Review of below Rs.3000 (US$ 40) Micro 5 Linux Mini PC box w ARM Quad-core, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, HDMI, USB 2.0, used for Internet browsing, Libre Office and more w 21.5 in. LCD monitor

Last updated on 9th Aug. 2022

Minor update on 26 Jun. 2024

Readers may want to see: List of my posts related to Thinvent Micro 5, a low-cost Linux mini PC based on Tanix TX 3 Android TV box,  https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/08/list-of-my-posts-related-to-thinvent.html , 8th Aug. 2022

This is a user-level (as against an expert-level) review of the below Rs.3000 (US$ 40) price, Thinvent Micro 5 Linux Mini PC/Thin Client with specifications of ARM Cortex A53 Quad-core, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, HDMI, USB 2.0, MicroSD and 3.5mm stereo audio ports, used for Internet browsing,  Libre Office type work and more, along with 21.5 inch LCD monitor, USB keyboard, USB mouse and audio speaker or USB headset.

Background

My regular (Microsoft Windows) desktop PC (assembled) stopped working with a motherboard issue around 22nd October this year. It took me a while to explore possibilities of fixing the motherboard which had crossed the warranty period, take up the option of sending the motherboard to motherboard company (Gigabyte) service center in Chennai, them repairing it and sending it back to me and finally me reassembling the desktop PC with repaired motherboard. It is in that period that I bought and used Thinvent Micro 5 as a limited functionality alternate computer box (without monitor, keyboard and mouse). I have captured that experience in a recent blog post: Exploring Motherboard repair possibilities through company service center without computer technician support, in rural India; Below Rs.3000 (US$40) limited functionality Linux mini PC box with 1 year warranty, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2021/11/exploring-motherboard-repair.html . The desktop PC got back into working state around 4th December 2021 after which I have not been using the Micro 5 on a regular basis. As of now, it has been disconnected and kept aside. I felt that I must write a couple of detailed posts on the Micro 5 with this being one of them and the other covering possibility of it being used as low-cost computer for teaching students in rural schools. 

The above mentioned blog post already has some info. about Micro 5 and pics. This post will re-use some of that info. but will also go into more details than above post.

Detailed view of Micro 5

Micro 5 web page: https://www.thinvent.in/catalog/micro-5-mini-pc/ with price below Rs.3000

Micro 5 Datasheet: https://www.thinvent.in/pdf/datasheet/Thinvent%20Micro%205%20Mini%20PC%20Datasheet.pdf 

Micro 5 key hardware specifications are: Quad-code ARM Cortex A53 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB Flash storage, HDMI, LAN port, WiFi, 2 USB slots, 1 microSD slot and 3.5mm stereo audio port.

Note that 1 US$ is around Rs.75 now and so Rs.3000 is equivalent to US$40 (3000/75).

Unpacking and setup 

Given below are some pics of Micro 5 from my previously mentioned post:  https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2021/11/exploring-motherboard-repair.html .

[On PC desktop, to open pic in larger resolution (if available), right-click on pic followed by open link (NOT image) in new tab/window. In new tab/window you may have to click on pic to zoom in.]

Above pic: Micro 5 box contents

Above pic: Micro 5 based mini PC with Micro 5 connected to 21.5 inch Samsung LCD monitor (HDMI), USB Microsoft keyboard and mouse, Logitech speaker and UPS power point. Internet access in above setup was through WiFi connection to BSNL landline broadband modem.

Above pic: Close-up of Micro 5 and its wired connections.

Given below are some additional pics not shared in above mentioned post.

Above pic: Bottom side of Micro 5

Above 2 pics: Sides of Micro 5 that have ports

Above pic: Micro 5 power adapter plug with specifications.

The Micro 5 box is really small in size - 4 in. x 4 in. x 0.75 in. It is also very light in weight - around 160 grams - note this is weight of the box alone without power adapter. Please see below pic.

