A $99 computer brings to mind something like the barest of bare bones systems but that is not the case for the InFocus Kangaroo Windows 10 Mobile Desktop.
Although a ‘Mobile Desktop’ sounds like a contradiction in terms, that is how the company describes Kangaroo. In essence, it is the tower of the desktop miniaturized to a two inch by three inch by half an inch thick unit you can plug to a monitor.
What Kangaroo has done is bring the desktop experience to mobility without the limitations of mobile devices when it comes to using resource intensive applications.
So, imagine having your desktop with you at all times, with up to four hours of battery life.
Lawrence Yen, director of Kangaroo product marketing, told Venture Beat, “We wanted to create something that is incredibly affordable, portable and allows you to access Windows 10 and all of your files – from work to media – on any device. You can access any file, any time without worrying about access to a network, upload and download times or file corruption. With its power, capacity and features, Kangaroo will change the definition of mobile computing”
The specs that will make this possible include:
- An Intel Cherrytrail (Z8500) – 2M Cache up to 2.24 GHz;
- Intel Processor Graphics Gen8;
- 2GB LPDDR3 RAM;
- 32GB eMMC storage;
- Windows 10 – 64bit Home;
- Wi-Fi 802.11 A/C (Dual Band) / Bluetooth 4.0;
- microSD;
- Fingerprint reader;
- and up to 4 hours of battery power with casual use.
The unit comes with a dock that has HDMI, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for connectivity of monitors and other devices.
The Kangaroo brings Microsoft’s push for cross-device applications ahead of its Continuum platform, which will be available soon on Windows 10. With Continuum, Windows 10 phones can be connected to a display dock and function like a PC.
With mobile devices now an essential part of our lives, the goal is to have a desktop PC experience no matter the device, but Kangaroo has achieved this at only $99. And even if you buy an external monitor, it still comes in much cheaper than buying a mid-range smartphone. But you can use any existing monitor you have with a USB or HDMI ports, including TVs, projectors and even iPads.
Once connected, you can access a full version of Windows 10, Microsoft Office and personal files, not Starter editions with limited functionalities; after all it is a PC. And the fingerprint reader doesn’t require a password or PIN.
InFocus wants to add more options to the Kangaroo, with their own monitors, dedicated storage expansion as well as different types of expansion docks. The company said it will introduce these products and accessories at the upcoming CES.
Today’s collaborative workforce demands full computing capability. The limited functionalities of smartphones are no longer enough, and Kangaroo is the first device of many that will make desktops portable.
“Innovative solutions such as the InFocus Kangaroo built on Windows 10 delivers great flexibility at a reasonable price, helping customers to be even more productive while on the go,” said Peter Han, Vice President of Worldwide OEM Marketing, Microsoft Corp.
You can buy the Kangaroo now for $99.00 at Newegg.com, with availability at Microsoft Store Online and retail locations by mid-November.
Image: Kangaroo
Aira Bongco
How is this different from a thin client? I am researching about these lately because I want to setup a system in my office that requires less expenses when it comes to computer parts. I wanted to set up new computers for employees but in as little budget as possible.
Michael Guta
Hi Aira,
Unlike a thin client, which depends on another computer or server, the Kangaroo doesn’t. And at $99, it is definitely worth considering.
jacky
the price $99 NOT cover the dock, which cost $39.
Dave
The $99 at Newegg does include the dock. Extra docks are $39 each and come in handy if you have 2 somewhat permanent locations like office and home and want to keep peripherals permanently plugged in at each location.