Does AliExpress's 7" Laptop Hold Up After 2 Weeks? Full Review 

Crazy how something like this can exist. I'm an 80s kid, I remember when tiny computers came with giant prices in the 90s and every time I see stuff like this I'm reminded how quickly it feels things have changed. It might not be particularly good but it is crazy cheap and works significantly better as an actual computer than miniatures of the 90s and early 00s.

Reinstalling windows would be the best route to clear up a lot of the issues you're having. You don't need a license to install and use windows. You can also get licenses for very cheap online. There's a handful of legitimate and reliable sources.

I am a Chinese. In China, usually we do not use the system with a legitimate windows key, and people often think it is not desirable for login personal microsoft account in windows login. In fact most people do not have a microsoft account, they often login with "administrator". Those systems used in China are modified and free versions.

Toshiba made a nice laptop with a 7.1 inch screen in 1996. The Libretto came in a coupe of differnt model numbers. The 50 model featured an Intel Pentium 166 MHz MMX, 32 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB max), 2.1 GB hard disk, and a 7.1-inch TFT display.

Man, I'm really excited for the return of netbooks. Sadly, the market seems to not appreciate these devices anymore.

Linus recently reviewed a cheap Chinese “gaming” laptop and the software was very similar. Partitions, no activation key(cracked), hidden files visible by default, etc.

Saw the first video and had to subscribe. Hope they channel grows. I have always been interested in these mini laptops because of my love of SBC and other weird electronics. There is a weird and wide market of them, but most have weird specs or issues. Not going to lie, i want to see more of these. They have their place. But if anyone just wants to mess around with the specs and not spend so much or even a need for an attached screen and keyboard, Beelink has a cube PC with similar CPU and RAM for a lot cheaper on amazon right now. Might even be able to find it cheaper else where. It is called the "Beelink GK35 Mini PC". I don't know if RU-vid would remove the comment if i put the actual link. It does only have 8gb of RAM, but it is only $129. Keep up the great work and try reinstalling windows. That should clear up a lot of the software issues. Also, trying out linux wouldn't be hard. You can run it off a SD card or flash drive to test it out to see how you like it. Dont like it, reboot and pull it out. I ended up doing that with a really cheap Intel Compute stick. Ran windows 10 terribly apparently. So someone tried to install android and fucked it up. So they sold it cheap since it wouldn't even get past the splash screen. Downloaded several different distros and trying out different ones till i was happy. I was using a version of Mint, but now i am using an Arch based distro as it i might lighter. Bit i will probably switch again.

3:50 The Chinese word "自动激活" means "Auto activation", and in this context I suppose that's related to piracy using something like a private KMS server. 7:10 also states "Windows is activated using your organization's activation service", so I am almost sure that your Windows installation was modified & pirated by the manufacturer.

Great review, I've been looking for a video like this on the budget mini PC. Subscribing for more!

Very cool video! Glad to have someone covering stuff like this :) One thing, though! I think the sound effect volume could use some balancing, your voice is relatively quiet so any SFX will wind up sounding pretty loud without adjustment. Otherwise, great stuff though!

Super cool video! That windows install looks like it was made with some kind of organization activation (like one that an IT department would use for their company's computers). You probably won't be able to get any kind of key from the seller since it's activated this way (because there just aren't any actual traditional keys). Hate to say it, but you might need to find a Windows key from elsewhere if you reinstall. That partition scheme is also super weird. Maybe the partitions were originally meant for some kind of NTFS volume mount points for your user directory? Usually that's the case when the main C drive is partitioned that small. Still super cool though, and I'm def subscribing to see more haha

I'm sure this has been mentioned, but there are USB C to barrel jack cables that have built in logic that requests USB-PD voltages from power packs. Just make sure your power pack supports the specific voltage output you want. Ideally the unit would just be USB-C with USB-PD support

The mini laptop is an ultraportable. Its an adjunct to your ultrabook, not a replacement for it. Like a tool, you’ll use it where an ultrabook would be unwieldy and impractical. Be realistic about your expectations for it and you’ll be happy!

Regarding the charger, you can now get usb c to barrel Jacks to charge the laptop using 65W PD power banks.

