Chuwi is running a promotion on Aliexpress where they sell some products at a discount including some previously launched devices such as LarkBox mini PC but also took the opportunity to launch Chuwi GemiBook laptop powered by an Intel Celeron J4115 Gemini Lake Refresh processors and equipped with a 13-inch 2K (2160×1440) display.
The laptop also comes with 12GB LPDDR4X RAM, and a 256GB SSD which makes it a fairly decent deal for the $299.99 price asked during the two-day promotion. You can even shave off an extra $10 from the total price by selecting the $10 discount coupon for orders over $299.
Chuwi Gemibook specifications:
- SoC – Intel Celeron J4115 quad-core Gemini Lake Refresh processor @ 1.8 / 2.5 GHz (Boost) with Intel UHD Graphics 600 @ 750 MHz
- System Memory – 12GB LPDDR4X @ 2133MHZ
- Storage – 256GB SSD, MicroSD card socket up to 2TB
- Display – 13-inch IPS display with 2160×1440 resolution; 180° rotation support
- Camera – 1MP webcam
- Audio – 3.5mm audio jack, stereo microphone, stereo speaker (4R/1.5W))
- Connectivity
- Dual-band 802.11a/ac/b/g/n WiFi 4
- Bluetooth 5.1
- USB – 1x USB 3.0 port, 1x USB Type-C OTG port with DisplayPort alt mode
- User Input – Backlit QWERTY keyboard plus touchpad,
- Expansion – 2x M.2 2280 slots including one occupied by the 256GB SSD
- Battery – 38Wh (7.6V/5,000mAh); charging via power barrel or USB-PD up to 20V/2A (See more details below)
- Dimensions – 289 x 219 x 17.75 mm
- Weight – 1.34 kg
The Windows 10 laptop ships with a 12V/2A power supply, an English user manual, and a warranty card. The company took some shortcuts to keep the price low, as the GemiBook features a low-resolution webcam, and lacks WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and HDMI video output. The latter is mitigated by support for DisplayPort Alt mode via the USB-C port.
The company did not actually provide details about the M.2 slots, but Netbookcheck.net received a review sample, and we can see those are designed for M.2 2280 cards. The reviewer really liked the display but lamented the slow processor (that’s a Gemini lake part so fully expected, see comparison against Intel NUC 9 kit), as well as the unreliable keyboard with inconsistent key feedback. Strangely, they also mention it’s not possible to charge the laptop via the USB-C port despite claims of USB PD (power delivery) support.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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It’s sad that Chuwi don’t build the same with a *true* processor …
Well, I find that CPU enough for daily use, but 12GB of RAM does not seem fit with it. I don’t see any scenario where I should need 12GB of memory and I only need an entry CPU like that, the configuration would have been better with 8GB, 1080p screen, and cheaper price. Also, only one USB and 2x m2 ports? seriously?!?
Thanks. I like the combo of design/price/specs of chuwi/teclast/etc chinese “brands”.
I hope they step up their game, to give some competion to the established USA/Taiwan brands in the west.
RIght now their distrubution Aliexpress pay and forget about any support is … meh.