I tried out the Micro 5 with my 21.5 inch Samsung LCD monitor, USB Microsoft Keyboard and mouse, Zebronics Zeb-Crisp Pro webcam (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B08CY1P4KK/ ) and USB headset (made of a USB to 3.5 mm Wright audio jack adapter and sound card, https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09FXCKNPQ/ and regular Logitech 3.5 mm microphone and audio jacks headset, https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B003H4QPJQ/ ) with some of these devices connected through a USB 4 port hub (as Micro 5 has only 2 USB ports). For some time I also used my Logitech speaker connected to Micro 5 audio port, instead of USB headset.

Above pic: The desktop of default user (who is automatically logged on) after I had used it for quite some time. It shows my directories and files in desktop with one directory name being masked.

Above pic: All the (Ubuntu Linux) applications accessible from top left menu on desktop, that came pre-loaded on Micro 5. The drop-down menu on extreme left also shows a categorized list of these applications which when chosen, shows only applications related to that category. I think 'All Applications' which is what I chose for above screenshot, includes all the applications in these categories. Note that some other programs are accessible via command line but not listed in the desktop menu.

Internet browsing

Internet browsing on Micro 5 is slow but manageable usually if one is willing to wait a little for webpages to load. Another issue is lag in characters typed in keyboard to appear in browser window and similar lag in cursor movement keys. Note that this lag is not there with other Ubuntu programs like Libre Office writer and so it is an Internet browser programs' performance issue on Micro 5. I had to slow down my typing and editing work in browser windows.

But Facebook browsing/scrolling is very slow, especially on Firefox Mozilla, even when Facebook was the only tab open and the browser was the only (user invoked) application running on Micro 5. On Chromium it seems to be a little faster and so I used Facebook mainly on Chromium. Checking out Facebook messages was very cumbersome as it would take a long time to load the messages. Images being loaded in Facebook was slow. I think I could play Facebook videos but they were also slow.

Youtube videos usually do not play well at full screen (1920x1080 resolution). At non-full screen view, it used to be OK at times even if there was some waiting at times, but with quite choppy video rendering at other times. I could not figure out what were the factors that led to video rendering being choppy at times. But even if the video rendering was choppy, the audio rendering was OK. Therefore Micro 5 was still good enough for viewing news video clips and get a reasonable idea of the news being conveyed. In other words, if no better device is available to view Youtube videos, Micro 5 could still be used as a low-performance alternative/fallback device.

Opening many webpages at the same time slows down Micro 5 very much. So ideally one should have only a few pages open simultaneously and also only run a few programs simultaneously.

Above pic: Screenshots of youtube video being played at normal size (not full screen), while some other browser tabs are open, and a couple of other applications are open too.

Ubuntu programs not related to Internet browsing

Ubuntu File Manager, Libre Office Writer (Word Processor) and Calc (Spreadsheet) worked well with good response time for small documents (I only viewed a small Excel sheet using Calc but did not modify the document). That was a really very positive aspect of Micro 5. Note that these are Graphical User Interface (GUI) programs and Micro 5 was able to deliver good performance for them. Command line Linux (terminal) was fast. As somebody who first got exposure to X-Windows on Unix workstations (Sun and Apollo) in 1986/1987, I was really awe-struck to see such a tiny and lightweight processing box & storage (flash disk) device with a matching small price of Rs.3000 - Micro 5 - handle X-Windows GUI applications on Linux like File Manager and Office suite with good performance at least for small documents/tasks. My decision to dedicate some time to writing a few posts on Micro 5 has been driven primarily by this feeling of awe I had when I saw Micro 5 deliver this performance for Ubuntu GUI  programs like File Manager and Libre Office. I bought my first personal computer in early 1990s in Mumbai/Dombivli. I don't think I would have imagined then that in around three decades time, I would be having/owning an around Rs.3000 tiny and lightweight device which would be the processing and storage box for running Linux GUI applications on a 21.5 inch computer monitor! I am absolutely delighted with these advances in affordable computing in India seen through a product sold by an Indian company with a 1 year warranty, even if some of the underlying components are imported. So I very much felt that I must write about it.

Note that the earlier version of this document had been prepared with Libre Office Writer on Micro 5 based mini PC. However, this blog post is being composed on my desktop PC where I am editing the text of the earlier version done on Micro 5. 

