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Raspberry Pi 2 announced with substantial hardware upgrades
While Raspberry Pi fans were told to expect a brand new board somewhere around 2017, it turns out that wasn't quite true. This is the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B: a substantial upgrade from the Model B+ that will go on sale later today for $35/£25. The new board has some fundamental upgrades that could well warrant the upgrade for existing Raspberry Pi dabblers -- that is, if smaller wasn't better. Raspberry Pi Foundation lead Eben Upton told The Register that the new Model B "is a usable PC now." A fact borne out by official support for Windows 10. "You could use a Raspberry Pi 1 as a PC but you had to say 'this is a great PC in so far as it cost me 35 bucks'. We've removed the caveat that you had to be a bit forgiving with it. Now it's just good."
J&W announces M001 Cedar Trail nettop, to keep desks and ears happy
If you like your computing to be neither seen, nor heard (or less seen and less heard), J&W has announced another bantam slab of nettop for your consideration. On the inside there's a choice of Cedar Trail D2550, N2800 and N2600 dual-core options, with support for up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Diminutive machines don't mean lack of I/O, and in this case you'll be getting three USB ports, a multicard reader, LAN, HDMI, VGA and RS232. Fanlesstech points out that it's actually a nano-ITX system, which measuring in at only 135 x 128 x 45 mm means it can be tucked away into even more convenient crevices. Just make sure not to hide it away too securely, else that 802.11.n WiFi might suffer.
Stealth unveils the LPC-670 mini-PC: small in size, vast in price
Stealth has been in the compact computing game for some time, and the company has just rolled out its most powerful pint-sized PC to date, the LPC-670. Packing Intel's Arrandale Core i5-520M, Core i5-580M, or Core i7-620M silicon, up to 8GB DDR3 RAM, a DVD or Blu-ray burner, a max 750GB 2.5-inch HDD or 128GB SSD, optional 802.11g WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and DVI connections, Stealth's new mini-PC has the brawn of much bigger machines. The price of such lilliputian luxury? An account-emptying $1650, and that's just for the base model -- check the right option boxes and the final tally will run you over three grand. That should ensure the customer base will be just like the machine itself... tiny. Press release is after the break. %Gallery-120754%
Dreamplug is the low-powered, lilliputian PC for people with really boring dreams
Sure, tiny-ass PCs are nothing new, but as power increases and prices drop, things definitely get more interesting. Take, for instance, Globalscale's DreamPlug: your hard earned $150 will get you a 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva ARM processor, 512MB of DDR 2 (800MHz) RAM, 1GB storage, not one but two gigabit ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA 2.0 port, SD card slot, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth, and a headphone jack. And it all sits in the plug itself! And it draws a scant five watts of power. Of course, this isn't gonna replace your trusty desktop, but we're sure you can think of all sorts of clever uses for this bad boy. Set to start shipping sometime this month, hit the source link to get started.
Linutop 3 out to seduce minimalists, cheapskates
We know we expend a lot of digital ink talking about oomph and va va voom, but sometimes you just need a computer you can give to your old grandpappy and let him go wild with the Reader's Digest online edition. The Linutop 3, sporting a custom Linux OS atop a blistering 1GHz VIA C7 CPU, 1GB of RAM and a tremendously capacious 2GB SSD, is just that sort of machine. It asks for a mere €340 ($485) and 20 watts of power, and lets you expand storage by adding an internal hard drive or plugging a memory stick into one of six available USB ports. Sure, you're unlikely to use it for more than the bundled Open Office and Firefox applications, but have you considered this thing's potential after bumping that clock multiplier and dipping the whole thing in liquid nitrogen? Have you? [Via The Register]
Marvell's SheevaPlug Linux PC fits in its power adapter
Marvell has the technology and the vision, and if the company gets its way the world will soon be overrun by lilliputian Linux machines. Hiding in wall warts and the like, these guys will begin quietly taking over tasks that we once relegated to servers and desktop machines. To this end, the company has just announced that they'll be making the SheevaPlug dev kit available. This is the platform that PogoPlug is based on, consisting of a 1.2GHz Kirkwood processor, 512MB flash storage, 512MB DRAM, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and USB 2.0. This bad boy supports many standard Linux 2.6 kernel distributions, and the whole thing plugs directly into a standard wall socket, drawing "less than one tenth of the power of a typical PC" while in use. Currently available for $99, the company says that it anticipates a price drop to $49 "in the near future."
