Cube i9 was announced earlier this year as a Surface Pro 4 clone, but at half the price. In fact, the Chinese company, already known for launching the tablet hardware equipment / uncommon software (for example was one of the first to present devices with OS Remix), he had assured the marketing in the Chinese market for 2999 yuan , equivalent to 420 euro, but after a few months since its debut price has fallen further.
Within a robust chassis fan less magnesium alloy weighing just 970 grams , i9 Cube integrates a display IPS 12.2-inch Full HD (1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 aspect ratio), and dual-core Intel Core M3- 6Y30 (Skylake) 1.5 GHz processor with Intel HD 515 graphics, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of solid state storage, expandable with a micro SD card up to 128GB. Other features include a 5 megapixel rear camera and a front 2MP, Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0, but what surprises us most is the presence of a port USB 3.1 Type-C still uncommon on Chinese tablets (as well as a HDMI ) and well two 5000 mAh battery is not removable (for a total of 10000 mAh ). Runs on Windows 10.
If a hardware equipment as well fact, we add the presence of a kickstand on the back to be able to also use easily on a desk, a keyboard-cover with a detachable touchpad that (when docked) turns the tablet into a notebook and support for a pen , it is clear that the appellation of “Surface Pro 4 clone” is not so wrong. Cube i9 has technical features and very similar design to the tablet Redmond, but it costs less than half of its entry-level version.
Obviously do not expect the same attention to detail of the Surface Pro 4: The stand is made of metal, for example, but does not have the same quality as the one built into Microsoft tablet and can be swung only in two positions . You can take a look at the live tablet, in our live photos.
Cube i9 is on sale from various Chinese sites at the launch price of 397 Euros only in color Deep Blue with free shipping in Italy choosing “Priority Direct Mail” (10-15 days for delivery). The price does not include the keyboard dock, sold separately at € 49.38 , and the Stylus Pen available in the same shop at 3.99 euro.