InFocus, an Oregon-based manufacturer and distributor of electronic products ranging from projectors to handhelds, has unveiled Kangaroo, a portable desktop that runs on Windows 10 and can fit inside a pocket — it's that small. However, the best thing about it is the price.
The privately owned corporation claims that its miniature mobile desktop PC can work with any screen. Moreover, connecting a mouse and keyboard will allow users to access their files and do things that they would on an average-sized desktop.
The form factor, 0.52" x 3.17" x 4.88", permits it to be carried around just like a smartphone. The company argues that due to its portability, Kangaroo enables users can centralize their work and have their work done in one device and thereby, replace the need for multiple devices.
"Consumers own many different devices including tablets, laptops and desktop PCs. Each device is used in different locations for different purposes," said Kangaroo's director for product marketing, Lawrence Yen. "Kangaroo is the first product to allow you to use the same PC for all applications, in any environment."
InFocus is marketing the Kangaroo as something that can not only facilitate work but also doubles as an entertainment media that can connect to a TV using the HDMI connector. Note that the small PC uses the onboard Intel HD Graphics.
While it is not expected to replace anyone's gaming rig, or to game at all, Kangaroo with its Intel Atom x5-Z8500 64-bit processor, which has a base clock speed of 1.44 GHz that can raise up to 2.24 GHz, is more than enough for light computer usage. It is also fitted with 2 GB of low profile DDR3 RAM and a 32 GB eMMc storage. For more storage, the Kangaroo offers a microSD expansion slot.
Moreover, the mobile desktop PC has a built-in fingerprint scanner, micro USB port, Wi-Fi for connectivity and four hours of battery life for "casual use". It also comes with its own detachable dock that can be replaced with other compatible docks depending on the user's needs. The current standalone dock that comes with the package offers two USB ports and an HDMI port. Hopefully, they'll make a dock with an Ethernet port because this thing needs one.
Bear in mind that the x5-Z8500 SoC uses the same x86-64 instruction sets as any of the average desktops. Hence, it can run on Windows 10, which comes pre-installed, as well as any Linux-based and other desktop operating systems.
"Innovative solutions such as the InFocus Kangaroo built on Windows 10 delivers great flexibility at a reasonable price, helping customers to be even more productive while on the go" said Microsoft Vice President for Worldwide OEM Marketing Peter Han.
The best thing about it is that it is listed for $99 on Newegg, which is $50 cheaper than the ECS Liva that was introduced for $150. Think about it, for $99, you'll be getting a computer running on Windows 10 Home edition. The OS license, when bought separately, is over a hundred bucks.
However, while it is a great value for money and would certainly be a good replacement for older systems, this will not take the place of your laptop or your tablet. It just can't do it without a portable display, which InFocus plans to showcase during the upcoming CES 2016 in Las Vegas.
