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barebones posts

VIA's ARTIGO A2000 wants to be your own private server

by Laura June posted Dec 10th 2008 at 11:25AM

VIA's new ARTIGO A2000 is a low-power barebones masquerading as a miniscule server. The squat PC features a 1.5GHz VIA C7-D CPU atop the company's VX800 chipset, a whopping single slot for DDR2 RAM (up to 2GB), two 3.5-inch SATA II drive bays, bootable CF support, gigabit Ethernet (as well as an optional 802.11b/g module), a slew of USB ports, and the rest of the familiar jacks, nozzles, and switches. The company is aiming the system squarely at BitTorrenters and those in need of lightweight file serving, and with supposedly low-noise fan and small power footprint, we can't say we disagree. No word on price or street date -- but you'll know more when we do.

Update: Looks like the ARTIGO's going to sell for $299 and that it'll be available by the end of January of 2009.

[Via SlashGear]

China Mobile could deactivate 3G / WiFi on iPhone 3G launch

by Darren Murph posted Sep 26th 2008 at 3:31AM

Currently, over 400,000 unlocked iPhones are roaming around China. Now that China Mobile is about to officially launch Apple's latest handset in the world's most populous country, we can only imagine that figure going up. In a bizarre twist of trying to keep a homegrown 3G standard (TD-SCDMA) alive, the carrier has announced that it is intending to launch the mobile with WiFi and 3G disabled -- a move that would make it less appealing to those who may be considering buying one, unlocking it and using it on the expected W-CDMA network from China Telecom. Uncool, China Mobile. Very uncool.

[Via mocoNews]

MSI Wind barebones desktop now available to order

by Donald Melanson posted Aug 20th 2008 at 5:59PM

This one looks to have actually slipped into availability a few days ago but, for those that don't make visits to Newegg.com part of their daily routine, you may be interested to know that the barebones version of MSI's Wind desktop PC is now available to order for the low, low price of $139.99. That'll get you the ever-present 1.6GHz Atom processor, along with Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, 8-channel audio, a generous six USB ports, a 4-in-1 media card reader, a CF card slot, and VGA output, but no hard drive, RAM, or optical drive. Unlike the forthcoming full-fledged Wind desktop, this one also looks to only be available in basic black, but it does at least come with a stand that'll let you use it upright.

[Via Computer Monger]

How-to guide illustrates process of upgrading your laptop

by Darren Murph posted Apr 25th 2008 at 9:31AM

Conjuring up your own desktop is pretty far down on the list of "world's most difficult tasks," but actually building your own laptop is another thing entirely. As we've seen with Ben Heck's creations, assembling a lappie rather than buying a pre-fabricated model is a serious undertaking, and while Computer Shopper's guide to constructing your own is more of an "upgrade an existing" walk-through, it's still chock full of interesting tidbits. Ever had the urge to snap up a barebones lap warmer and have your way with it? Head on down to the read link, and don't be afraid of getting your hands covered in thermal adhesive, okay?

Shuttle's Linux-based KPC desktop gets reviewed

by Darren Murph posted Mar 24th 2008 at 9:10PM

It's not often we see a desktop surrounded by hordes of folks just waiting for reviews in order to pull the trigger (or not), but Shuttle's Foresight Linux-based KPC is one of those machines. The Celeron 430-powered box actually managed to hold its own, and oftentimes best, an overclocked 3.2GHz Pentium 4 rig in a number of everyday tasks (read: Office use, web browsing, etc.), and of course, accessing the internals in order to load in upgrades of your own was a lesson in simplicity. All in all, the KPC seemed to be a bargain for the price, particularly if you've got a spare mouse, keyboard and monitor already collecting dust and scouting a new partner in crime. Check out the read link to see precisely how this bugger scored an 8.0 out of 10 from Computer Shopper.

Shuttle's KPC ready for prime time, starts at $299 for a ready-made unit

by Paul Miller posted Mar 16th 2008 at 7:55AM

It sounds like Shuttle was being a little optimistic in January when it promised a $99 barebones PC and a $199 version with a full complement of internals and a Linux OS. That said, the KPC is still a decent deal, with the K45 barebones kit including quite a bit to be getting on with for $199, and the K4500 pre-configured system offering an Intel Celeron 430 processor, 512MB of RAM, an 80GB HDD and Foresight Linux pre-installed. Other perks that are present even in the barebones kit include Intel GMA 950 graphics, gigabit Ethernet, 5.1 audio, WiFi and a decent bit of room to grow. Newegg should start selling the K45 this weekend, while Shuttle will be selling a user configurable K4500 soon.