Above pic: File Manager application open on desktop.

Above pic: Libre Office Writer application with an existing document opened in it

Above pic: Libre Office Calc (spreadsheet) program with a new (blank) spreadsheet

Above pic: Terminal (command line application) on which I ran lscpu to list some info. about the CPU of Micro 5.

I transferred some mp3 music files to Micro 5 (using SFTP on Micro 5 Remmina app which was connected over the network to my Dell Windows mini Laptop) and played them on Micro 5 with audio output of Micro 5 connected to Logitech speaker. The music played quite well at moderate volume levels.

I did not get the time to transfer some video files to Micro 5 and play them via VLC to see the video file (as against youtube or other Internet video site) playing performance.

I used Libre Draw to edit some pics. It takes a little time aided by Internet search to figure out how to do some stuff, example cropping, but once one figures it out, it works quite well. Speed is decent for pics like screenshots taken on Micro 5. Yes, Micro 5 has decent screenshot facility, of entire screen or active window, along with optional delay before screenshot is taken.

Document Viewer program on Micro 5 handles PDF files viewing well and with decent response time for small PDF files. I have not checked it out with large PDF files.

Video and audio conferencing

WhatsApp on web works OK for text and pic messaging though at times it freezes and one has to wait some seconds before it unfreezes (a msg. box props up asking if one wants to wait or exit the application). Recording audio on it is somewhat cumbersome. I did not try using webcam with WhatsApp on web.

Zebronics Zeb-Crisp Pro webcam video recording in video conferencing test shows some lag. Don’t know if that is because of low upload speed of around 0.4 Mbps of my BSNL landline broadband connection. It has a download speed is around 6 to 8 Mbps. For more about it, please see Note 1 at bottom of post. However same BSNL landline broadband connection with same Zebronics webcam on my desktop PC had given reasonable video recording performance without the lag that I noticed on Micro 5. Some video signal noise can also be seen in the video recording.

While Micro 5 recognizes microphone in Zebronics webcam, the microphone recording quality on Micro 5 is just too noisy and unacceptable.

But USB headphone (with adapter) microphone recording in Micro 5 was decent quality. Note that the adapter includes a USB stereo sound card. Audio output on USB headphone was also good. So Zebronics webcam and USB headphone together, along with suitable video and audio configuration settings in Micro 5, enable video conferencing to be done on Micro 5 based mini PC. But I did not participate in video conferences with Micro 5 based mini PC to check how well it works.

[31st July 2022 Update: Now user password is known] Ubuntu desktop user password is not disclosed and so sudo cannot be used

31st July 2022 Update

Now the user password (and su password) for Micro is known and that has solved many issues. Readers may please visit: Thinvent Micro 5: How to update Internet browser software, Keyring and Auto Login issue, how to mount USB flash drive, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/thinvent-micro-5-how-to-update-internet.html .

end-31st-July-2022 update

A major drawback of above Micro 5 product is that, at least by default, the product owner is not informed of the Ubuntu desktop user password thereby not allowing for sudo commands to be run, and thus not allowing installation of new packages or even manual update of software. Note that Ubuntu desktop seems to not use root for administration work and instead sudo command is used (for more, see RootSudo, https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RootSudo ). When I tried sudo on Micro 5 it prompted for "password for user" which I did not know. I tried blank password by just pressing Enter but sudo reported "Sorry, try again.". See below pic.

Further, some issues could crop up as one uses the product over time where the solution may require user to use sudo and then do the fix procedure. 

However, if Thinvent company is able to provide desktop 'user' password to Micro 5 products on request of customer then this issue will be resolved.

[31st July 2022 Update: Now problem has been solved] USB and microSD ports do not work for storage devices

31st July 2022 Update

For solution to above problem in context of USB flash drive and which, in all probability, will work for microSD card too, readers may please visit: Thinvent Micro 5: How to update Internet browser software, Keyring and Auto Login issue, how to mount USB flash drive, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/thinvent-micro-5-how-to-update-internet.html .

end-31st-July-2022 update

A strange problem with Micro 5 is that both the USB slot and microSD card slot cannot be used for storage devices. Micro 5 reports a mount problem and says that some associated file system is read-only. See below pic for USB drive case. The pic has some folder and file names masked.

