MiniPC GF800 brings dual displays down to size

Japanese manufacturer MiniPC (not to be confused with AOpen's MiniPCs) has introduced yet another build-to-order PC for those who consider size to be a top priority, this one particularly notable for its dual display capabilities. That comes courtesy of the box's dual DVI and VGA ports, which are unfortunately tied to a relatively underpowered Intel 945GM integrated graphics card -- meaning you likely won't be taking one of these to your next LAN party. Otherwise, the system's about as configurable as the space will allow, with anything from a Celeron to Core 2 Duo processor, up to 2GB of RAM, and as big a 3.5-inch hard drive as you can get your hands on. Of course, you'll pay a bit of a premium for all that compactness, with the bare bones unit setting you back 71,400 Yen ($590), and a decently configured box with a Core 2 Duo T7600 processor, 1GB RAM, and a 250GB hard drive running you 190,500 Yen, or just under $1,600.

[Via Akihabara News]

[OBM @ Feb 23rd 2007 3:00PM]

I'm glad the whole Mini Pc market is getting the credit it deserves, I love making mini PCs and the things you can show them in for cases. I await the pico ITX board, then there will be fun :P

[Leonard Nimrod @ Feb 23rd 2007 3:53PM]

Holy crap! I thought AOpen's miniPC was expensive, but this is the cost of the Mac mini a without even including a HDD, RAM, or a CPU.

[Kevlar @ Feb 23rd 2007 4:18PM]

Yes, but can the Mac Mini support dual monitors? I imagine this PC is aimed at the relatively small market of people who are space conscious, but still need the screen real-estate.

[Leonard Nimrod @ Feb 23rd 2007 4:43PM]

Are separate digital and analog monitor setups a selling point for people?

In order to use dual monitors, you have to use the DVI-D and the VGA in unison and, from what I confusingly read on their website due to some syntax errors, you'll need to do some configuring to get digital and analog monitors running off the same GPU.

"The DVI port is DVI-D which does not have analog output. In order to construct the dual monitor, it is necessary to prepare 1 the monitor each of analog input correspondence and the monitor of digital input correspondence."

Most people don't need two separate displays, and both of the machines mentions will power 30" displays fine, despite the typical feelings about Intel integrated GPUs; I have found that a larger monitor is much more useful than multiple monitors.

It would be cheaper, easier, to just buy a notebook with DVI output if you wanted a dual monitors and a small form factor.

Seriously, I don't see how they could ever sell more than a couple thousand units.

[Woolly Mittens @ Feb 23rd 2007 11:34PM]

You can buy one hell of a laptop for that money. With a decent Ati Mobility GPU, a screen built in and an extra DVI-connector. I don't get this mini-pc's at all in comparison.

[Tristan @ Feb 25th 2007 2:50AM]

Does this mean there finally is a mini pc that can power my 24 inch monitor?