[Thanks, Curtis B.]

VIA's ARTIGO Pico-ITX ultra-compact barebones

by Joshua Topolsky posted Dec 10th 2007 at 10:15AM

If you've been wanting to break into the exciting, fast-paced, cut-throat world of ultra-compact desktop PC construction, but didn't know where to begin, VIA has got your number. The company has just launched the ARTIGO Pico-ITX builder kit, a complete VIA-based system that you can snap together in the privacy of your own home. The bundle includes a Pico-ITX motherboard with a VIA C7 1GHz CPU, support for up to 1GB of RAM, IDE and eSATA connectors, VGA output, four USB ports, audio line in / out jacks, and 10/100 ethernet. The package includes everything but a hard drive and memory, and is available right now for around $300. Check the video after the break and experience the joy of construction.

[Thanks, Stewart]

Continue reading VIA's ARTIGO Pico-ITX ultra-compact barebones

Shuttle's new XPC barebones get hooked up with HDMI and DTS

by Joshua Topolsky posted Aug 23rd 2007 at 6:40PM

Sure, it may not look that different than previous Shuttle offerings, but the company's new XPC Barebone SN68PTG6 rocks quite a few under-the-hood features that might make you take a second glance. The first model in the company's G6 line features AMD Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64, and Sempron processor support, an NVIDIA GeForce 7050PV graphics chipset, a PCI and PCI-E X16 slot, up to 4GB of RAM, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, USB Speed-Link, and a built-in fingerprint scanner, plus a whole batch of ports including USB, Gigabit LAN, Firewire, and eSATA. The system really gets interesting on the audio and video end -- especially if you're looking for some media center options -- as it includes eight-channel HD audio with DTS support and an HDMI output (in addition to the standard D-SUB jack). Shuttle also offers a stripped down version of the system called the SN68PTG5, which axes the WiFi, amongst other things. The system will be available in the next few with weeks, with the SN68PTG6 clocking in at €315 ($427), and the SN68PTG5 at €239 ($324).

[Via casedesigns]

Shuttle intros barebones XPC Glamor Series SN68SG

by Donald Melanson posted Jul 27th 2007 at 8:13AM

They may not stray far from their tried and true design, but the folks at Shuttle sure seem to be keeping up a steady pace with their barebones PC, to which they've now added the AMD-based XPC Glamor Series SN68SG. Designed around the NVIDIA GeForce 7025/630a chipset, this one will support the latest AMD AM2 multi-core processors, along with up to 4GB of RAM, and some SATA2 or eSATA hard drives of your choosing. While you won't get 10 USB ports like some Shuttle systems, you will get an ample six, along with a pair of Firewire ports. No word on price, but we wouldn't expect it to put too much of a hurt on your bank account.

[Via PCLaunches]

Shuttle's XPC SG33G5M barebone sports HDMI, VFD display

by Darren Murph posted Jul 19th 2007 at 5:23PM

If you like your PC hardware to be wrapped in only the glitziest, most showy enclosure that money can buy, Shuttle's latest XPC isn't exactly numero uno, but it can certainly hold its own if you aren't willing to spend a fortune. This SFF chassis is built around Intel's G33 Express chipset, can accommodate up to 4GB of DDR2-800 memory, touts an HDCP-compliant HDMI port, and also includes a snazzy integrated VFD display on the front for wowing your guests. Additionally, you'll find onboard GMA 3100 graphics, a 7.1 audio chip with Dolby Digital Live! and DTS Connect certifications, gigabit Ethernet, an infrared remote, I.C.E. heatpipe cooling system, and a 250-watt SilentX power supply. Mmm, hot stuff for "just" €328 ($453).