As desktop 'user' password was not known, I could not try to use sudo to mount the USB storage drive or micro SD card on some path in filesystem which was read-write for the logged on user. Perhaps if desktop user password is known, this issue can also be fixed.

Note that USB slot works well for non-storage USB devices like keyboard, mouse, webcam and even USB 4 port hub.

Remote Desktop, SSH and SFTP for connecting to other computers on network

I was very pleased to see that once I connected a Dell Windows mini Laptop and Micro 5 to the same BSNL Broadband router, with wired connections, and then did Chrome Remote Desktop server setup on Dell mini Laptop, I was able to use Chrome Remote Desktop on Chromium browser of Micro 5 based mini PC to see (Microsoft) Windows Desktop of user from Dell Windows mini Laptop! I am given to understand that multiple such Chrome Remote Desktop Windows Desktops can be put up on multiple Micro 5 mini PCs (now acting as a thin client with one Remote Windows Desktop on one Micro 5 mini PC) when connected to single Windows machine having Chrome Remote Desktop server.

Remmina application on Micro 5 supports Microsoft Remote Desktop which can be used in a similar way with Windows PC that has Microsoft Remote Desktop server. When I was trying this out a few days ago, I did not have access to Windows PC with Microsoft Remote Desktop server software and so could not check this out. My Dell mini Laptop has regular Windows 8.1 which does not support Microsoft Remote Desktop server software – at least Professional version of Windows 8.1 is needed for it. Now (13th Dec. 2021) my desktop PC with Windows 10 is working and seems to have Windows Remote Desktop software setup on it. But I have not had the time to check out using Micro 5 Remmina app. to connect to my desktop PC. Eventually I will try that out as that will allow me to operate both the Micro 5 as well as my desktop PC using Micro 5 keyboard and mouse. That certainly is worth at least checking out to see how it works.

I was also able to install a free SSH and SFTP server ( SFTP/SSH Server on Windows using OpenSSH, https://winscp.net/eng/docs/guide_windows_openssh_server ) on Dell Windows laptop. After configuration I was able to use Remmina on Micro 5 to login using SSH to Dell Windows laptop as one of its regular users. It showed a command prompt where I could use commands like DIR. Remmina’s left toolbar has an sftp icon (don’t recall if it is shown right-away or after using another icon-command) clicking on which launched an sftp GUI-like window (though still text based) where I could go up and down the disks and directories on Dell Windows laptop and could ‘Download’ files from it onto local directories in Micro 5.

Script programming possibilities

While c/c++ compiler and java compiler seem to be absent, java interpreter command seems to work (at least for simple Helloworld program), shell scripting seems to be working and perl and python also seem to be available. See below pics.

So some script programming work can be done on Micro 5. Note that vi and editor programs are available on Micro 5 command line Terminal.

Startup and shutdown time

The box start up takes around 40 seconds. Shutdown takes around 12 seconds (till HDMI text and logo are shown on otherwise blank screen).

I have sent some questions to Thinvent support on Micro 5, which are given in Appendix A.

Ease of upgrade and repair in mini PC

As the Micro 5 box is low-cost (below Rs.3000), I think the mini PC based on it is easy to repair and also upgrade, as one can easily identify the problem component within the 6 components making up the mini PC by trial-and-error with other components of same type. Of course, if the problem is with the Micro 5 (CPU+RAM+Board/SoC+Internal Disk) box then that would be difficult to fix for users, and would typically need to be sent to Thinvent support or to a knowledgeable technician.

Upgrade would be easy in the mini PC. A few examples are given below:

• Upgrading from 15 inch monitor to 19 inch monitor: Just disconnect cables of old monitor, replace old monitor with new monitor and reconnect cables from new monitor to Micro 5 & power source.
• Upgrading from Micro 5 to higher mini PC box or even regular PC box e.g. Micro 6 or a regular desktop computer box (CPU+RAM+Board/SoC+SMPS+Internal Disk): As above, disconnect cables, replace old box with new box, reconnect cables.
• Upgrading from average quality webcam to high quality webcam: Straightforward like in above cases.

