Playing with the HP Stream mini

[ElFenix]

cons: $165 when i could continue to use my microcenter tablet for streaming duties

pros: upgradeable, faster, wouldn't be carrying it off into the other room (and then having to find it and charge it enough so it'll boot), yet another thing to play with


edit: someone posted a $20 off coupon and discover has 5% cashback on hp. ordered one. this will sub for my every-7-months tablet purchase.

 

[eatscookies]

Yesterday I used a USB flash drive and installed Windows 8.1 freshly. I once again disabled secure boot to enable legacy support and booted the Media Creation Tool with a slightly modified contents (added ei.cfg).

Windows 8.1 installed cleanly, which I then installed most of the drivers I got from the HP website. I then did some updates, disk cleanup, etc., and was left with a system reporting as 'Windows 8.1'. The OEM was 'Windows 8.1 with Bing'.

I suspect that the tool is taking a retail-centric as opposed to an OEM-centric position, but I am determined to see if Windows 8.1 with automatically activate itself. During my experimentation with the OEM image it did self-activate but I wonder if that has more to do with HP than M$.

Before wiping the upgraded SSD of the OEM image I grabbed the embedded product key, but I really don't know if that key will work if I manually add it during an activation process. Hoping the self-activation takes place. Beyond that I have a nice lean installation, which really surprised me at how little disk space was used.

I am in dire need of help as I try to install 8.1 freshly. I have tried a variety of methods. Anyway you can post a walkthrough? Thanks!

 

[eatscookies]

I am in dire need of help as I try to install 8.1 freshly. I have tried a variety of methods. Anyway you can post a walkthrough? Thanks!

Update: I got it to work by doing the following.

Removing safeboot and enableing legacy.
Creating a boot flashdrive with FAT32... ntfs was not working....

 

[Kaido]

I ordered a second one now that they're back in stock (and also because my USB M.2 reader is taking forever to ship in & I didn't want to wait), so I fired up my first one today. Notes so far:

1. Super quiet

2. Stays cool

3. Plays 1080p Youtube just fine (although 1080p60 is a no-go)

4. CPU seems to peg up to 99% easily; it's a dual-core, no hyperthreading. Seems to be a bit stuttery from time to time. Running updates now, so I'll see if it's any better after.

5. DisplayPort to VGA adapter works just fine (for connecting older monitors). This would make a nice cheap drop-in replacement for an older computer system.

6. Gets better Wifi speeds than my Baytrail-T stuff (~70 down on my iPhone 5S, ~40 down on the HP Stream Mini, ~23 down on the Baytrail-T gear)

Anyone know if the power cord is supposed to go all the way in? Mine doesn't (which allows for easy rotation, but still...it's weird):

http://i.imgur.com/mwccz7I.jpg

 

[Kaido]

Update: I got it to work by doing the following.

Removing safeboot and enableing legacy.
Creating a boot flashdrive with FAT32... ntfs was not working....

What install media did you use to reinstall?

 

[Kaido]

Beyond that I have a nice lean installation, which really surprised me at how little disk space was used.

For further tweaks, check out WinReducer:

http://www.winreducer.net/winreducer-81.html

Lifehacker has a good tutorial for it:

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-slipstream-windows-updates-into-your-installatio-1562956432

 

[jaydee]

I ordered a second one now that they're back in stock (and also because my USB M.2 reader is taking forever to ship in & I didn't want to wait), so I fired up my first one today.

Kaido, what is the USB M.2 reader for?

 

[Kaido]

Kaido, what is the USB M.2 reader for?

I bought a 128gb & 256gb M.2 drive; I'd like to test cloning & restoring the OS (ex. clone the stock install on the included 32gb drive (I typically use a USB driver reader to zap over Macrium clones). I use a lot of mini computers in business environments, so ideally I have tools like this to do quick restores if needed (virus, drive failure, etc.). The Baytrail-T stuff has integrated SSD's & 32-bit UEFI's, which makes restoring them quickly (or installing a custom OS build) difficult/impossible, whereas with the HP Stream Mini, it uses a removable M.2 drive. However, it appears there are some issues with doing clones, so I wanted to test it out.

