As computer prices continue to rise, AbacusBasic could be a solution.
With the rising cost of living, many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. As a result, the introduction of a Windows PC that is likely to be the most affordable ever is very welcome.
Starting at under $150/£120, the AbacusBasic from London-based Pentaform packs a Windows 10 PC into a keyboard and touchpad chassis, making it more like a cheap Chromebook than a full-flavoured PC running Microsoft’s operating system.
A compact but functional-looking keyboard and a touchpad where the numeric keypad would ordinarily be are both present in the AbacusBasic, despite its modest price. Besides HDMI, USB-C and Type-A connectors, a 3.5mm audio and microphone jack, and Ethernet, further features include:
Because of its integrated Intel Gen8 HD graphics and limited RAM, the AbacusBasic isn’t exactly a powerhouse computer. If you plan on using more than a few Google Chrome tabs simultaneously, you’ll want to skip the 2GB RAM option. However, there is enough here for simple computing chores like word processing, email, and YouTube.
There’s no doubt that this machine is an excellent choice for people who need to work on the go but don’t want to fork over a lot of money for a laptop.
As a result, it would make a fantastic educational tool for students just starting out in the world of computing. Furthermore, the AbacusBasic will be more adaptable and capable than Chrome-OS-based PCs thanks to the inclusion of Windows 10.
This post is being written on the Geekom Mini IT8 compact PC, which I believe to be a more tempting option for ‘desktop’ use than one of the best laptops connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse.
To allow for easy repurposing or recycling, the AbacusBasic is constructed with environmentally friendly materials and a design that makes it simple to separate the exterior housing from its internal components. Additionally, the left-side keyboard module that houses the motherboard and chip may be removed, allowing you to utilize the keyboard and trackpad independently of the PC.
You can sign up(opens in new tab) to get early access and a 20 percent discount to the small PC when it launches this month (June). Please keep an eye out for our first-hand impressions on the AbacusBasic in the near future.