I think the above cases are referred to as plug-and-play - no need to use any screwdriver and worry about removal and insertion of small jumpers - just remove appropriate cables by pulling them out of the sockets where they are plugged in, and attach appropriate cables to appropriate sockets on the Micro 5 box.

The low-cost of Micro 5 box allows users to more easily consider buying an extra Micro 5 box, say when a Micro 5 box has to be sent back to company for repair, and use the newly purchased Micro 5 to have the setup working quickly. Once the old Micro 5 is repaired and sent back, one of the two Micro 5 boxes can be used as the regular mini PC box and the other can act as a spare box.

Conclusion about Micro 5 low-cost mini Linux PC box used for Internet browsing, Libre Office and more

This is the first “Thin Client/Mini PC” computer box that I have used. I had read about them for years but never used them. So I am amazed that such a small and lightweight CPU+RAM+Board/SoC+flash-storage box can deliver reasonable performance given its low-cost.  This "reasonable performance given its low-cost" makes the mini PC based on Micro 5 quite usable, even if slow and with occasional temporary freeze for few seconds, for Internet work like Internet search, viewing articles (text and pics), email, amazon.in purchasing and WhatsApp on web. However, Youtube video viewing and Facebook browsing performance are not great but still manageable if one is ready to wait and also tolerate choppy video playback at times. For Ubuntu Linux programs work not involving Internet browsing, like Libre Office word processing, simple pic editing, PDF viewing and playing mp3 music, Micro 5 delivers good performance if only few programs are run simultaneously. 

While video conferencing and audio conferencing seem to be possible (using USB webcam and USB headset with microphone) from a testing perspective, I have not used it in live scenarios to know whether they perform OK.

The ease of repair and upgrade of Micro 5 based mini PC taken along with low-cost of new Micro 5 box, also makes it a very interesting option.

31st July 2022 Update

For info. about getting administrator access on Micro 5, readers may please visit: Thinvent Micro 5: How to update Internet browser software, Keyring and Auto Login issue, how to mount USB flash drive, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/thinvent-micro-5-how-to-update-internet.html .

end-31st-July-2022 update

[Obsoleted with above 31st-July-2022 update:] But lack of administrator (sudo) access to Micro 5 mini Linux PC due to which packages cannot be installed or manually updated, and administrator level issues that may crop up cannot be resolved, is a serious issue, IMHO. I don't think it can be recommended to be used as a low-cost mini Linux PC for Internet browsing, Libre Office work and more, due to this serious issue. [end-Obsoleted with above 31st-July-2022 update]

But if Thinvent company is able to provide administrator (sudo) password on request then I think the Micro 5 can be recommended as low-cost (below Rs.3000) mini Linux PC box for Internet browsing, Libre Office work and more, which gives reasonable performance given its low cost, with some exceptions like youtube and Facebook on Internet browser where performance is poor.

Appendix A: Questions I have sent to Thinvent on Micro 5

Note (15th Dec. 2021): At the time I sent the below questions, I was not aware that instead of root login, Ubuntu desktop uses sudo command with password for logged on 'user' who typically has administrative rights. So instead of root password in below questions, we need Ubuntu desktop 'user' password so that we can do administrative work with sudo command (which asks for 'user' password).

On 18th Nov. 2021, I sent an email to Thinvent support with few questions on Micro 5. I have not yet received responses to the questions though they have been in touch with me and have said that they are very tied up with some matter. As and when they respond, I will update this post. Given below are the key questions I have asked of them:

Note that I am using the Thinvent Micro 5 as a mini PC mainly to do Internet related browsing and other activities, and NOT as a thin client.

Q1) Most times, but not at all times, shutdown of Micro 5 results in restart of Micro 5. Therefore I have to switch off power after Micro 5 shutdown is completed.

But how do I know when the shutdown is completed and so I can switch off power to prevent auto restart of Micro 5?