For example, I just upgraded my Mini to 8.1 Pro using the Pro Pack upgrade and now I have 7.73 gigs remaining (booted up the computer, ran updates, removed bloatware, installed the Pro Pack key...that's not much room for data leftover). I'll also be trying OEM installs like others have done (ex. BarkingGhostar) to see what works the best. I mean, the concept is great for businesses:

$180 HP Stream Mini (45w max PSU, although tests are showing ~17 watts actual)
$185 Office 2013 for Business
$30 4GB RAM stick
$100 Pro Pack upgrade
$70 128gb M.2 drive

$565 for a tiny, low-power computer running Windows 8.1 Pro with 6 gigs of RAM, 128gb SSD, Office 2013, keyboard, and mouse is a pretty great deal, especially since it's capable of running dual monitors. The Celeron isn't fast, but for your typical IE/Office usage in an office environment, it's fine. Boots up quick, sips power, quiet. There are lots of alternatives (Baytrail-T systems, Zotac, NUC, BRIX, etc.) but this represents a pretty good value since you can upgrade the RAM & SSD, and because it has dual monitor support, plus 4 USB 3.0 ports & actual Gigabit LAN.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

BTW, while I mentioned this privately I guess I can state that to overcome my issues with the OEM 32GB Windows config I located a torrent for an OEM image (without bloatware) and used it via prepared, bootable usb flash drive. Naturally I put the drivers from the HP support site on the installer so I was up and running rather quickly.

Of the original 120GB SSD I have 108GB free.

 

[jaydee]

I mean, the concept is great for businesses:

$180 HP Stream Mini (45w max PSU, although tests are showing ~17 watts actual)
$185 Office 2013 for Business
$30 4GB RAM stick
$100 Pro Pack upgrade
$70 128gb M.2 drive

$565 for a tiny, low-power computer running Windows 8.1 Pro with 6 gigs of RAM, 128gb SSD, Office 2013, keyboard, and mouse is a pretty great deal, especially since it's capable of running dual monitors. The Celeron isn't fast, but for your typical IE/Office usage in an office environment, it's fine. Boots up quick, sips power, quiet. There are lots of alternatives (Baytrail-T systems, Zotac, NUC, BRIX, etc.) but this represents a pretty good value since you can upgrade the RAM & SSD, and because it has dual monitor support, plus 4 USB 3.0 ports & actual Gigabit LAN.

I agree. It's too bad the "Pro Pack" upgrade is so steep...

For a corporate Ubuntu/Linux Mint box for under $300 (with those hardware upgrades) it's a real steal...

 

[B-Riz]

BTW, while I mentioned this privately I guess I can state that to overcome my issues with the OEM 32GB Windows config I located a torrent for an OEM image (without bloatware) and used it via prepared, bootable usb flash drive. Naturally I put the drivers from the HP support site on the installer so I was up and running rather quickly.

Of the original 120GB SSD I have 108GB free.

This was SOP for anyone who wanted to do a clean install, and it's not illegal to d/l the images if you have a legit OS key.

MS released what is needed to do this w/o going to torrents back in November 2014.

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-8-news/56837-official-microsoft-iso-media-creation-tool.html

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

[Kaido]

BTW, while I mentioned this privately I guess I can state that to overcome my issues with the OEM 32GB Windows config I located a torrent for an OEM image (without bloatware) and used it via prepared, bootable usb flash drive. Naturally I put the drivers from the HP support site on the installer so I was up and running rather quickly.

Of the original 120GB SSD I have 108GB free.

It's interesting that Microsoft has chosen not to include the OEM Bing version with their MCT software, especially since it appears to (1) BIOS-activate using (2) hardware UUID's for a unique license key (my MINIX keys would not work between the same models), so it's not like there's much risk for pirating the freebie version due to the hardware activation system.