The SSD partitioning is most likely just because they sell this in different configurations and will image the same 50gb Windows install to each one. So the 128gb version will have the 50gb OS drive plus the 69gb partition (119gb), for the 256gb version they'll just format the additional 119gb as a new partition etc.

Might be a good candidate for a USB-C charging mod if the barrel jack is providing a voltage within the PD spec perhaps? I love oddball weird machines like this!

I love that little thing. And you do know that it is not hard to connect that silly barrel jack to an usb c outlet?

The raspberry pie price joke got me! 🤣😂

I got mine from Amazon and had to set up Win 11 from scratch. I use it in my case which has my spectrum analyzer as a screen and to save data. It also works well with my SDA radio devices. My laptop came and I set it up like a normal laptop and it activated just fine. I don't care about battery life because I use a central power source for my plugin components. It does get warm but I expect this, the heat has to go somewhere and the fan must run, it doesn't bother me.

It reminds me a lot of the Toshiba P7220 or the Toshiba Portege 7200CT Ultra ( don't remember model. Just, small, Toshiba, Win 2000, silver + purple colors) It was used for network repair and maintenance, but also for basic paper work, Feels like some kind of industrial test apparatus, small, heavy, resilient...

a good rule of thumb I have picked up from LTT is you always wipe and reinstall your OS on a AliExpress PC

a deep dive to the inside of the unit would be interesting mainly as to what if any hardware is upgrad able. Besides who knows you may find the heatsink is only half connected. You should just get the "find my windows key" software get the windows key and wipe it out do a clean install. Also I would format that SSD. If not deep dive inspect it to make sure its 256 and not 64-128GB. with a false modified partition table. I would 100% assume being a china laptop its very likely got some kind of spy and phone home software on it. I'm not saying the laptop hardware is anything to worry about though.

2:33 they do make portable batteries for devices with barrel jacks. You just have to make sure it’s the correct voltage. Or alternative there are USB-PD to barrel jack adapters.

You can probably find a USB-PD to DC adapter for that voltage.

Ive got one of these that I was given as a gift. We take it on camping trips . Its good for checking emails, surfing the web, watching youtube. If you do surveys or the like, then its much easier on this than on a tablet or phone. You can get very small fans that run from usb and sit underneath to help against overheating and that's what we use. If you have a power station or hook up for charging it up then its an excellent thing for caravan holidays .

Have you thought about using some type of usb-to-barrel jack conversion cable for “portable use?” I don’t know if it’s a viable option given my limited knowledge, but I recently had a positive experience with a conversion cable used with a device that requires a barrel jack. I have a cheap Android emulation box with the S905 chipset and it requires a 12v barrel jack. I purchased a USB3(Type A)-to-12v barrel jack conversion cable so I could power the Android box and a portable monitor w/ speakers using a single 26500mAh 45W Anker power bank. It works perfectly for what I hoped it would do and I haven’t had any issues at all, but I understand the wicked hiss coming out of that little beast’s mouth! It’ll definitely be drawing more juice. I’m curious to know if you were able to find any options to successfully maintain a decent charge with a power bank in portable use.

I want one of these just for windows in a small form factor that can be discrete and have keyboard with it. Sometimes mouse and keyboard on android is good, but when I am editing things for Amazon it helps to have something like this on the fly.

linus tech tips has covered a few these including some of the better ones with real use case scenarios. though i don't think they have covered one quite like this but, they have talked about the activation as it's done the same on others.

Before reinstalling Windows make a backup of existing one. Because sometimes those device's has weird Device ID and you can't install the driver (it can be touchpanel, Wi-Fi etc.).

You asked for some ways to improve your videos, and I would say only one thing stands out to me: the sound effect volume. For example, at 7:05 the glitch sound effect was quite jarring for headphone users like me. So if you could even them out with the rest of the audio, that would be great. Otherwise good follow up video!

LTT did a video on an AliExpress laptop that was set up the same way. That zip file in the beginning I think contains the product key and others in a batch file.

I used to have a Samsung netbook similar to the eepc and I miss it so much. It was great in high school and for getting work done while at Starbucks. Windows 10 sucked on it tho but 7 was great. I don’t think we’ll ever get a decent modern replacement since tablets ate up that market :(

This reminds me of these small LCD laptops/PDAs in the 90s. I just think that Windows 11 is a bit small with the default scaling. There are USB(-C) boost converter cables with barrel jack for charging it with any powerbank with at least 10W.

