Computers

Tango PC promises desktop functionality in a pocketable package

Tango PC promises desktop functionality in a pocketable package
Tango promises to be one of the most portable PC solutions on the market
Tango promises to be one of the most portable PC solutions on the market
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Tango promises to be one of the most portable PC solutions on the market
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Tango promises to be one of the most portable PC solutions on the market

It seems like every single PC builder is looking to make a device that works in the living room. Even PC gaming giant Valve is trying with the introduction of its Steam Machines. A new entry is coming to the market called Tango, and as far as size goes, this thing is positively tiny.

The Tango PC is only 4.9 inches long, 3.15 inches wide, and 0.5 inches thick (125 x 80 x 13.5 mm). That would certainly be small enough to carry around in most pockets, which is something one would not be able to do with most traditional PCs, even of the laptop variety.

The reason Tango is able to be made so small is because of the separate docking system it uses, which houses all of the necessary ports such as USB, HDMI, ethernet, AV, and power. A user jacks the portable part into the dock, and that is what allows the computer to actually function.

Each PC can be used with multiple docks, allowing the same one to be used in multiple locations. The dock itself is not much larger than the actual PC, coming with dimensions of 5.3 inches long, 5.3 inches wide, and 1.06 inches tall (135 x 135 x 27 mm). Wi-Fi is also built in, meaning no additional dongles are required.

While the Tango team's stated aim is to create device as "powerful and as functional as a desktop," its small footprint means it's using laptop hardware rather than full-sized desktop components. The specs are modest, coming with an AMD A6-5200 Quad Core 2GHz processor with an integrated GCN GPU HD8400. This means that high-end PC games are not going to run on it, but the creators have demoed it running Call of Duty 4 (a shooter from 2007), and it seems to run well. Looking at some benchmarks, games like COD: Ghosts will run at about 14 FPS, Battlefield 4 at 20 FPS, and Assassin's Creed IV at about 15 FPS; all unplayable frame rates.

Additional specs include a single DDR3 RAM socket with support for 2-8 GB of memory, and a SATA III mSATA SSD socket that can support a solid state drive.

Tango included a small battery that allows the device to suspend when removed from a docking station and resume right where a user left off when plugged in again. If the system is left in standby mode for more than a few hours, it automatically moves the data over the to disk and goes into hibernation to prevent any loss.

The video below shows the Tango being demonstrated at CES 2014.

Tango PC - Take it with you everywhere! #AMDCES

A key thing the folks behind the device point out is that in spite of it being enclosed in a tiny box, it can be opened and upgraded. Users simply pop the RAM or HDD out and place a new one in. This is something PC users are accustomed to, so it could prove to be a major selling point for the device going forward.

A concern that Tango has addressed is heat. There are no fans on the portable device itself. Instead, it uses proprietary technology to transfer heat from the PC into the docking station, where a heatsink and fan are located. Time will tell how well this actually cools the system, but in theory, the design makes sense.

Tango Team promises support for Linux, Chrome OS, and full Windows 7 and 8 certification. This also means Steam OS could be installed, making for an incredibly tiny Steam Machine.

The creators of Tango are seeking funding on Indiegogo. Their campaign has already exceeded its US$100,000 goal, with time reaming in the funding period. The minimum pledge required to receive a Tango and docking station is US$299, and it includes 4GB of RAM, a 32GB mSATA SSD drive, and a Windows 7 Home Premium trial edition. The company is expecting to deliver the PCs top backers in April of 2014.

The video below provides more information on the Tango PC.

Source: Tango PC, Indiegogo

Tango PC - www.tangopc.com

9 comments
9 comments
Slowburn
A little box that has to be put into a big box to get any use out of it. How does this make it portable?
piperTom
I agree with Slowburn. I already have a portable device with lots of compute power and which is functional when not docked. Better use of the docking would be enhanced keyboard/display and connectivity.
Tiny Tango
One can replace desktops, HTPCs and consoles with a single device, and carry in the pocket. Docking stations are not expensive.
Jamie Walker
Looks nice but from what I see, it fails the meeting room test. How do I take it to a meeting with any number of other people and use this without having to haul around the docking station as well. Until they resolve this problem, it doesn't meet my needs.
Isaac Hanninen
take that in expensive docking station and have one set up in the confrance room. you take the tange and then turn it on. seems easy to have multiple docks all over the place
Grunchy
Interesting -- but not as good as the HDMI dongle computers (Android).
Those devices plug into an HDMI socket and have a USB cable for power, and they work with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
The Android computers can be taken anywhere and plugged in to any HDMI screen.
Ed
With most docking stations or port replicators costing under $200, I can't see this docking station being so cheap...When your technology product uses terms like "proprietary technology" That's a hundred bucks right there.
Azell
Like other UMPCs, what is not talked about is what monitors can be used i.e those that are battery or AC/DC powered, the size, resolution ratios.
Alan
DjEdgeBlaid
The Tango PC was a good Idea until they started making us wait now 4 months after delivery. no true communication from the staff or expected release date. backers are getting mad and wanting a refund and they are stopping me from telling everyone how to get a refund. here is how:
just email the support or social@tango.com with your paypal email and that you are wanting a refund on your contribution (i gave all info on what I got).