FAQ
Quick Answers
What is the.bawks?
the.bawks is a compact minicomputer designed to adapt to different uses depending on the system card inserted.
Each device includes multiple system cards that allow it to function as:
- Entertainment Center
- Audiophile System
- Retro Gaming System
- Desktop Computer
- Mobile Computer
- Home Cinema
Users can also create their own custom systems and run different operating systems on the same hardware.
How does the.bawks work?
The.bawks runs its operating system from removable SD cards.
Each card contains a complete software environment. When you insert a card and power on the device, the.bawks loads the system stored on that card.
Switching the card allows the device to instantly transform into a different system.
What systems are included?
Each bawks includes three pre-configured environments:
- A desktop system for everyday computing
- A multimedia center for organizing and streaming media
- A gaming environment designed for classic console experiences
Additional systems can be developed or installed by the user.
Can I create my own operating systems for the.bawks?
Yes, the.bawks is designed to be adaptable. Users van create their own operating systems, custom software environments, or development tools.
Do I need technical knowledge to use the.bawks?
No. The included system cards are ready to use out of the box. Simply insert the card and power on the device.
Advanced users can customize or build additional systems if they want to explore more possibilities.
What are the differences between the models?
The three models of the.bawks are built on different hardware, providing different levels of performance.
The g.bawks and e.bawks models provide:
- More processing power
- Greater performance for demanding applications
- Additional expansion capabilities
All models support the same system card concept and overall platform.
See below for a comparison table.
What does "Future Proof" mean?
the.bawks is designed to evolve over time instead of becoming obsolete.
The operating system runs from removable system cards, and new systems can always be developed and installed.
Users also receive ongoing software updates and have the option to upgrade to newer hardware models when they become available.
What is included with the.bawks?
Each unit includes:
- the.bawks hardware that you choose
- Three system cards
- Access to the platform subscription service
Depending on the model you select, the.bawks is built on one of three Hardkernel platforms: the ODROID-C4, ODROID-N2+ (4GB), or ODROID-H4+.
Additional accessories and customizations of the.bawks can be purchased separately through our online store.
Which Users Each bawks Suits
Feature set:
the.bawks is designed to be tailored to your specifications from day one.
Each supported hardware platform provides the core connections needed for everyday use, including USB ports, video output, networking, and expandable storage.
the.bawks
the g.bawks
the e.bawks
Best for Lightweight & Budget Projects
ODROID-C4 includes 4 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, microSD, and eMMC support.
Best ARM Performance / Media / Power Efficiency Balance
ODROID-N2+ includes 4 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, microSD, and eMMC support.
Best for Servers, NAS, and Desktop-Class Work
The ODROID-H4+ adds a more PC-like setup with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, dual 2.5GbE LAN, HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA, and NVMe support.
Who it’s for:
- Beginners learning SBCs
- IoT / embedded projects
- Simple home servers (Pi-hole, small web server)
- Media playback (Kodi, lightweight streaming)
Who it’s for:
- Power users who want maximum ARM performance
- Media center builds (4K playback, streaming boxes)
- Emulation / retro gaming
- Always-on services (Home Assistant, Docker, etc.)
Who it’s for:
- NAS builders (TrueNAS, Unraid, etc.)
- Homelab / virtualization users
- Router / firewall builds
- People who want a mini PC replacement
- Anyone needing Windows support
Why:
- Low power + low cost
- Enough performance for everyday lightweight tasks
- Very stable and simple platform
Why:
- Much faster CPU than C4 (big cores matter a lot)
- Better GPU and multimedia capability
- Excellent thermal stability (runs fast without throttling)
Why:
- x86 compatibility (huge advantage)
- NVMe + 4 SATA drives → serious storage setups
- Dual 2.5GbE → ideal for networking workloads
- Much stronger CPU and GPU than ARM boards
That means the.bawks can be configured as a desktop system, media center, gaming setup, or custom-purpose machine depending on how the user wants to build it.
Comparison Table
the.bawks
g.bawks
e.bawks
Price
$350
$500
$1000
Architecture
ARM (64-bit)
ARM (64-bit, big.LITTLE)
x86-64 (Intel)
CPU
4× Cortex-A55 @ ~2.0 GH
4× Cortex-A73 + 2× A53
Intel N97 (4c/4t, up to ~3.6 GHz)
Performance Tier
Entry–mid
Upper mid (ARM)
High (SBC / mini-PC class)
RAM
4GB DDR4
4GB DDR4
DDR5 (up to ~48GB)
GPU
Mali-G31
Mali-G52 (stronger)
Intel UHD (much stronger)
Storage
microSD / eMMC
microSD / eMMC
NVMe + 4× SATA
Networking
1× Gigabit
1× Gigabit
2× 2.5GbE
USB
4× USB 3.0
4× USB 3.0
2× USB 3.0 + 2× USB 2.0
Display
HDMI 2.0 (4K)
HDMI 2.0 (4K)
HDMI + 2× DP (triple display)
Power Efficiency
Very high (low power)
High
Moderate (higher than ARM)
Cooling
Passive
Passive (excellent thermal design)
Passive or active (depends on build)
OS Support
Linux, Android
Linux, Android
Linux + Windows
Special Features
Well-rounded
Big.LITTLE CPU
SATA, NVMe, dual BIOS, server features
Summary
Simplest and least expensive
Strongest ARM board
Basically a mini PC / server board
Questions & Answers
Add-Ons & Peripherals
the.bawks supports a wide range of accessories and peripherals.