One of those things you just want without needing it. Yes I want it :) Can you edit videos on it?

Worthit for hiking

Regarding your audio pop issue, on some cheaper devices that happens when the audio hardware is put to sleep and woken up. If you look in Device Manager, and find your audio hardware, you can go to Properties and see if you have an option for "Allow Windows to shut this device off to save power" or something, and uncheck it. It will consume a tiny bit more power (not much), but it should stop it from popping, and it should still be able to sleep fine still (if it could do that before). Also like others here have said that Windows install is probably an illegitimate volume license install. It probably "works fine", but you probably can't trust the people that installed it not to have put keyloggers or something in it. You can easily download Windows 10 or 11 media creator from Microsoft's website, boot off the USB stick it makes, and during the install choose to wipe the drive entirely; that will remove the weird extra partitions and just give you a single C: drive, and get rid of any weird modifications. When Windows asks for a product key, just click 'skip', or if you want to be illegal re-enter the one the computer was registered with. I'd go without personally, Windows will work fine except for not letting you change your wallpaper, and showing a little watermark in the corner (there are simple ways around both issues). You can always purchase a key later if you like the PC enough to keep using it.

a type-c to barrel jack adapter using power delivery to get 12v off a smartphone charger/powerbank could do the trick. but using a type-c port in the first place would've been a lot easier... cost-saving measures.

Three hours on the battery? Thank you for the info. This, unfortunately, ain't no Psion 5MX or Chromebook then.

SCARLET FIRE!

What a funny device! I was always a fan of ultra-small laptops even if I never had one. Sadly, the link to the AliExpress-Listing does not seem to work, at least from Germany :(

would it be a good replacement for a raspberry pi for emulation station or anything? can you use a USB to barrel jack to charge or use from external battery?

I appreciate you covering this device. I just ordered one of these to replace my older 8" netbook after it broke, and I have some insight into real-world use cases. I work in IT and often need at least something on me in case of emergencies. I commute by bike a lot, and it's really nice having something small enough to shove into a small cargo rack bag. I find myself in situations where I am configuring hardware in a factory or similar environments, and a handheld device lets me walk around a bit easier and thumb type without having to set down my laptop on a dirty or cluttered workbench. Finally, when I do get back to the office, I have an HP docking monitor which works via USB A plugs, so essentially just works as a low powered desktop at my desk. I have not watched all your other videos yet, but do you happen to have the exact dimensions of the unit?

I would replace the version of Windows, and I would especially look under the hood. That is crazy, I wouldn't do anything important on that computer until Windows was replaced, and that SSD was changed to another SSD of some kind.

Might not be the case here but there are good reasons to partition a SSD. One is so that the OS partition is protected from rogue apps that eat up all available disk space.

I'd be curious as to what's on the inside. It might make a fun modding platform, too, swapping out the power port for a USB C connector. Instant cyberdeck material?

A USB drive or Micro SD card with Ventoy setup and a copy of PopOS by System76 may be a great option to boot into a live Linux distro. BunsenLabs Linux is my go to Distro for this class of mini laptops. 10/10 would recommend.

you got a sub from me :) Cool video

I would not use the current Windows install if you plan on logging into services. As others have said, Windows is not legally licensed, but that's the least of your problem. There's potential spyware, not to Microsoft (ex: telemetrics), but to the people who installed Windows (keyloggers, remote access tools, etc). There's a reason why they installed Windows in not the official way. Reinstall your own copy of Windows with a license of your own, or just use it unlicensed. Or, as others have asked, try out Linux. You can't really kill the PC. If you install and don't like, you can always reinstall Windows (but this time from a known installer like from Microsoft directly). If you're new to Linux, check out Pop_OS!. If you want a desktop that's more Windows-like, try out Linux Mint. Plus, Linux runs so much quicker than Windows on such a low-powered CPU. It's also nice to learn a new OS. Who knows, you may be able to get away from Microsoft's data collecting grips.