Microsoft has gotten extremely convoluted with their OS & Office licensing. Learning how to license Office 2013 was a major headache, especially if you need to do bulk licenses without a KMS/MAK activation system. Apple, OTOH, now gives away their OS for free & you can simply zap a USB stick and install to any compatible Mac. What a world of difference! I am interesting in seeing what they do with Windows 10...the "free" part scares me because I really have no desire to pay a monthly (or even annual) fee to use my operating system. Even Adobe went that route recently with Adobe Reader DC

 

[B-Riz]

In the spirit of messing with small pre-built systems, has anyone seen this?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.aspx?sku=599985

It can be ordered from the Micro Center Web Store, so it is not impossible to get, but shipping and tax could make it "meh".

$28 shipping, $229 price.

$259 after shipping, plus OH sales tax for me...

 

[ElFenix]

In the spirit of messing with small pre-built systems, has anyone seen this?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.aspx?sku=599985

It can be ordered from the Micro Center Web Store, so it is not impossible to get, but shipping and tax could make it "meh".

$28 shipping, $229 price.

$259 after shipping, plus OH sales tax for me...

that's just a generic slim desktop system.

 

[Kaido]

In the spirit of messing with small pre-built systems, has anyone seen this?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.aspx?sku=599985

It can be ordered from the Micro Center Web Store, so it is not impossible to get, but shipping and tax could make it "meh".

$28 shipping, $229 price.

$259 after shipping, plus OH sales tax for me...

Check out the new MSI Cubi line, starts at $149 barebones:

http://us.msi.com/product/bb/Cubi-Mini-PC-Kit.html#hero-overview

Lots of flexibility: mSATA and/or 2.5" drive, up to 8 gigs of RAM, Celeron/Pentium/i3 models available, includes 802.11ac + BT4.0 + Gigabit + 4x USB 3.0 ports + HDMI & MiniDP ports. More info here:

http://liliputing.com/2015/03/msi-cubi-mini-desktops-available-for-pre-order-for-150-and-up.html

imo this will be the new sub-NUC line for smaller budget builds due to the very low initial asking price for the barebones - a middleman between the Baytrail-T stuff & the BRIX.

 

[B-Riz]

that's just a generic slim desktop system.

True, not as unique as the Stream Mini.

So this is a little bigger, cost more, has more options for expansion, but uses the quad core Bay Trail and still has Windows 8.1.

I would get the Systemax over Acer or Dell equivalents.

If small size is not the number one criteria, this is a solid option.

Just a thought, not trying to convince anyone to drop their Mini's and go Systemax.

 

[B-Riz]

Check out the new MSI Cubi line, starts at $149 barebones:

http://us.msi.com/product/bb/Cubi-Mini-PC-Kit.html#hero-overview

Lots of flexibility: mSATA and/or 2.5" drive, up to 8 gigs of RAM, Celeron/Pentium/i3 models available, includes 802.11ac + BT4.0 + Gigabit + 4x USB 3.0 ports + HDMI & MiniDP ports. More info here:

http://liliputing.com/2015/03/msi-cubi-mini-desktops-available-for-pre-order-for-150-and-up.html

imo this will be the new sub-NUC line for smaller budget builds due to the very low initial asking price for the barebones - a middleman between the Baytrail-T stuff & the BRIX.

I saw those on Tom's Hardware, the Broadwell setup is very appealing.

 

[jugsta]

Hey guys- Long-Time-Lurker (mostly gaming pc builds) here... and I've got a lot to say!

I thought I would join as this seems to be the most active and applicable thread for my recent HP Stream Mini purchase. I liked the idea of getting an easy and affordable htpc/steam-stream machine for a satellite man-cave I have in my house. Already having an HD Homerun Prime with WMC in our family room, I plan to migrate the mini, in the next year or so, to my bedroom for a second output for one of the 3 tuners. I just need the wife's approval which means I have to find a way to hide the TV when we're not using it. Easy, right!?! By the way, I plan to couple it with a pulse-eight HDMI-CEC adapter for simple, one remote HTPC-ing (as I do in my living room). Highly recommended.

