I bought one of these not too long ago and really like it, but when I type on it I don’t use it like a regular keyboard, I hold it in my hands and use my thumbs, the same way that I use my iPad. It is interesting when I pull it out around an ARES group, first I get “that’s really cool” followed by “that’s really weird” when they try it out. 😎
I got a CHUWI Hi10 X - It's slightly bigger @ 10.1" 6GB RAM/128GB + SSD - Battery reasonable - Fully Metal Case and it charges via USB C @ 12V perfect as I modified a lead With Powerpole. It isn't bad for the cost, currently £240 GBP. 😉 73
I'm super-fortunate to come by one of these in like-new condition for free, and I love this little computer! If I hadn't owned one, would I buy one for $750? Probably not. But having owned one, would I pay that much to replace it? Yes, almost certainly. Mine's running Windows 10, but this can run Linux without any issue. That might appeal to some HAMs.
I seriously considered this, but ultimately opted for a 2nd hand Acer Aspire netbook. It’s running W10, gives me about 3-4 hours of run time, it has all the I/o needed, its small-ish and cost $85USD.
I picked one up (the M3-8100Y) for my IC-705 and QRP use where size and weight matter. Like many, the keyboard isn't the best to use for me (I'm 6'6" and wear 4XL gloves), so I had to a foldable bluetooth keyboard. Aside from QRP use, I like it for programming Baofengs and my FT-891, FTM-400 and other radios with RTSystems software. FT8, WinLink, and a whole host of standard ham software "just works". I don't have to compromise software to get it to run on a tablet or Raspberry Pi.
I already did that reseach and decided that for portable a chrombook running linux or a straight up laptop is better for me but cool video keep them coming
I have an Asus mini laptop I bought like 4-5 years ago for $200. I've used it to program radios in the field with Chirp, and used an SDR with it. Granted it's a little larger than this GPD, but it's still tablet sized.
I got this to pair with my TX500 for a backpacking trip on the AT in October. I've been bringing it out on POTA outings and have loved it. It's quirky, but it fits a niche role really well. The screen brightness isn't the greatest, but it hasn't been bad enough to be a show stopper.
Great video. I ended up buying a Surface GO 2. So far the only complaint I have is it has only one USB C port on the computer. I use the port to run a hub. Still not a bad compromise for the size and cost.
I bought one start of 2021, mines is newer model you mentioned with 256Gb SSD. I know what you mean about fan noise but this model has a button to turn fan off, if it gets too warm can turn fan on again . Not used it outside yet but screen brightness seems very good when only used indoors 😮 I bought it after you did demo on all your portable kit while back .
I bought a used Panasonic toughbook for out in the field, having it completely water resistant, already with the screen brightness, and since I got it used it was about the same price as yours. Much better in my opinion. Thanks for the info though Josh!
For those on a budget but want an affordable tiny laptop that's perfect for HAM radio software, check out the Evolve III Maestro. It's unbelievably good for only $80. The CPU is almost as powerful. It's larger than the GPD but at 11" it's about the size of an iPad Pro but lighter weight. The battery lasts for 8 hours, has comparable ports to the GPD and runs relatively cool to the touch. It only has a TN screen instead of IPS but that's something you have to give up for the price. It also supports adding a SIM card if you want cellular internet. You could buy almost 10 of these for the price of one GPD.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I can see that. However, this is going to be the next biggest platform. And it will be able to install full applications and not locked into a dedicated console eco-system.(ability to use regular Linux or Windows OS.) So I'm curious if HAM enthusiasts will adopt it as well.
Some alternatives I would suggest on the bigger and conventional side is the MS Surface Laptop Go (Not the tablet) with sacrifice being a single full size USB (aka USB Type A) port. Another would be the Samsung Galaxy Book series.
I have a GPD (the original, not the 2) and a Micro PC (similar idea, same maker, cheaper, more ports (RJ45 Ethernet, serial, more USB), keyboard that makes the GPD2's look spacious). They both run Linux like a champ with the hardware-specific respin and are great for FT8 (not like you're doing a lot of typing! ). I find the displays sufficiently readable in shade.. Strongly recommended, within their limitations.