You can pair it with common everyday add-ons such as:
- Keyboards
- Wireless mice
- Wireless remotes
- Gaming controllers
- Wi-Fi adapters
- Bluetooth adapters
- Web cameras
- External storage
- Displays and touchscreens
- Speakers and audio accessories
Our store also groups compatible add-ons into categories including displays, power supplies, cases, connectivity products, cameras, sound, add-on boards, coolers, cables, and memory products.
Can I connect my own accessories?
Yes, the.bawks is built to work with the kinds of peripherals people already use every day. Whether you want a keyboard-and-mouse desktop setup, a living-room media center with a remote, a gaming setup with controllers, or all the aforementioned simultaneously, the.bawks is meant to adapt to your preferred way of using it.
Why is there a subscription?
The subscription ensures that the.bawks remains secure, supported, and continuously improving.
The users receive:
- 24-hour technical support
- Software updates and security improvements
- Annual hardware upgrade eligibility
The ability to request custom mini-applications for the.bawks.
What happens when new hardware models are released?
Users can request an updated version of their device once every 12 months if a newer model within their product tier becomes available.
Can I cancel the subscription?
The subscription is required to maintain platform support, updates, and access to hardware upgrades.
Can I install additional storage?
Yes. Depending on the model, the.bawks supports various storage options such as SD cards, NVMe drives, and other supported expansion storage.
Can the.bawks be portable?
Yes. the.bawks is compact and energy-efficient, making it easy to deploy almost anywhere. It can power a desktop setup, be integrated into a portable laptop-style build, or even run in low-power environments using alternative energy sources like solar. The platform is designed to adapt to whatever configuration the user chooses.
Who is the.bawks designed for?
the.bawks is ideal for people who want flexibility and control over their technology.
It works well for:
- Home users
- Tech enthusiasts
- Retro Gamers
- Developers
- Anyone who prefers adaptable systems over locked ones
Can developers build software for the.bawks?
Yes. Developers can create applications and custom environments designed specifically for the platform. Users can also submit requests for small custom applications, and we can build it for them.
Is the.bawks open to experimentation?
Absolutely. The systems run from removable cards, and therefore users can experiment with different operating systems without affecting the rest of the platform. And should a user manage to “break” something, our 24/7 support will help you fix it.
Is the.bawks difficult to set up?
No, the.bawks is designed to work immediately out of the box.
Simply insert one of the system cards included, connect your display and peripherals, and power on the device. Each system card comes preconfigured so you can start using it right away. Advanced users can customize or create additional system cards, but it is not required to enjoy the.bawks.
What makes the.bawks different from a normal computer?
Most computers are built around a single operating system and a fixed purpose. the.bawks is built as a flexible platform. Instead of replacing your device when your needs change, you can simply switch the system card to transform the device into a different system. The hardware stays the same — only the system changes.
Can the.bawks replace multiple devices?
In many cases, yes. the.bawks can function as:
- A desktop computer
- A multimedia center
- A retro gaming system
- A development environment
- A custom embedded system designed by the user
Many users find that a single bawks system can replace several independent devices.
What if I’m not very technical?
the.bawks is designed to work at multiple levels. If you prefer simplicity, you can use the included system cards exactly as they are. Everything is ready to use.
If you enjoy exploring technology, you can customize the system, create new environments, and experiment with different operating systems.
The platform supports both approaches.
Will the.bawks become outdated quickly?
the.bawks is designed with longevity in mind. The operating system runs from removable system cards, and therefore new environments and improvements can always be added without replacing the device.
Users also receive ongoing software and security updates and have the option to upgrade their hardware every 12 months.
What happens if I need help?
Users have access to technical support 7 days a week. Whether you need help setting up the system, configuring a new environment, or troubleshooting an issue, assistance is available whenever you need it.
Questions & Answers
What payment methods do you accept?
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Do you provide installment options?
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What payment methods do you accept?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vulputate dictum lorem. Nullam porttitor tempor metus, nec mattis neque hendrerit quis. Phasellus egestas vel augue sed condimentum. Donec quis libero lacinia, mollis ante eu, placerat neque. Sed feugiat tincidunt nisi, non bibendum sem porttitor vel.
Do you provide installment options?
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