Towards what I think is the end of the shutdown process, Micro 5 shows the “TX 3 mini” logo which also disappears after a few seconds leaving a blank monitor screen with only “HDMI” text and icon appearing in top-left corner. I think that at that stage the Micro 5 is fully switched off with the monitor not having any video feed and so seems to be just displaying that the monitor is in HDMI mode and not Analog (VGA) mode by showing the “HDMI” text and icon in top-left corner.

At times, shutdown does not show the “TX 3 mini” logo and straightaway shows HDMI text and icon on an otherwise blank monitor screen.

I am switching off power when blank monitor screen with HDMI text and icon as mentioned above, is shown. Is that the right point at which to switch off power to Micro 5 to prevent it doing an auto restart?

Q2) 31st July 2022 Update

This issue is not resolved. For resolution, readers may please visit: Thinvent Micro 5: How to update Internet browser software, Keyring and Auto Login issue, how to mount USB flash drive, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/thinvent-micro-5-how-to-update-internet.html .

end-31st-July-2022 update

This has two sub-questions about using additional storage devices (USB memory key and microSD card) on Micro 5

   Q2a) I tried using a working (on my DELL Windows 8.1 mini Laptop) USB memory stick (1 GB with FAT32 filesystem) on Micro 5. While it shows up as a device with correct label of USB key (“RAVISIYER”) in Micro 5 File Manager program, issuing the mount menu command for it from File Manager program results in an error message:

‘Failed to mount “RAVISIYER”

Error creating directory ‘/media/user’: Read-only file system.’

This leads me to think that Micro 5 Linux install/setup may have deliberately blocked USB memory key filesystems (FAT32) to be mounted on Micro 5 based mini PC, perhaps for security reasons. Am I correct? Or does Micro 5 allow USB memory key filesystems (FAT32) to be mounted and used?

   Q2b) As per Micro 5 specs. microSD card is supported (I can see the associated slot in the box). I tried to use “SanDisk Ultra microSD UHS-I Card 64GB, 120MB/s R” card using MicroSDXC hardware interface (Amazon India link: https://www.amazon.in/SanDisk-Ultra-microSD-UHS-I-120MB/dp/B08L5FM4JC/ ) in Micro 5 microSD card slot.

It shows up as a device (64 GB Volume) in Micro 5 File Manager program. But I faced the same failure to mount problem for this 64 GB SanDisk microSD card too. Initially it was using exFAT filesystem. I later formatted it to use NTFS filesystem. In both cases, I got the same/similar failure to mount problem. Note that this microSD card works well on my Dell mini Laptop having Windows 8.1 OS. Also note that I connect the microSD card to my Dell mini Laptop through a USB microSD (and other) card reader, and that I connect the same microSD card directly to Micro 5 by inserting it in the card slot on Micro 5.

This leads me to think that, like in case of USB memory key filesystems, Micro 5 Linux install/setup may have deliberately blocked microSD card filesystems (exFAT/NTFS filesystems and perhaps even FAT32 filesystems) to be mounted on Micro 5 based mini PC, perhaps for security reasons. Am I correct?

Q3) Is it possible to have login password protection to access the Micro 5 Mini PC when it is powered on? I ask as by default the system does not have any such protection (not even an unlock screen code like Android mobiles have) and so anybody who has physical access to Micro 5 can simply turn it on and then access all user files saved on the device and for those websites that save login/pwd info. (e.g. gmail) when corresponding option is checked, the person can access those websites with the last user being logged on, on those websites!

Q4) 31st July 2022 Update

This issue is not resolved. For resolution, readers may please visit: Thinvent Micro 5: How to update Internet browser software, Keyring and Auto Login issue, how to mount USB flash drive, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2022/07/thinvent-micro-5-how-to-update-internet.html .

end-31st-July-2022 update

Firefox browser seems to have auto-update option on by default and hence that may get automatically updated on Micro 5 (when connected to the Internet). But Chromium browser does not seem to have auto update turned on. I am given to understand that Chromium browser does not update itself and will have to be updated manually. Is it possible for Thinvent to modify my administration (root) password remotely to some dummy password like 'pass' so that I can do such updates for Chromium browser? If I recall correctly, I read somewhere on Thinvent website that it is possible for Thinvent staff to remotely access Thinvent products like Micro 5. If so, I can coordinate with Thinvent so that Thinvent staff can remotely access my Micro 5 over the Internet and then change the standard root password on my Micro 5 to some dummy password like ‘pass’. Then I will have root access to my Micro 5 with the dummy password (which I will immediately change to something appropriate) but I will NOT know the standard root password used by Thinvent for Micro 5, which I think, would be the right thing to do security wise.