Is your real name Travis Miles? You sound just like the radio presenter of Diamond City Radio in Fallout 4. LOL

Maybe not reinstalling windows but a lite weight Linux distro would be great for this machine. Seems like a good cyber deck core

Idk why this video popped up but... sub :) Good review though!

perfect for custom windows os ghost specter

Wanted to follow up, I bought one and have Manjaro Linux fully working on it. A few things to note the ES8336 audio chip is a huge pita, most people will not be able to get it going. Wifi absolutely drains power. Battery life is stated at 4 hours with wifi being used. With Wifi and bluetooch turned off, battery life is an estimated 9 hours

The reason for the hidden files not being hidden almost certainly had to do with Windows being modded to not require a licence key. If you want to install legit Windows, there are plenty of sites selling licence keys for a few bucks.

Did you try re-installing windows 11 pro on it with a fresh copy see if its actually registered to something?

It's probably a cracked version of Windows, that's usually what comes in those cheap Ali Express computers. They don't download upgrades and often the Windows Defender does not work.

What is the highest resolution on the hdmi (when connected to a external display device)?

I want one for watching movies only. I have a couple hundred digital files id like to watch with a compact unit but bigger then my phone this fits that

Sort of looks like a Frankenstein iPad Mini screen on the top lol

Bro you've got an AliExpress laptop with the admin account already set up? And you used it? I hope to God you didn't log in to anything sensitive.

Do not install any wallet on that 7 inch spyware contraption 😂

Looks like Windows IoT Enterprise. Its a ARM-Version of Windows. ARM are processors mostly used for Smartphones. Also probably activated with KMS-Pico. Overall it looks like it was a tablet and was reused as a Laptop, would explain the camera position. Try to install normal Windows 10 on it. It probably runs linux normally but everything runs linux so not ao special. Rather try putting something like Android x86 on it

I'd love to have one of these to put Linux into it. See how well Linux runs by comparison. Would be really easy with the purchase of another SSD and a USB install using BalenaEtcher. 256gb SSD's are almost chump change in cost now.

if you know how to pull up the command line to search for the product key in windows you will have no issues with a beginner linux distro like ubuntu or mint or something

i'm actually having this pop sound on an asus e410ma celeron laptop under windows 11, pretty sure its not limited to the 7" laptop tbh.

Scarlet fire? Dankpods would be proud

The only drawback is the low power Celeron chip. A ULV Intel i5 Core would be a better fit for this device class, if you’re willing to pay more for it.

this types of PCs are usually aimed for poor kids when the school requires online classes (hence the webcam). the 3 part Disk partition are cloned from a HDD master drive, which was a habit in Chinese PC selling for at least 30 years. I was taught to do that during computer class in my middle school. Windows comes pre-activited is also normal, as the distributors usually have deals with PC manufactors (ASUS, Lenovo, etc) and can get a OEM key. Hidden files I'm not sure. Mine came hidden files enabled - maybe the parents do not want their kids to hide stuff on the computer

Can you install dos and windows 98 and use it as a retro games computer.?

im guessing the version of windows is priated using like kms activation

2:50 DANK PODS REFERENCE?!

That looks like it has a KMS activation version of Windows. Business or School account. That is, there is a license server that it needs to 'speak' with regularly or it will eventually say it's not activated. It uses a generic key that you can find online with a little googling, and the KMS server settings are set in the registry, typically during the install or via policy. So it really isn't licensed for personal use, which I would expect of a $200 dollar computer, way too cheap a price to have a licensed Windows 11 pro. This looks like a 'modern' take on the old Asus EEPC.

I don't really think it's first-gen stuff. Microsoft has been doing this ever since Windows -3.1- for pen computing. They did it again with Windows -95- for pen computing 2. Then XP tablet PC edition. Then there was the Vista PDAs (?), and then Windows -8- RT. That makes at least 5 generations before this. Edit: Why is strikethrough broken?

Can't drag and drop with the trackpoint? Is it just mine or is with everyone

Honestly I prefer my Venue 11, atleast I get 1080p and a detachable keyboard, no win11 though(honestly a good thing)

i had a 7" screen during college because i couldnt afforf a better one at the time and my dad didn't want to give me money. long story short i still got a degree and a 17" laptop at the end of college

Yeah, that is some sketchy stuff with the windows install. I'd want to blow away the partitions and the install and start from scratch, though I am deeply curious as well about can that thing Linux? Even if it drains the battery faster, can you run it plugged in and not have it drain? I'd prefer to build something on that scale out of a Raspberry Pi, but maybe they will be available at reasonable prices again soon. Thanks for showing off that odd bit of kit.