I wanted one unit I got to use one. They are cool tech not really practical tech. My personal biggest issue is screen size but it makes me wonder if the usbc would do video sharing
The size isn’t much smaller than a tablet you’d use. It’s also a multi touch screen so you can pan around, pinch zoom and things like that. I agree with Josh. It’s a niche product. But it works for what I need and want out of it
... Will it blend? But seriously, the price seems a bit hefty. Then again, (also not for most hams) I use a chromebook that can run linux for a logging program for and VNC to a Pi for digital modes.
Trying a MS Surface (go?) To have a genuine MS Win10 mini to do only radio software in a light form with keyboard and stylus. Problem, only one USB C port, which means splitters or combiners for everything. I'm rethinking just a thin 15" laptop WITH PORTS because everything wants a different port. Still, the Surface is worth looking at.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yes, but it is basically the same size and thickness as any Android tablet with the same screen size, if you leave the keyboard behind. And the keyboard is super thin. It is like dropping any 10" tablet in the bag and the really obsolete Windows radio softwares need that size to be read. Many of them are still using 9x or xp screen dialogs that blow tables away.
I've gotta' say, if a guy says "if you buy this, I will get a cut", and then says "you probably shouldn't buy this", I'm going to take his word for it. I'm all or tiny computers, but a dim screen is a problem. Also, something you didn't mention, but it pretty much has to be true: a tiny laptop has a tiny battery, and a laptop that runs hot is a laptop that doesn't run long on a charge. Put these two things together, and it's something I'm going to think twice about.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I use mine with an external keyboard, mouse, and external screen, although if I ever want to use it away from home, it’ll still be usable. It was the cheapest decent choice I could find when the work-from-home boom hit last fall.
@@brentOhlookAsnake It's an AOC E1659FWU USB 3.0 portable monitor. It's a lot of work to get video through USB 3.0, and I can't figure out how to adjust the brightness, but I put up with it being laggy, sometimes, and too bright because it works well enough for what I want to use it for. Mostly using it for wsjtx, gridtracker, dxkeeper, flrig and a handful of browser tabs in use all at once with generally OK results.
I wish Mac os was as good for ham radio as Windows. As I'm sure you know, the M1 Macbook air is pretty portable as well and the battery life is the best I've ever seen in a laptop.
How is its power consumption? Do you think this work well doing SOTA on a long distance backpacking trip? I usually carry 2 2100mah battery and will eventually carry an Elecraft kx3. (Future TH-cam/thru-hiker channel in the making) Done a few thru hikes already just adding radio rod a channel starting in the spring. (Late winter, politics permitting)
How is it doing with the Winlink and more specific VaraFM? Sure the typical ham radio software is nice, but I'd think about its use in a ARES / emergency situation ham radio box. The screen size is a drawback for this kind of usage, but still it would be a nice fit in any box.
$750 is too much for such a device for me. Check out the pinebooks for $99. Not windows but all the crucial apps will run. doesn’t run hot. battery life is insane. That said, I can appreciate that this video was made some time ago so this may be older technology and the price dropped.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yeah def not apples to apples. but hey it will get fr8 / wspr / etc apps going just fine. A bit of linux knowledge is required as well.
I'm 22 and have 20/20 vision, but that screen is really tiny... I can barely even see anything on WSJT-X above the waterfall. You'd have to put it in "old man" large font scaling in order to even see something properly.
It’s interesting but I do not understand why they use intel processors when a arm processor is lower power. That one reason I wish ham software ran on iOS or android tablets. Than you for the video it was interesting.
I bought one of these not too long ago and really like it, but when I type on it I don’t use it like a regular keyboard, I hold it in my hands and use my thumbs, the same way that I use my iPad. It is interesting when I pull it out around an ARES group, first I get “that’s really cool” followed by “that’s really weird” when they try it out. 😎
The brightness kills it for me immediately. Thank you for the vid Josh!
Yeah. The brightness is the biggest one for me. Bummer too!
I got a CHUWI Hi10 X - It's slightly bigger @ 10.1" 6GB RAM/128GB + SSD - Battery reasonable - Fully Metal Case and it charges via USB C @ 12V perfect as I modified a lead With Powerpole. It isn't bad for the cost, currently £240 GBP. 😉 73
Would you care to share an image of the Powerpole cable?