[Via CaseDesigns]

Shuttle's XPC SG33G5 hearts HD, touts HDMI port

by Darren Murph posted Jun 22nd 2007 at 8:14PM

Before Shuttle goes and entertains any potential bids to sell itself, it's answering the demands of HTPC admirers hankering for a small-form-factor barebones system that integrates well into an AV setup. The SG33G5, straight from the egotistical Glamor series, sports an Intel G33 Bearlake chipset, 250-watt power supply, supports Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad Intel CPUs, handles up to 4GB of RAM, and features the company's own I.C.E. cooling technology. Furthermore, you'll find a PCI Express slot, Intel's GMA 3100 graphics set (weak, we know), 7.1-channel audio, Dolby Digital / DTS support, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, SATA compatibility, VGA output, and the obligatory HDCP-compatible HDMI port. Of course, picking up a quasi-stripped box in order to snag the HD DVD / Blu-ray drive of your choice won't come cheap, as the currently available SG33G5 will set you back a whopping €303 ($405) right from the start.

[Via PCLaunches]

Gallery: Shuttle's XPC SG33G5 hearts HD, touts HDMI port

Alienware P2 barebones on offer

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jun 19th 2007 at 9:15PM

In an unusual move for a company known to cram cases full of bleeding-edge components for hardware overachievers, Alienware is offering their wildly popular (and expensive) P2 ATX case barebones style. What will the $399 price tag get you? A black or silver case, "Astral Blue" lighting, a 700-watt power-supply, and... not much else. Hey, with the money you have left you can load this bad-boy up with a 486 and 64MB of RAM.

Asus reveals full specs for C90 customizable laptop

by Evan Blass posted Jun 18th 2007 at 2:35PM

Those of us who cringe at paying bloated prices for the privilege of having our computers built by the Dells and HPs of the world have long been looking forward to ASUS' upcoming C90 barebones laptop: its so-called D-door design finally gives mobile users some of the same ability for customization that desktop modders have had for years. Well the fast-growing Taiwanese manufacturer has just revealed the full specs for this anticipated device, which we now know to support Core 2 Extreme processors up to the 2.93GHz X6800, up to 3GB of 800MHz DDR2 RAM, your choice of MXM-compatible graphics solutions, and whatever optical drives and storage space you happen to need. Still no word on a release unfortunately, although if we can believe an eBay seller already putting it up for preorder, we should be seeing the 15.4-inch, WSXGA+ C90 hit stores within the next few days for under a grand.

[Via PCLaunches]

Shuttle X38-based desktop spotted at Computex

by Darren Murph posted Jun 5th 2007 at 9:16AM

It looks like blistering fast DDR3 RAM and new Draft 2.0-spec 802.11n gear aren't the only new wares taking the stage at Computex, as an X38-based SX38P3 Deluxe was spotted comfortably residing within a Shuttle XPC. Of course, this isn't the first motherboard news coming from the Shuttle camp of late, but the camera-wielding crew at HotHardware was able to snap a few shots of the new flagship system all the while. The SX38P3 will reportedly replace the SD37PV2 as Shuttle's high-end Intel based barebone system, and will sport a single PCI Express x16 slot alongside a vanilla PCI slot -- something the SD37PV2 lacked and received healthy amounts of criticism for. Interestingly, the rear of the machine purportedly held no legacy ports whatsoever, instead opting for six USB 2.0 connectors in hopes that you've upgraded your input peripherals and printer relatively recently. As expected, no availability and pricing details were to be had, but feel free to click on through for more sneak peeks at the newfangled rig.

[Via Inquirer]

Continue reading Shuttle X38-based desktop spotted at Computex

ASUS' C90S whitebook laptop: upgradeable everything

by Thomas Ricker posted Apr 5th 2007 at 8:01AM

Not every mag has the option of hitting up the corporate headquarters for their hands-on shots. So check NotebookReview who managed to pull the C90S out their hat while tooling about the ASUS headquarters in Taiwan. Yup, that's their new ASmobile C90S barebone laptop up there which offers far more expansion options than your average bear. Everything -- we mean everything (according to ASUS) -- can be configured and later upgraded to your liking right on down to your choice of processor, MXM graphics, and 15.4-inch LCDs. Now get out of here kid and check the pics after the read link. We're not expecting this to ship until midish-Mayish but you'll need the time to convince your CIO that platform upgrades -- not leases -- are the way of the future.