Anyways- I purchased the mini not realizing that Windows 8.1 with Bing would be so problematic as it relates to getting Windows Media Center. I actually remembered the $10 upgrade for WMC back when Windows 8 launch and took that information for granted when purchasing the Mini.

I noticed one user found the Pro Pack does work for upgrading Win8.1 Bing. Is this confirmed? Also, I have a spare Windows 7 License (with WMC) and will be looking to see if anyone (Kaido?) has success installing it on this thing. I know that another user (holydiver) said he successfully installed it but didn't describe the way in which he did it. I have a retail copy of win 7 and a mac super drive. I'm just deciding on whether to make the attempt before I open the box on the HP Mini.

Any words of encouragement or warning? As a new parent, I just don't have much time for system building or troubleshooting which is why I may have to send this thing back if it isn't going to be easy or i have to purchase the Pro Pack at $99.

 

[Kaido]

Hey guys- Long-Time-Lurker (mostly gaming pc builds) here... and I've got a lot to say!

I thought I would join as this seems to be the most active and applicable thread for my recent HP Stream Mini purchase. I liked the idea of getting an easy and affordable htpc/steam-stream machine for a satellite man-cave I have in my house. Already having an HD Homerun Prime with WMC in our family room, I plan to migrate the mini, in the next year or so, to my bedroom for a second output for one of the 3 tuners. I just need the wife's approval which means I have to find a way to hide the TV when we're not using it. Easy, right!?! By the way, I plan to couple it with a pulse-eight HDMI-CEC adapter for simple, one remote HTPC-ing (as I do in my living room). Highly recommended.

Anyways- I purchased the mini not realizing that Windows 8.1 with Bing would be so problematic as it relates to getting Windows Media Center. I actually remembered the $10 upgrade for WMC back when Windows 8 launch and took that information for granted when purchasing the Mini.

I noticed one user found the Pro Pack does work for upgrading Win8.1 Bing. Is this confirmed? Also, I have a spare Windows 7 License (with WMC) and will be looking to see if anyone (Kaido?) has success installing it on this thing. I know that another user (holydiver) said he successfully installed it but didn't describe the way in which he did it. I have a retail copy of win 7 and a mac super drive. I'm just deciding on whether to make the attempt before I open the box on the HP Mini.

Any words of encouragement or warning? As a new parent, I just don't have much time for system building or troubleshooting which is why I may have to send this thing back if it isn't going to be easy or i have to purchase the Pro Pack at $99.

First of all, welcome to the forums!

Second, I have another Mini coming in tomorrow, I can test WMC if you'd like (I'm rolling the out for biz use so I haven't done the WMC upgrade myself yet). The Pro Pack upgrade basically boils down to buying the key off Amazon for a hundred bucks, then pasting it into the "get more features" section of the Computer properties page. I'll throw WMC on it as well since I'm not familiar with the process either. Let me know if there's anything you want me to test. I don't have a tuner or CEC adapter, but I can test local & web streaming.

 

[jugsta]

First of all, welcome to the forums!

Second, I have another Mini coming in tomorrow, I can test WMC if you'd like (I'm rolling the out for biz use so I haven't done the WMC upgrade myself yet). The Pro Pack upgrade basically boils down to buying the key off Amazon for a hundred bucks, then pasting it into the "get more features" section of the Computer properties page. I'll throw WMC on it as well since I'm not familiar with the process either. Let me know if there's anything you want me to test. I don't have a tuner or CEC adapter, but I can test local & web streaming.

Hey! Thanks for the help. I'm not too worried about the tuner or CEC adapter once Windows is installed. I've seen plenty of instances of that setup working. I just wasn't sure about about upgrading with the Pro Pack. I thought I had read somewhere that Windows 8.1 with Bing didn't have an upgradable path to Pro. Once you check, I'll have confirmation.

On the other hand, I have a unused Windows 7 (system builder) license and would prefer to use that as it would be totally free. Let me know if you make that attempt.