@@gjacob3412 yeah no problem, which group on Facebook? I've just requested to join HRCC group. Once I'm in I'll post. 👍
I have the GPD MicroPC... smaller yet and it works the treat.
I bought this May 2021 and still loving it ❤️ And it's a serious laptop unlike those low specs netbooks in the past.
59 minutes agooo woow
Perfect companion for my SOTA bag with my Kx2. And my primary rig/ go box ft891
Bringing this along on a SOTA or ultra portable outing is great. Assuming you have shade.
I'm super-fortunate to come by one of these in like-new condition for free, and I love this little computer! If I hadn't owned one, would I buy one for $750? Probably not. But having owned one, would I pay that much to replace it? Yes, almost certainly. Mine's running Windows 10, but this can run Linux without any issue. That might appeal to some HAMs.
I seriously considered this, but ultimately opted for a 2nd hand Acer Aspire netbook. It’s running W10, gives me about 3-4 hours of run time, it has all the I/o needed, its small-ish and cost $85USD.
I picked one up (the M3-8100Y) for my IC-705 and QRP use where size and weight matter. Like many, the keyboard isn't the best to use for me (I'm 6'6" and wear 4XL gloves), so I had to a foldable bluetooth keyboard. Aside from QRP use, I like it for programming Baofengs and my FT-891, FTM-400 and other radios with RTSystems software. FT8, WinLink, and a whole host of standard ham software "just works". I don't have to compromise software to get it to run on a tablet or Raspberry Pi.
I already did that reseach and decided that for portable a chrombook running linux or a straight up laptop is better for me but cool video keep them coming
@@chrissewell1608 there is a way to run a full distro of linux it's not easy and doesn't work with all chromebook but it can be cheaper than $700
I have an Asus mini laptop I bought like 4-5 years ago for $200. I've used it to program radios in the field with Chirp, and used an SDR with it. Granted it's a little larger than this GPD, but it's still tablet sized.
I got this to pair with my TX500 for a backpacking trip on the AT in October. I've been bringing it out on POTA outings and have loved it.
It's quirky, but it fits a niche role really well. The screen brightness isn't the greatest, but it hasn't been bad enough to be a show stopper.
Same here. Pairs up perfectly with my Kx2 snd my 891 go box
I've been debating between that one and just a Surface GO.
Great video. I ended up buying a Surface GO 2. So far the only complaint I have is it has only one USB C port on the computer. I use the port to run a hub. Still not a bad compromise for the size and cost.
Yeah. The IO is problematic and the size is much bigger than the Pocket 2.
I bought one start of 2021, mines is newer model you mentioned with 256Gb SSD. I know what you mean about fan noise but this model has a button to turn fan off, if it gets too warm can turn fan on again . Not used it outside yet but screen brightness seems very good when only used indoors 😮 I bought it after you did demo on all your portable kit while back .
Love the form factor, but the price is more than I’m willing to shell out for a computer.
I have a friend who had this, I was going to get the first one but it was sold out and now it's priced out for me. I'm saving for an IC-705.
I bought a used Panasonic toughbook for out in the field, having it completely water resistant, already with the screen brightness, and since I got it used it was about the same price as yours. Much better in my opinion.
Thanks for the info though Josh!
I bought a $200 HP Stream 11". Its fantastic!
I have one of those, hand me down gift. works well enough, but the storage space is TERRIBLE
Windows?
was 1/2 in the mind of getting one but after this Im glad I saw this first......thats a big no go for me now....thanks for saving me the trouble
Super cool! I want one!
Josh, thanks for the frank advice - I'll wait for an upgraded model that allows the screen to be viewed in daylight..
Great video Josh! Thanks!
For those on a budget but want an affordable tiny laptop that's perfect for HAM radio software, check out the Evolve III Maestro. It's unbelievably good for only $80. The CPU is almost as powerful. It's larger than the GPD but at 11" it's about the size of an iPad Pro but lighter weight. The battery lasts for 8 hours, has comparable ports to the GPD and runs relatively cool to the touch. It only has a TN screen instead of IPS but that's something you have to give up for the price. It also supports adding a SIM card if you want cellular internet. You could buy almost 10 of these for the price of one GPD.