That completes my questions.

Appendix B: Micro 5 product that I have seems to be using Tanix TX3 mini Android box on which “Thinux Embedded Linux” has been installed

Shutdown of the Micro 5 product that I have, usually, shows a “TX 3 mini” logo. I did some digging up and came across this relevant video. Android TV Box - Tanix TX3 mini 2 GB ram, 16 GB Rom, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4rO3ADB4Go , 2 min. 34 secs. The video is published in May 2018 and shows a similar ‘TX 3 mini” logo at the end of the video where the top face of the box is shown.

The product webpage seems to be this one: Tanix TX3 Mini – Powered by Amlogic S905W – Android 7.1, http://www.tanix-box.com/project-view/tanix-tx3-mini-powered-amlogic-s905w-tv-box-android-7/  . This page links to this video about the product: Tanix TX3 MINI - Amlogic S905W - Android 7.1.2 – UNBOXING, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKGss2aoGS0 , 5 min. 36 secs., published on 3rd Sept. 2017 by Tanix Box.

Tanix TX3 mini ubuntu mate, https://forum.armbian.com/topic/7560-tanix-tx3-mini-ubuntu-mate/  seems to have info. on how to replace the Android OS on Tanix TX mini and replace it with a version of Ubuntu (Linux).

I think for Micro 5 product, Thinvent seems to have used TX 3 mini as base and replaced its Android with their version of Linux – Thinux Embedded Linux – which seems to be based on Ubuntu. I also think it is great that Thinvent company did that, as customers in India can straightaway purchase an embedded Linux box at a very affordable price, coming with company warranty and support. The only issue is root password not being known to customers.

==========

Notes

1. My BSNL landline ADSL broadband combo plan is called "200GB CUL", Rs.399 per month + tax, which is advertised as giving speed of "Upto 10 Mbps till 200 GB" and "2 Mbps beyond", https://portal2.bsnl.in/myportal/tariffs.do?ADSL_BROADBAND_COMBO&AP . It does not mention download and upload speeds. I read somewhere that if one visits the BSNL office and asks for higher upload speed they change some setting which results in higher upload speed for one's connection. I have not felt the need for higher upload speed so much on my BSNL broadband line so far, as I get higher upload speeds on my mobile Jio 4G Internet connection and when I really need good upload speed I use my Jio 4G mobile Internet connection at night time when both its upload and download speed are good enough for my needs (several Mbps typically). But I think that in the near future, I will explore calling up BSNL office and see if I can get higher upload speed on my BSNL ADSL broadband connection by requesting it over phone call, rather than having to visit them personally. I was also told that BSNL Fibre connections are available in my rural town since past year or so. Maybe I will check that out as well in near future as for just Rs.50 more (at Rs.449), BSNL is advertising speed of 30 Mbps till 3300 GB per month, https://portal2.bsnl.in/myportal/tariffs.do?FTTH_BROADBAND_COMBO&AP . However, in the past at least, I have found that my rural town of Puttaparthi typically does not have some of the options that BSNL provides for big cities in India.

2. As I continued to marvel at the small size and lightweight Micro 5 box having this processing and storage capability to run X-Windows Ubuntu applications on 21.5 inch TFT monitor, I thought I should check out using small mouse and small keyboard with it. I had a small USB mouse and a USB numeric keypad but not a small keyboard. So I connected mouse and numeric keypad to Micro 5 to see whether it will work. Both the devices were recognized and worked well (including cursor movement keys of numeric keypad when NumLock is off). I wondered about on-screen keyboard availability in Micro 5. It does not seem to be available. Note that Ubuntu desktop has it, but Micro 5 has Thinux OS which seems to be a stripped down and customized version of Ubuntu desktop. But I could use an online on-screen keyboard (after I had searched for it and opened it using USB keyboard connection to Micro 5 and then saved it as a bookmark on Chromium).