 

[B-Riz]

Is using Plex an option? https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/topic/137699-hp-stream-mini/

Do you need to just play files or do something more involved?

That could save you from having to buy Pro Pack or put Win 7 on it.

Yes, you should be able to put Win 7 on, drivers from Intel have Win 7 support.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/76977/Intel-NUC-Kit-D54250WYK

The Haswell NUCs are the same innards as these things.

I got my Mini on Friday and have it running right now just trying out simple stuff; if I can figure out how to get into its BIOS settings, I will try a Win 7 install.

 

[Kaido]

Hey! Thanks for the help. I'm not too worried about the tuner or CEC adapter once Windows is installed. I've seen plenty of instances of that setup working. I just wasn't sure about about upgrading with the Pro Pack. I thought I had read somewhere that Windows 8.1 with Bing didn't have an upgradable path to Pro. Once you check, I'll have confirmation.

On the other hand, I have a unused Windows 7 (system builder) license and would prefer to use that as it would be totally free. Let me know if you make that attempt.

Yes, I upgraded my first Mini with Pro Pack last week, worked just fine. Have done it on a half dozen other Baytrail-T Bing models as well. Only thing I haven't tested is loading up WMC.

There were some issues with installing Windows 7 for various reasons1; I haven't tried myself as I am waiting on a USB M.2 drive reader to arrive next month. Ultimately it sounds like we'll have to slipstream some drivers in due to the USB 3.0 ports. However, from playing with these small, low-power computers for the last few weeks, it seems that Windows 8.1 is surprisingly more efficient on underpowered systems than Windows 7 is, so it may be a better choice as the host OS.

 

[jugsta]

Anyone using this for Steam Stream? I would say coupling the Metro UI with Steam Stream (Big Screen Mode) and the forth coming Xbox One Streaming would play really nice together. Tie all that together with the aforementioned HDMI-CEC adapter and wireless receiver for controller input and you could have some extremely small, capable, and incognito satellite entertainment areas.

Is using Plex an option? https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/topic/137699-hp-stream-mini/

Do you need to just play files or do something more involved?

That could save you from having to buy Pro Pack or put Win 7 on it.

Yes, you should be able to put Win 7 on, drivers from Intel have Win 7 support.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/76977/Intel-NUC-Kit-D54250WYK

The Haswell NUCs are the same innards as these things.

I got my Mini on Friday and have it running right now just trying out simple stuff; if I can figure out how to get into its BIOS settings, I will try a Win 7 install.

Unfortunately, WMC is my only option as it is the only software that has the license to decrypt channels that my cable company flags as "copy-once" which happens to be the channels I most commonly view (ESPN, HBO, Etc.).

I would love for KODI to gain the license but it looks unlikely. However, having support for WMC to 2020-2024 should be sufficient. It is far better than the cable boxes and their slow, ugly, locked-down UIs. Hopefully by 2024 the existing cable model will not exist and having custom, integrated PCs will be still be a viable way of accessing all of our media. Then again, it could come to down to apple tv, google play or whatever is relevant at the time. One thing is for sure- people will still want to customize their experience so that gives me hope.

Sorry about the rant. I'll get back on topic. I'm just pretty excited about getting this little guy up and running. There are so many possibilities.

 

[jugsta]

However, from playing with these small, low-power computers for the last few weeks, it seems that Windows 8.1 is surprisingly more efficient on underpowered systems than Windows 7 is, so it may be a better choice as the host OS.

Point taken. I think Metro will be nicer for my application anyways. Now, how to find a cheap license?

 

[Kaido]

Point taken. I think Metro will be nicer for my application anyways. Now, how to find a cheap license?

If you don't mind waiting for shipping, you can buy the keycard at a discount ($75 shipped) from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Pack-Upgrade/dp/B00EDSI7K0

Normal price for both the download version & keycard version is $99; right now the download version is $10 off ($90) and the mail version is $75 ($25 off). Prices fluctuate.