (not included), you can connect various devices to this port, expanding the capabilities of the Amigo Pad. Moreover, the device also features an SD card slot, providing an additional option for augmented storage.

4. Setting Up and Performance of the Amigo Pad

4.1 Initial Setup

Setting up the Amigo Pad is a breeze. Simply plug it into your television's HDMI port and connect the power source. Within moments, the device will boot up, ready to provide you with a Windows PC experience right on your TV. Additionally, you can connect a keyboard and mouse using the USB interface or utilize a USB hub for enhanced connectivity.

4.2 Performance Tests

While the Amigo Pad offers adequate performance for web browsing and light computing tasks, it is important to note that it may be 20% slower than other devices with similar specifications. This decrease in performance could be attributed to the lower power input. However, for everyday tasks, the Amigo Pad provides a satisfactory computing experience.

4.3 Web Browsing and Light Computing Tasks

Thanks to its Windows operating system, the Amigo Pad allows you to browse the web seamlessly. Web pages load quickly, and with its built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily connect to your network. Whether you need to check emails, watch videos, or stream content, the Amigo Pad is more than capable of catering to your daily computing needs.

4.4 Gaming Performance with Minecraft

For gaming enthusiasts, the Amigo Pad offers the ability to run games like Minecraft. Although the performance may not be as smooth as on higher-end devices, installing plug-ins like Optifine can help enhance the gaming experience by optimizing performance. It should be noted that the Amigo Pad performs slower than devices with a higher power input, potentially affecting gaming performance.

5. Concerns About Windows Licensing

A major concern with the Amigo Pad is the distribution of a pirated version of Windows. As of now, the device comes with a trial version of Windows 8.1, which requires activation within 30 days. Users are then asked to purchase a licensed version of Windows separately, which can significantly increase the overall cost. It is essential for the manufacturer to address this issue promptly and ensure that the Amigo Pad is bundled with a legitimate Windows license.

6. Future Possibilities: Dual Booting with Android

Exciting possibilities lie ahead for the Amigo Pad with the upcoming release of a BIOS update. This update will allow users to dual boot between Windows and Android operating systems, providing even more flexibility and versatility. Whether you prefer the familiarity of Windows or the convenience of Android, the Amigo Pad has you covered.

7. Where to Buy the Amigo Pad

The Amigo Pad is available for purchase from various online retailers. One reliable source is the Aliexpress website, where you can find the Amigo Pad for $99. While shipping may take some time, Aliexpress offers buyer protection and ensures that you receive the product you ordered.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Amigo Pad offers a unique and portable computing experience. Its compact design, Windows capabilities, and expandable storage make it an appealing choice for users seeking a simple and functional computer solution. However, the issue of Windows licensing needs to be resolved for a fully legal and cost-effective experience. With the added future possibility of dual booting with Android, the Amigo Pad holds promise as a versatile device. For those looking for a convenient and affordable way to transform their TV into a PC, the Amigo Pad is worth considering.

Highlights

• The Amigo Pad is a compact Windows computer in the form of an HDMI stick.
• It offers 32GB of onboard storage and the ability to expand storage using an SD card.
• The device features a USB interface and an additional OTG port for connecting peripherals.
• Powered by USB, the Amigo Pad requires only 2 amps of power but may have a slight performance decrease due to this.
• It offers a satisfactory performance for web browsing and light computing tasks.
• Gaming performance, particularly with Minecraft, may be affected by the lower power input.
• The distribution of a trial version of Windows raises concerns about licensing.
• A BIOS update will enable dual booting with Android in the future.
• The Amigo Pad can be purchased from Aliexpress for $99.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the Amigo Pad with any television? A: Yes, the Amigo Pad can be plugged into any television with an HDMI port.

Q: Can I connect a wireless keyboard and mouse to the Amigo Pad? A: Yes, you can connect a wireless keyboard and mouse using the USB interface.

Q: How long does the trial version of Windows last on the Amigo Pad? A: The trial version of Windows on the Amigo Pad requires activation within 30 days.

Q: Can I play high-performance games on the Amigo Pad? A: While the Amigo Pad can run games like Minecraft, the lower power input may affect the gaming performance.

Q: Where can I purchase the Amigo Pad? A: The Amigo Pad is available for purchase on the Aliexpress website.

Q: Can I expand the storage on the Amigo Pad? A: Yes, the Amigo Pad has an SD card slot that supports microSD cards up to 64GB.

Q: Is the Amigo Pad compatible with Windows 10? A: The article mentions that the Amigo Pad runs on Windows 8.1, but it does not specify compatibility with Windows 10.