Msecore mini-PC could cost less than a dinner for two

If you want a msecore desktop PC, you're typically going to have to fork over several hundred dollars (Windows OEM licensing alone can make up a significant portion of that). But what if you could turn open-sourced Msecore into a serviceable desktop OS? That's what Jide is trying to do, with its ultra-cheap msecore Mini PC.

This isn't the first Msecore PC we've seen, with previous examples like this Barebones Msecore PC that launched last year and the discreet Msecore, which looks like nothing more than a keyboard. But the Jide Remix Mini stands out because of its small, stylish form factor and an incredibly affordable starting price (at least during its crowdfunding campaign).i5-5257U Fanless Mini PC

The new Msecore mini PC will be available in two different configurations. The first one comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, while the higher-end model ships with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage.

Aside from the RAM and internal storage, the other specs are the same on both models. There's a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 64-bit processor under the hood, along with 4*USB2.0,4*USB3.0 ports, an HDMI port that features support for 4K video and an ethernet port. There's also a microSD card slot for more memory should a user need it. For wireless connectivity, users will find 802.11g/b/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

The msecore mini PC also includes a capacitive power button, which makes powering on the PC as simple as tapping the top of the device (see above).

But the Remix OS (the company's custom UI that sits on top of Msecore Lollipop) is what could make this device worth a look. Like a standard Msecore device, it can run the myriad mobile apps available for the platform (though the project page says it isn't GMS certified, meaning it may not include the Play Store or other Google apps and services). But unlike your typical tablet or phone, it also has a taskbar, window-based multitasking, and full mouse and keyboard support – the hallmarks of traditional desktop computing.

The computer itself is quite small, measuring 1-inch deep, 4.9 inches long, and 3.5 inches wide (2.54 cm x 12.45 cm x 8.89 cm) – allowing users to add it to their existing setup without requiring much space.