GPD WIN Review: Ultra-Mobile PC Running on Windows 10

The phablet market has become one of the most attractive niches for manufacturers. That’s why many companies around the globe designing a dozen models per year especially for this market. But the more phablets are the tougher the competition is. Therefore, the manufacturers have to come in with something new, something special to win customers’ hearts. In this sense, some companies try to collect all the new technologies in one product. Some manufacturers come in with a regular device with one selling point. And the others look further and design products for different purposes. As a result we also have 2 in 1 handsets. Especially this refers to tablet PCs that can turn into a full-featured computers once a keyboard is docked. Moreover, there is also a 3 in 1 device we have taken a peek recently. So anything is possible. Today we are going about another crazy product from a category considered as Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC). The hero of today’s review is the GPD WIN, a 5.5-inch laptop fitting in your pocket.

When it comes to UMPCs many think we should talk about products like the Gole1 (you can buy it via the link below). But the GPD WIN differs from the abovementioned due to a list of design elements as well as features. Moreover, the manufacturer kept another goal in mind when designing this product. I mean it is considered as mobile gaming PC, which means it should have some gaming attributes and features. And it has. The GPD WIN comes with a XBOX compatible controller as well as a keyboard. As you remember, the Gole1 lacks all these features. So the GPD WIN looks and acts better than its closest rival. But this is not the all about the GPD WIN. So if you are interested in this mobile gaming PC or the smallest Win10 computer, as many like to say, keep on reading to learn more.

• OS: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Atom X5-Z8700
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB eMMC
• Display: 5.5 inches (1,280 × 720) touch-enabled, Gorilla Glass 3
• Connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.1
• Battery: 6,000mAh (6-8 hours)
• Dimensions and size: 155 × 96 × 23.5 Mm / 370 g

When the prototype of this product appeared in hands of some influencers it was powered with the latest Intel Atom x7-Z8750 processor. But the final version is packed only with the Intel Atom x7-Z8700. Though the CPU has been replaced, I don’t think regular users will see any differences.

The same thing can be said about the battery. The first model was packed with a 6700mAh, while this one sports only a 6000mAh battery. But you understand prototypes are for testing in order to find the best combination of features.

As for software, the GPD WIN runs Windows 10. However, the OS version is 1511. Thus the anniversary update is not applied yet.

Read GPD WIN Unboxing Article here.

The GPD WIN packaging includes:

• The Ultra-Mobile PC,
• A HDMI cable (USB Type-C (male) to USB (male)),
• An adapter,
• A headphone,
• A liquid crystal protective film,
• A user manual.

As you see, the box comes with a few unexpected additions. There is an in-ear headphone, but it’s in white, so I think it has been made not for this product.

The back side carries a USB Type C, miniHDMI, and full size USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm audio jack, and two gaming buttons (R1 and R2). Plus, the L1 and L2 button are located on the corners. Thus, all the ports and slots are placed on the back of the GPD WIN.

The prototype came with a full-sized HDMI port.

Two speakers are on the left and right sides.

One more speaker is on the front. There is also a LED indicator on the right area – it turns into red when there is not much power, and it turns into blue when the device is charged.

The bottom side comes with a selector for fan strength adjustment. At last, the holes on the bottom side don’t refer to a speaker – it’s the vent. As you guess, the fan is under this area.

When the display is opened we can see the keyboard and gaming controllers above it.

There is also a selector located in the middle of left and right controllers. It can have 3 positions: ‘D’, ‘Mouse’, ‘X’. The ‘X’ position means you can use it as a XBOX controller. The ‘Mouse’ position means you can use the right stick as a mouse cursor, while the L1 and L2 buttons will correspond the left and right clicks, respectively. Generally, X stands for Xinput, while D stands for Directinput (compatible with general game controllers that run even in older games).

Though there is a full-sized keyboard without a numeric part, it is difficult to work on it. However, there is even a PrtScr key. The keystrokes are rather shallow. But I guess BlackBerry fans will love it. No matter you will type long texts via this device or not, the keys are made of a quality plastic.

The GPD WIN is very small if taking into account we are dealing with a Windows-running computer. However, to understand its dimensions we have put it next to a 5-inch smartphone. At last, the GPD WIN is not that heavy – only 380 grams. Thanks to a plastic housing it weighs like an 8-inch tablet.

As we are dealing with a single-boot Windows 10-running device, there is enough free space. Though presence of Android will grab much memory capacity, I think many users prefer to see Google’s OS on this handset when thinking about it as a gaming PC.

The GPD WIN sports a 5.5-inch display at a resolution of 1,280 × 720 pixels that is also protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. So no scratches are dangerous.

As for chipset, this device is powered with an Intel Atom X5-Z8700 SoC that scored around 2900 at Dragon Quest X Benchmark and Dragons Dogma Online Benchmark. To get acquainted with the results of other Intel CPU scores you can check out the Chuwi Lapbook 15.6 review. Generally, Atom series CPUs have been made as equivalent to Core 2 Duo processing capacity. So we can say this product is quite competitive to some desktop PCs running on Windows 10.

As the GPD WIN comes with a 4GB of RAM (and 64GB of ROM) nothing prevented us to play many games like Asphalt or Need for Speed. Moreover, as part of Microsoft Store apps are compatible with the XBOX controller, you can use the GPD WIN as a XBOX controller when switching to X mode.

Finally, the GPD WIN features a 6000mAh battery, which should be enough when using it normally. But do not forget there is a fan adjustments mode allowing to remove the hot air at different intensity. Thus the battery will discharge faster. On one hand, it can be recommended not to use the fan if you want to keep it alive longer. But on the other hand Atom series chipsets have been originally designed not requiring fans.

• Original Windows 10
• Three Modes
• CPU with Additional Fan System
• Full-Sized Keyboard
• XBOX Compatibility
• Great Connectivity Options
• Large Memory

• Bulky Design
• 720p Display

Some people will say the GPD WIN is an old-looking PDA. Some will say it’s a gaming device with weak features. But the truth is we are dealing with a 5.5-inch small computer running on original Windows 10. Its specs are identical to mid-range PC. And if the only disputable feature is the display, you can connect it to any large screen and do anything you want – play games, work, or surf in the net. Plus, you can fold it, put into your pocket and it wouldn’t make any inconvenience for you. In this sense, the the GPD WIN is a great device powered with WIN10 OS. However, I guess it’s designed mostly for younger customers. And it’s priced appropriately.

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