I’m not seeing it for $80 anywhere. Where are you seeing that?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Check out Microcenter if you have one close enough. The local one in Columbus, OH has them in stock for that price.
HeyHey Josh, love your channel. This was very helpful. Thanks!
Thanks for the info. This makes me think of the new Steam Deck as a potential option for future pocket PC gaming and HAM.
I saw the dimensions of the Steam Deck. Good for gaming. Weird for ham radio.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I can see that. However, this is going to be the next biggest platform. And it will be able to install full applications and not locked into a dedicated console eco-system.(ability to use regular Linux or Windows OS.) So I'm curious if HAM enthusiasts will adopt it as well.
Some alternatives I would suggest on the bigger and conventional side is the MS Surface Laptop Go (Not the tablet) with sacrifice being a single full size USB (aka USB Type A) port. Another would be the Samsung Galaxy Book series.
I have a GPD (the original, not the 2) and a Micro PC (similar idea, same maker, cheaper, more ports (RJ45 Ethernet, serial, more USB), keyboard that makes the GPD2's look spacious). They both run Linux like a champ with the hardware-specific respin and are great for FT8 (not like you're doing a lot of typing! ). I find the displays sufficiently readable in shade.. Strongly recommended, within their limitations.
I wanted one unit I got to use one. They are cool tech not really practical tech. My personal biggest issue is screen size but it makes me wonder if the usbc would do video sharing
The size isn’t much smaller than a tablet you’d use. It’s also a multi touch screen so you can pan around, pinch zoom and things like that.
I agree with Josh. It’s a niche product. But it works for what I need and want out of it
@@brentOhlookAsnake I’ve used one stated in my comment above, it’s in my opinion not practical
@@ubergeek318 and it won’t be for everyone. What I needed it’s perfect. But like he said. It’s a pretty penny too
... Will it blend? But seriously, the price seems a bit hefty. Then again, (also not for most hams) I use a chromebook that can run linux for a logging program for and VNC to a Pi for digital modes.
Canadian it's between $899 and $985 depending on were you look!
Thank you for producing this video review. I had actually bookmarked it on Amazon but can now clearly see it's not a good fit for me.👊🏼🇺🇸
Was looking at these, this was a useful video.... I now have one of the smaller i5 lenovo laptops, more suitable option.
The only complaint I have is the thermal management. The screen goes crazy if it gets too warm
It does run hot for sure.
Would love a compare vs the Micro. It has more ports and a track pad.
Thank you for the video. Another good one....as always. 73 de W1DUK
Looks like one of the old palmtops from a long time ago.
Hah. Yes it does.
Trying a MS Surface (go?) To have a genuine MS Win10 mini to do only radio software in a light form with keyboard and stylus. Problem, only one USB C port, which means splitters or combiners for everything. I'm rethinking just a thin 15" laptop WITH PORTS because everything wants a different port.
Still, the Surface is worth looking at.
It’s still pretty big in comparison to the pocket 2
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yes, but it is basically the same size and thickness as any Android tablet with the same screen size, if you leave the keyboard behind. And the keyboard is super thin. It is like dropping any 10" tablet in the bag and the really obsolete Windows radio softwares need that size to be read. Many of them are still using 9x or xp screen dialogs that blow tables away.
Like all things in ham radio. It’s a compromise. I am sure the Surface is good, but you have to deal with one USB port. Etc.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse The one USB C can be problematic, but there all sorts of docklets and splitters to expand that.
What model Power Film Solar charger did you get ... the LightSaver Max LSM-1?
Yeah. Light Saver Max.
It’s like the old ASUS eee PCs. Remember when netbooks were cool?
I've gotta' say, if a guy says "if you buy this, I will get a cut", and then says "you probably shouldn't buy this", I'm going to take his word for it. I'm all or tiny computers, but a dim screen is a problem. Also, something you didn't mention, but it pretty much has to be true: a tiny laptop has a tiny battery, and a laptop that runs hot is a laptop that doesn't run long on a charge. Put these two things together, and it's something I'm going to think twice about.
