About the Pinebook - What to expect

[CaptainZalo]

UnixOutlaw, 

I am not sure I understand what you mean by "the lack of software (i.e. Linux)" -- are you referring to issues running software requiring 3D acceleration as well as accelerated video playback or something else? 

Yes, it will be good to see the reviews of the production unit. 

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wrtahir,

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Of course I checked the specification of Allwinner A64 and nevertheless I wanted to have it and I ordered it. I am looking forward to my Pinebook, because I always wanted to have some Android notebook and I loved this idea of Pinebook from very beginning.

I was just asking the users about their experiences with real use, so I would know what to expect from it, that is all.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I haven't run Android on mine yet, but the linux image pre-installed seems to run pretty smoothly. Ditch firefox ASAP, and install chromium, and you'll be able to browse the web without much drama. I have a Asus TF-101 tablet  (now ancient) with a lock-on keyboard, and have found using it with android to be a great experience, but the pinebook is way faster than it, will run just as long, and is running a more open and configurable OS, and the minor niggles with the software are being fixed.

I've installed the Android (6) version for Pinebook made with the PineInstaller. It works very well. Way better than I anticipated. No hiccups, fast and the responsiveness of the pad is good. I'm missing the convenience of a touchscreen, but personally I can live with the pad. I've installed a bunch of software on it and added a UHS1 Class 10 32 gig microSD-card as extra internal storage.

Installation with the image was fast and very easy. With the microSD-card images from the pineinstaller, it booted straight up and installed the OS straight to the eMMC. No extra hassle on installation, no menus, no nothing. Just fast and easy install.

The left USB port doesn't react if I've got something plugged in the right USB plug, but it hasn't made any problems for me so far.

Retroarch works like a charm on Android too. NES, SNES and N64 emulation works without glitches for all the roms I've thrown at it. My USB gamepads were even detected without any hassle. My only non-working controller so far is the Shield controller. As I know it's very hard to get working outside the Shield ecosystem, I haven't been bothered to test more than with the USB-cable attached.