I've posted about both of these laptops in the past. This is more of a product review but also a comparison of two similar products. One is a Jumper product, and the other is a Chuwi product. Both companies specialize in budget laptops from China.
Back in 2019, I can't believe it has been that long, I purchased the Jumper EZ Book. My Dell laptop crapped the bed at the worst time imaginable. These things never happen at a good time, but at this particular moment, funds were really tight. Crypto winter was still running strong with no signs of a reversal. Funds were low and there was very little extra cash for a new laptop. I set out to find the most affordable laptop that I could.
At the time of purchase, I believe I paid about $175 for this laptop. I was very hesitant to buy a cheap Chinese laptop. Most people I spoke to warned me against it. Still, for $175 I decided to take a chance. It had everything I wanted in a laptop. Metal case, backlit keyboard, acceptable hard drive space, enough memory to get most jobs done, and decent size at 14 inches.
The first one they sent had an issue with video playback. Youtube, or any online streaming service would crash the computer. I was so bummed because I loved everything about it when it arrived, but video playback in this day and age is kind of a necessity, it was definitely a deal breaker. I called Amazon, who transferred me to tech support for Jumper. We concluded something was wrong and they offered a refund or replacement. After inspecting the laptop and loving everything about it, I told them to send a replacement. I really wanted to like this laptop. It was exactly what I was looking for.
When the second computer arrived it was really everything I thought it would be and much more. At $175 I wasn't expecting much. Many of my Twitter pals mocked me for buying such a cheap computer. Honestly, the thing was perfect for me. I could write blog posts, stream video and music, check email, code, web design, and the most important test, trade crypto with enough power to have multiple exchanges opened in multiple windows. At times, this can get resource intensive, and the Jumper rose to the occasion and exceeded my expectations.
The only gripe I had and rightfully so, was the keyboard felt cheap and flimsy for some reason. Not to my surprise about two years later, the keyboard stopped working. In all fairness though, I'm brutal on keyboards. It did last two years of extremely heavy use without issue though.
By this time crypto was rallying again and I ordered a gaming computer from ROG (Republic of Gaming ASUS). I did end up fixing the keyboard though, and I used the Jumper as a secondary computer for emergency use or anytime I needed a small laptop on the go.
Recently, after finally retiring the Chromebook I was using. I've dedicated the Jumper to streaming music online, mp3 and mp4 playing, and it gets used as a clock radio. It doesn't have enough resources for current Windows updates, and Linux doesn't play well with all it's proprietary drivers :(
Overall, the Jumper was a decent cheap computer. For the $175 I paid for it. I don't have any complaints. The WiFi was a bit slow and glitchy at times, the keyboard definitely had issues. In the end, however, it did its intended job and really exceeded my expectations. Again, for $175 for a brand-new computer, I wasn't expecting much.
Let's Talk Chuwi
I'd been using my gaming computer for almost everything. Between that and the Jumper for a laptop, I was getting along just fine. When I started the reselling business at the end of last year, I decided it might be a good time to invest in a better laptop. After 3 years, the Jumper was starting to become unreliable and was getting a little too slow for my needs.
I started shopping around. I wasn't in a hurry. I wanted something small, with a metal case, and powerful enough to handle my needs. The one thing I liked about the Jumper is that it had all the luxuries of a higher-end computer but at a much more affordable price. Amazon suggested a Chuwi in their search results. I believe it was one of those lightning deals. I forget how much I paid but I know it was well under $300. I think it was around $249 to $275 on sale.
After my experience with the Jumper EZ-Book, I decided to give the Chuwi GemiBook a try. Again, ordering on Amazon, if it sucked, I knew I could send it back. The price was right and it had everything I wanted! Chinese manufacturers know how to give the customer what they want at an affordable price. Again, steel case, decent memory, and processor, Win10, gorgeous display, backlit keyboard... It really had all the bells and whistles.
Again, for the price, I couldn't be happier with this thing. I read several reviews that compared Jumper and Chuwi. They seem to be the leading budget laptop makers in China. Most reviews said the same thing, Chuwi is a slightly better product and I have to agree. The computer just feels stronger. The keyboard feels much better and is a little more responsive. I will admit though, I try to be gentler on my keyboard these days. I'm very mindful as I type not to smash down the keys or get over-exuberant as I type. I'm tired of killing keyboards, especially on my laptops. Still, the keyboard felt much better on this one.
For a budget laptop, I can't complain at all. As a matter of fact, if they keep making laptops like this, my next laptop will probably be a Chuwi as well. I'm really sold on this thing. For the price, the performance is spectacular and you really get a lot for your money.
Every time I think of the name I think of this.
I wonder if there's a way to hack the splash screen so it loads this gif next to the name and makes a Chewbacca sound. That would be pretty badass. Maybe if I install Linux down the road, I'll figure it out.
That is my only gripe with this laptop and the other one. When researching this laptop I discovered it was very Linux-friendly. I love me a GNU/Linux laptop. However, for the life of me, I couldn't get it to boot from the USB. I have no idea what I was doing wrong, and several users in different forums stated they had no issues. I then found a thread that stated some of the computers had a weird bios. Naturally, that's the one I got.
I'm currently OK with Windows, but eventually, when the computer starts to glitch on Windows and they all do as they get old. I'll figure it out and get another year or so out of it with a Linux install.
The one thing I learned from both this computer and the Jumper, is that Chinese laptops don't play well with Linux. At least, Jumper and some Chuwi models. Chuwi is much more Linux friendly though. So if you're a GNU/Linux die-hard, you probably want to go with a Chuwi over the Jumper. A little research should reveal which models play well with Linux. They also have Linux models, which might be a better option for someone looking for that type of laptop. First time I've ever had issues with a Linux install though.
Would I Buy Another Chinese Laptop?
Yes, yes I would. As a matter of fact, Chuwi may even be my go-to brand from here on out. So far, I've been using it close to daily. It's my laptop that I use at the kitchen table. It travels with me on the motorcycle in my backpack, thus the need for the metal case. It accompanies me to coffee shops and bubble tea locations. At night, when watching TV, this is the computer I'm trading on, replying to Hive posts, and surfing the net. I would definitely buy another Chinese laptop and most definitely I would look at another Chuwi.
However, Linux will be a must-have on the next purchase. With that said, Chuwi offers several Linux laptops, preinstalled. My next purchase will probably be one of those. Then there should be no issues. I really miss running Linux. My gaming computer is Windows as well. I need me some GNU/Linux in my life.
In the end, if you're tight on funds and looking for a decent inexpensive laptop, I wouldn't hesitate to shop the Chinese brands. Just like any brand, some are better than others. Overall though, for the price, you tend to get A LOT for the money spent.