I ordered it. And I truly enjoy it
I do too. I just don’t want people that it might not be for to get it and have regrets.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I use mine with an external keyboard, mouse, and external screen, although if I ever want to use it away from home, it’ll still be usable. It was the cheapest decent choice I could find when the work-from-home boom hit last fall.
@@wj4k73 how do you use an external screen. What adapter do you use
@@brentOhlookAsnake It's an AOC E1659FWU USB 3.0 portable monitor. It's a lot of work to get video through USB 3.0, and I can't figure out how to adjust the brightness, but I put up with it being laggy, sometimes, and too bright because it works well enough for what I want to use it for. Mostly using it for wsjtx, gridtracker, dxkeeper, flrig and a handful of browser tabs in use all at once with generally OK results.
Also, some of the lag is probably the usb hub I have some things other than the monitor plugged into.
What about that thing you put around displays? Sun shades, i'm a truck driver and i use something like that for my sat nav.
How about a review of the Pocket 3?
I don’t really want to drop the money on it tbh.
I wish Mac os was as good for ham radio as Windows. As I'm sure you know, the M1 Macbook air is pretty portable as well and the battery life is the best I've ever seen in a laptop.
I'll stick to a notepad and pencil for logging lol :) 73 de AI5DD
Maybe running a small linux distro on it can make it better to use
Nah. It’s not the OS. it’s the brightness and controls.
How is its power consumption?
Do you think this work well doing SOTA on a long distance backpacking trip? I usually carry 2 2100mah battery and will eventually carry an Elecraft kx3. (Future TH-cam/thru-hiker channel in the making)
Done a few thru hikes already just adding radio rod a channel starting in the spring. (Late winter, politics permitting)
Seems like the right time to ask. What's the teeny tiny pocket knife in the thumbnail of that "spy radio" shortwave receiver video?
Boker D2 Stub.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse thanks!
Josh, "sunlight readable" screens cost a fortune. Bring six feet of blackout cloth, duck under it to read conventional 300nit screens.
How is it doing with the Winlink and more specific VaraFM?
Sure the typical ham radio software is nice, but I'd think about its use in a ARES / emergency situation ham radio box. The screen size is a drawback for this kind of usage, but still it would be a nice fit in any box.
Yeah. I run Winlink and Vara on this. Works great. It’s a Windows computer, so it’s good for whatever you want to run Windows on.
$750 is too much for such a device for me. Check out the pinebooks for $99. Not windows but all the crucial apps will run. doesn’t run hot. battery life is insane. That said, I can appreciate that this video was made some time ago so this may be older technology and the price dropped.
Pine book is huge in comparison to the GPD. But I respect your opinion.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yeah def not apples to apples. but hey it will get fr8 / wspr / etc apps going just fine. A bit of linux knowledge is required as well.
I'm 22 and have 20/20 vision, but that screen is really tiny... I can barely even see anything on WSJT-X above the waterfall. You'd have to put it in "old man" large font scaling in order to even see something properly.
Appreciate this :) !♡♡♡
Hecka🤜👍🤛
Thanks!
I didn’t realize you paid so much for it, I only paid $440 for my surface go 2 brand new, and it’s much better deal IMHO.
I don’t agree it’s a better deal. But I’m glad you like your computer. 👍
does it supports windows 11?
How does this compare to a Surface Go??
Performance wise. Very similar. Surface has bigger screen but worse IO.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse good point, thanks for the quick reply...
Can you use a mouse with the Pocket 2?
Of course. It’s a windows computer.
This can run windows 11
It’s interesting but I do not understand why they use intel processors when a arm processor is lower power. That one reason I wish ham software ran on iOS or android tablets. Than you for the video it was interesting.
You can get a 11.6 Windows laptop with a faster processor for less than half the price.
And double the size.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I hear ya but 11.6 is pretty small.
Dude -your demos rock!
\m/ ô¿ô \m/
Thank you!!
Top dollar for reject level screens? I wouldn't pay $100 for one of these.
Impressed, checks cost, not impressed!
Sold on not buying one. Thank you!
Windows 11 will make computers that are more than about 3 years old redundant, in 2025, a disgracefull move by Microsoft