WIth exception to the barrel plug, and upped specs, it's a GPD Pocket 1 clone, the model derived from came out back in 2018, I recall. Personally I'd stay away from these due to long term logistics like finding a compatible spare battery that can fit.

That Dump file and Admin account is concerning indeed... Is it really safe to use this device? Especially if we have a lot of private stuff in it.

I feel like it would be great for a little kid that wants a computer

does anyone know the power supply DC specs? eg: 12v 2.4 amps? or 19v 1.4A?

I got one of the original Asus 7" Eee PC 701 very slightly used in Japan when they first came out in '07 or '08 and loved it. Used it for programming and everything until it finally died from overheating too many times. This looks much more powerful but still with the tiny size and cheap price but I wonder if it will also overheat as badly?

if I could get this for 100 bucks then i would install a super lightweight linux os on it and also make one of those usb to 12v adapters (I assume thats the charge voltage) has all the modern bells and whistles for a neat "miscellaneous uses device" where lugging my entire laptop is not worth it if I only might need to use it. another upgrade it could use is a smaller low power ssd and maybe (if they exist) a lower power wifi/BT module to extend that battery life a bit.

Id format that pc before using ☠️ bit seems cool

I think netbooks are too small. This is sort of like the libretto I used to have.

Hi, back in 2015-2016 i bought one of those very small form factor media pc's, they are basically a clone of Intel nuc's or mac mini sized pc short version If in doubt wipe the OS - reinstall with genuine microsoft iso download search microsoft free win10 low end pc tablet longer version The windows 10 was a standard home version or a slightly modified like yours for bulk oem installation As it has 32G flash memory i cannot store much on it, so i blocked feature updates but allowed defender updates - it is really next to the tv and connected with hdmi, it is used with VLC and the odd time when other pc's are used it is the spare Now i did end up formatting and reinstalling a fresh copy of win 10 as i was not sure it had modified programs, the only thing i needed to keep was the folder with the drivers My local pc store near work is a authorised microsoft reseller so i was talking to hi and he sent of a email to microsoft help desk It turns out there is some licensing deal that tablets under 7 or 10 inches on mini pc's with 2g ram or less ( possibly 4gb ) use a special OEM base install, but the microsoft help desk advised they have been given drive images and found many unnecessarily altered files. There advise was just grab the latest home iso and install it, if the UEFI has been sent to microsoft it will on a few reboots or update patch itself to licenced OS, otherwise if it stays as unregistered you just have the water mark and cannot customise the desktop or themes ( no big deal ) I think all but 2 drivers were done and i did find then in the original folder of drivers i had backed p, the mini pc later became fully licecenced

could be a good ham radio portable operations pc

There used to be a SKU like this back in 2008/2009, I had a Dell at the time. It's awful to type on.

I know why one might be the laptop to evaluate it but for your own use, why not get something like a used Acer Swift 3. An 8th Gen i5 will blow the Celeron out of the water as far as performance. Likely still a bad gaming machine but more usable.

Get the key with regedit and reinstall asap

I'd be sus about those extra partitions on it...

How does the pen work? Is there pressure sensitivity?

Are your reviews only complaint based?

The weird windows settings is because that is not using an actual key to register windows. I'm not going to explain it all, but if you know then you know. And a lot of those things you've found have to do with that. Just saying.

I've got a barrel to usb lead would that work for this?

When you have a business key for Windows, you are using a key designed for a cooperation. Usually you get a lot of keys you can use, but all the keys are the same. This might be why it is hidden. That way, the "business" doesn't get the key stolen. Also, it is illegal to use this for home use as it is supposed to be for a business, not home users.

That silicon mat is not the greatest thing to put a laptop on, its consistency is perfect for blocking ventilation holes.

7.4k views in just 24hrs and 665 subs! Why this world is so cruel!???

69 gb, Now that's a man of culture

i really like to own this kind of laptops because my current laptop is so heavy. im just having doubts about the functionality of this laptop... if they can hold many tasks at once.