With the online on-screen keyboard (bookmarked and so accessible via mouse), I could type text and copy-paste text from it, to Libre Office writer, without a USB keyboard being connected!

Above pic: Micro 5 with small USB mouse and USB Numeric keypad connected to it but without a regular keyboard connected and online on-screen keyboard being used.

Above pic: Screenshot of my having used an online on-screen keyboard to type some text.

Above pic: The text entered using online on-screen keyboard has been copy-pasted into Libre Office Writer document.

I ordered a USB mini keyboard costing Rs.470/- on Amazon,  https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00OTFCVAE/ as with that I will have a Micro set :-) with me - Micro 5 Linux Mini PC box and mini mouse and mini keyboard all of which will fit in one medium size pouch and be quite light, I think. I will be able to place them on my computer table top next to my 21.5 inch LCD monitor. I also ordered a 2 in 1 HDMI Switch costing Rs.379/-,  https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B098DN1RS1/ , which I can use to connect both the desktop PC and Micro 5, with easy switching from one to the other. Then, whenever needed, I can operate both desktop PC and Micro 5 with a limitation of only one computer's screen being visible at any point of time, and which limitation is a manageable one, IMHO, as I can easily switch to the other computer's screen with a button press or similar action on the HDMI switch box. 

Note that the above arrangement would apply to another similar mini pc box, and so the above purchases were not done only with Micro 5 in mind. In fact, some days ago I have ordered the following: "H96 Max V11 RK3318 DDR3 4GB RAM 32GB ROM Android 11 bluetooth 4.0 USB3.0 5G Wifi 4K UHD HDR TV Box H.265 VP9 Video Decoder OTT Box - EU Plug", https://www.banggood.in/H96-Max-V11-RK3318-DDR3-4GB-RAM-32GB-ROM-Android-11-bluetooth-4_0-USB3_0-5G-Wifi-4K-UHD-HDR-TV-Box-H_265-VP9-Video-Decoder-OTT-Box-p-1846506.html , which came to Rs.3058.57 for me including shipping and insurance. [For more on H96 Max, see: List of my posts related to H96Max (H96 Max) Android TV box, https://ravisiyermisc.blogspot.com/2024/06/list-of-my-posts-related-to-h96max-h96.html , 26 Jun. 2024.]

I intend to use this as an Android TV box and do not have any plan as of now of installing Ubuntu Linux Desktop on it and making it a Micro 5 type mini Linux PC box. I have not yet received the product - it has been shipped from China but is expected to take quite some days before it reaches me. I plan to use the above Android TV box with my Samsung TFT monitor shared via HDMI switch with desktop PC, as my Android smart TV setup, if the Android TV box performance is good enough. I should also mention that I could not find any Indian companies which manufactured such Android TV boxes. Most of such products sold on Indian e-shopping sites seemed to be imported from China. So I decided to explore buying from China directly via banggood.in and avail of a good price. The down side is the long time for delivery and perhaps limited possibility of getting any warranty service even if the webpage claims to provide 7 day Dead-On-Arrival guarantee and some 90 day quality guarantee for consumer electronics products.

Yesterday (12th Dec. 2021), I was operating both the desktop PC and the Micro 5 but I had to disconnect HDMI cable from one computer and connect it to the other when I wanted to see the other's screen, and I also had to, at times, do the same for the USB keyboard. Once the above mentioned mini USB keyboard and HDMI switch are in place, I will not have to do any such cable disconnection and connection when operating both desktop PC and Micro 5.

Even if the pouch having Micro 5, its power adapter, USB mini keyboard and USB mini mouse is of medium size and light, as it needs an HDMI monitor and a UPS power source, the pouch and its contents cannot be viewed as a lightweight and low-cost portable computer.