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The first criticism I have of the HP 260 G1 is that it will not get Windows 10 in the immediate future, and from what I understand, this is because of its low on-board storage capacity. So if you are considering the HP 260 G1 and want to get Windows 10 ASAP, that is unlikely to happen.
I would probably have preferred to swap the keyboard and the mouse for an integrated Wi-Fi card that would slot in the free Mini PCIe card slot.
The Intel 7260.HMWWB (£12 at Amazon) would go a great job since it adds 802.11ac connectivity as well as Bluetooth 4.0, both lacking in the 260 G1 (and it would do so without the need for an external antenna).
So who is the HP 260 G1 destined for? Well, it will appeal to anyone who wants to have an affordable system that is more powerful than standard Bay Trail parts, one that runs out of the box (unlike an NUC) and can be happily stored in a corner.
Compared to the Pipo X7, it is a better all-rounder thanks to a more powerful processor, but this HP effort loses out in terms of connectivity.
We liked
The HP 260 G1 is a great all-rounder product which is perfect for light tasks either in an office environment or in the home. Because it is part of HP's business range, it comes with better-than-average support – that's next business day service for parts and labour as well as free 24x7 telephone support. We also appreciate the presence of DisplayPort and VGA which allows the box to cover a wider spectrum of displays, even if that requires adaptors.
We disliked
Some might have preferred to have a bigger storage option in lieu of the SSD. The lack of Bluetooth and wireless is a sore point although not a fatal one as you can always upgrade within minutes.
Final verdict
There's a lot to like about the HP 260 G1; true, it is not perfect and of course given the price, there have been concessions made. However, none of them are deal breakers and once prospective buyers understand that they are not buying a £500 computer, but one that costs less than most smartphones, this little bundle of joy will make for a lot of happy owners.
