When we first reviewed the Kangaroo mobile desktop from InFocus, we were immediately attracted to its affordability and compact size, but ultimately, the device’s main concession was its low-end performance and limited storage. Fortunately, InFocus has apparently transformed its criticisms into improvements with a slightly more expensive model boasting better hardware.
Now, rather than packing a mere 2GB of RAM and 32GB of built-in eMMC storage, the Kangaroo Plus doubles both to a more acceptable 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space, for $170. Everything else, however, remains unchanged.
The new version includes everything else found in the base model, such as an Intel Atom x5-Z8500 Cherry Trail processor, a built-in fingerprint scanner, a detachable dock sporting an HDMI port, and an integrated battery that lasts up to four hours, for when you want to use it as a hotspot (or project it onto an iPad screen) while on the go.
Additionally, the tiny 3×2-inch PC, without the dock accessory attached, bears one micro USB 2.0 port, a microSDXC card reader, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, as well as Bluetooth 4.0.
Unlike the original model, which came with Windows 10 pre-installed, this one — for whatever reason — omits an operating system completely. While the Kangaroo Plus retains support for both Windows 10 and Linux, it doesn’t actually ship with either of them installed. Instead, if you want to run Windows 10 on the device, it appears as though you’ll have to purchase it yourself.
We reached out to InFocus for comment on its exclusion of Windows 10 on this version of Kangaroo, to which a representative responded.
“We are answering the market request for an option that allows users to install their own operating system. We will still offer the Kangaroo original version with Windows 10 for people who want an all-in-one, integrated experience out of the box. However, we chose to offer an option with a customizable operating system because we’ve seen demand for this version. If you want to do it yourself, you can. If you want an integrated product, we have that version too.”
While a Windows 10-equipped version of the Kangaroo Plus does exist, it’s listed on Newegg for $260, nearly $100 more than the OS-deficient variant. Nonetheless, if you want to install an operating system for yourself, you can do that with the $170 version, available for purchase here.
