You should probably move away from the UK then.

Idiot.

The Z3735F is a couple of generations old now and a little long in the tooth - even possibly approaching end of life in this form factor. Upgrading to W10 on these models is known to be frequently traumatic. The device is fine for light applications but I'm not convinced that £55 is realistic as we approach 2017, but hey: if it's the cheapest price at the moment...

Gone up to £58 now, but still a great deal for something that can run Windows and Ms Office
-won't win any speed prizes though (passmark 950?)

sadly, this has a somewhat anaemic CPU.

Yeah, I have to admit... I'm a chromecast man. Have 3 now :smile:

Got this,it makes a perfect Plex server no issues transcoding over wired network using USB Ethernet adapter plugged in to it.

... Then just grab a chromecast for that remote affair :smile:

That's more processing power than an iPhone.

Sadly not. Impossible to turn off after Windows Anniversary update, which is what you will get if you download the installer from Microsoft now. Some telemetry options are no longer showing in the settings and continue to report back to the mother ship after you turn off all the remaining options in the settings. You need the Enterprise version to have control over your own computer and that one is not available for free upgrading from a previous retail version.

Jeez.

Better off buying a chromebook for another 40 odd quid with benefits of getting a screen, keyboard, trackpad and I/O

Idiot.

Yes it has HDMI.

BTW Avoid W10 like the plague unless you like being spied on!

I assumed nothing, I provided an example on how poorly this device could perform in one application. I have one. I paid more than OP. It's now old hat, but some people will have an ideal use for old hats and the price certainly the cheapest available at the moment.

Most of the issues mentioned above would disappear if you replaced the OS with a Linux distribution. Anybody succeeded with the Hannspree?

Z8300, Z8500 and Z8700 are all the same silicon and generation (Airmont) and you're assuming people want to just decide x265/HEVC with this or use it for media. It has applications beyond that, e.g. lightweight office machine or basic smart TV functions.

I have the Intel Compute Stick which uses exactly the same hardware. It came with Windows 10 preloaded but due to lack of space, unable to install Anniversary update out of the box.

So I wiped the device and reloaded Windows 10 on it which got rid of the bloatware etc (activated automatically). It runs ok but really it's only capable of one task at a time due to limited ram and CPU power.

It is capable of streaming BBC HD, YouTube at 1080p (not 60fps) and playback of 1080p of .mkv's smoothly.

Z3735F is a dog and incapable of x265 / HEVC playback, so that negates any serious use of this device in media applications. Its Z8300 successor is x265 friendly; then there's the Z8500 etc.

The Z3735F is a couple of generations old now and a little long in the tooth - even possibly approaching end of life in this form factor. Upgrading to W10 on these models is known to be frequently traumatic. The device is fine for light applications but I'm not convinced that £55 is realistic as we approach 2017, but hey: if it's the cheapest price at the moment...

Windows 10 Student or Enterprise edition can be set to send no telemetry data except your hardware information, which is moot as it is a way to link Windows OS Keys with a computer to prevent piracy. Further read here.

Didn't you know that Windows 7 and Windows 8 now get cumulative updates the same as Windows 10? So even if you opt for only the security updates you'll still get telemetry if they're giving you a new patched file. The only way to avoid it is to turn off Windows updates, which I don't recommend as then you're vulnerable to every new Windows exploit.

http://www.ghacks.net/2016/10/10/say-good-bye-to-individual-patches-on-windows-7-and-8/

If you have to install Windows 10, the best options are Enterprise or Student, as they can be set to send virtually no telemetry. Have a read from Microsoft here, or from HowToGeek's article here. Windows 7, until 2020, sends no telemetry data out of the box, but updates through Windows Updates may. They will need to be removed using a script or software.

Beyond a fortified OS, any data communications over the internet is much harder to obscure as JavaScript on websites identifies your unique browser fingerprint. This can be circumvented by using NoScript (can break sites). Or TOR Browser (with its own issues).

I really want to avoid windows 10, ideally want to stay on 7 forever but I know updates wont last forever

I heard that too, however after having to help sort out some of my families PC issues with windows 10 I don't want to touch it with a barge pole.

​yeah you can, gotta watch out for biggish updates as they turn it all back on very naughty really.

​Very easy to turn off observation and communication settings with Microsoft in settings. No more spying. Apart from GCHQ.

I spent a few hours losing my sanity upgrading this spec of hardware to Windows 10. It was worth the hassle though. I have an Intel Compustick which is more or less the same in terms of hardware. The in built Wi-fi is rubbish in these devices so invest a tenner and buy an external Wi-fi antenna (AC Speed) and a Bluetooth Keyboard Keyboard and Mouse It made video streaming infinitely better. I use mine to make my new Hisense smart TV slot smarter and it's compact size means it's basically invisible behind your Telly. At the price listed it's good value. Heat from me.

Surely it has an HDMI interface too?

Indeed - get one with W10 already on it unless you like fighting PC's! Also,. the free W10 upgrade has ended.

I have the Lenovo version of this and a W10 / BIOS upgrade bricked it. Luckily the warranty replacement came with W10 pre installed!​