LattePanda Alpha and Max Windows and OsX (Bangs in a can)

Hi Maxers
I'm creating a new post on a response I gave to another thread (https://cycling74.com/forums/running-max-on-a-udoo-x86-ii-ultra) for visibility and also reviving the old 'bangs in a can thread'.
There have been many posts over the years about running Max in small form factor computers to avoid having to carry a laptop for self contained instruments. The best (and tested) solution I have found is the LattePanda Alpha 864.

LattePanda Alpha. Intel Core m3-8100Y processor and 8GB of Ram, and built in Arduino Leonardo in a board about the same size as the ArduinoL itself. I have installed OsX Mojave successfully on 5 for different projects. Everything works flawlessly with the exceptions below:

BlueTooth/WiFi. Not a deal breaker as external USB dongles with OsX drivers do work without issues.

Built-In Sound/HDMI sound. This is annoying and reported to have been patched but I haven't had time to test patches. Not a big problem for me so far as I would always use a USB soundcard instead of the headphone out or HDMI audio.

Built-in 64GB eMMC. This is not supported by OsX so you need an M.2 SSD to install OsX. This is also not a dealbreaker as you can get cheap SSDs that are faster than the built in storage, also allows you to double boot OsX and Windows easily. For Max, it is great as you can use all the OsX only externals or boot into windows if you want to use DiabloDale's kinect externals, or do some visuals with vvvv, etc.

In terms of performance, it is comparable to a 2017 macbook (not macbook pro), since they have pretty much the same processor.

For simple installations and small projects, I would still go for a RaspberryPi and take the extra annoyance of using PD for the cheaper price. The PandaAlpha I use for more complex patches that basically are built into the instrument itself. Completely different targets, I think of the Panda more as a Bela on Steroids due to beefier processor, with the ease of use of a normal laptop with my choice of OS (of course it also runs linux).

It is pricer than the UDOO but some might find advantages.

For a comparison of the processor on both SBCs: http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/172/Intel_Core_m3_m3-8100Y_vs_Intel_Mobile_Pentium_N3710.html

Not affiliated, sponsored or in anyway connected to DfRobot, just someone that has been looking for a small factor computer for years who is currently very satisfied with the results.

- Miguel