CherryPal calls its Bing netbook a nettop, can't win for losing
We know, these newfangled terms can certainly get confusing, but you'd think a company producing miniature laptops would do a little research before assuming that "nettop" is actually just another word for "netbook." CherryPal has made it exceptionally easy for us to joke on it by introducing the first nettop we've ever seen that actually looks nothing like a diminutive desktop. In fact, the eco-friendly Bing has a fold-up 10.2-inch LCD -- you know, exactly like a laptop. Inexplicably launched this weekend at the Sundance Film Festival, the machine includes a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, three USB 2.0 ports, an SD / MMC / MS card reader, WiFi, dual speakers, a 1,024 x 600 resolution panel, 0.3 megapixel webcam and a headphone jack to boot. Pricing is expected to hover around $250, but for a limited time, users interested in an actual nettop (imagine that, right?) can snag the Bing along with the C114 PC for a grand total of $399.[Via Liliputing]
Stealth introduces Core 2 Duo-equipped LPC-650 Mini PC
Man, it's been awhile since we've seen any miniature machines from the labs of Stealth, but the outfit is returning over a year after introducing its LPC-350PCI with the even tinier LPC-650. Featuring a mildly attractive 6.54- x 6.18- x 1.89-inch aluminum chassis with a Core 2 Duo within, the micro PC is also stocked with gigabit Ethernet, a slot-loading optical drive, optional SSD, WiFi, 1GB of DDR2 RAM and a rather respectable array of ports including twin USB 2.0 jacks, HDMI, audio in / out and a RS-232 socket. Unfortunately, you'll be paying a serious premium for all the space savings -- it gets going at $1,595, and it's only up from there depending on CTO options.[Via AkihabaraNews]%Gallery-42414%
Seabright PC430 "micro PC" spurns keyboard, not coolness
Wow, where to begin? The Seabright PC430 is going to be a, uh... fantastic piece of machinery should it ever exist, though from the looks of it, it may have a bit of an identity crisis. The precious little 4.3-inch Windows CE 5.0 (the photo shows XP but whatever) clamshell's got a 533MHz Samsung 2442A CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, between 1GB and 4GB of flash memory, and a USB 2.0 port on top of a host of optional features (GPS, DVB-T digital TV, WiFi, the ability to tell you the future). The tiny super-computer also boasts an impressive array of mega-hot software like Word, Excel, a picture browser, an e-book reader, paint brush -- the list literally goes on and on. Oh, we almost forgot -- they've boosted out the keyboard in favor of a more useful D-pad and A, B, X, Y button formation -- which is, needless to say, awesome for playing awesome games. It's unclear if the PC430 will come loaded with said games, but if it doesn't, you can connect a keyboard up and... type stuff. We don't know when (if ever) you'll be able to buy this, nor how much it shall cost, though we have a feeling it's going to be "affordable."[Via Pocketables]
Shuttle's Atom-powered X27 mini PC goes easy on the power bill
Shuttle has always been small, but now it's hopping on the completely overcrowded green bandwagon with its latest mini PC. The X27, which sports an admittedly sleek shell, will suck down as little as 23-watts while idle and 36-watts while in use. Additionally, the unit will include one of Intel's Atom chips, and as predicted, fan noise shouldn't be an issue. The entire case measures just 10- x 7- x 2.75-inches, and while a price hasn't been outed for the September-bound nettop, we'd expect to hear more as IFA gets going on the 29th.[Thanks, Adam]
Dell Studio Hybrid gets reviewed, does alright
Now that Dell's Studio Hybrid has gone on sale for the adoring public, you're probably trying to talk yourself into buying one. Not so fast, buckaroo. According to a review just posted by PC Magazine, this mini PC is probably only right for a certain sect of folks. On the upside, the unit arrives practically devoid of bloatware, which is astonishing and wonderful in its own right. Still, the Penryn T8100 CPU jammed within wasn't a top performer, so those looking for lighting fast performance will likely be disappointed. Furthermore, the lack of expansion options and weak integrated graphics were also frowned upon, but we wouldn't expect anything different given the design. In the end, critics deemed it a great buy for style-conscience consumers, but it couldn't help but mention that there "are more-powerful and more-expandable choices out there if you're less concerned about design."
ASUS gets official with Atom-powered Eee Box
Well, what do you know? Those rumored specifications for ASUS' not-secret-at-all Eee Box were spot on. The outfit has just now gotten around to getting official with said mini PC, which checks in with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, an 80GB hard drive, multicard reader, 802.11n WiFi and gigabit Ethernet. As predicted, you'll find Windows XP Home running the show, and ASUS is spicing things up by tossing its newly unveiled Express Gate fast boot technology on here too. There's nary a mention of a price or release date, but that's pretty much par for the course with this company.
Yinlips ultraportable mashes the Eee with a TI-99
It looks like ultraportable laptops are the new generic PMPs, and we couldn't be happier about it -- especially if we keep seeing units like the Yinlips Micro PC YDP-G77 here. While the spec list is pretty average -- 7-inch screen, 400MHz CPU (we don't know what kind), WiFi, Linux, 500MB or 1GB flash drive -- what's really getting us is the old-school TI-99 looks. All we need now is a speech synthesizer module and we'll be all set.[Via MP4 Nation]
ICI Controls' "completely sealed" SC240M PC gets down and dirty
Trust us, we've seen a smorgasbord of smallish PCs designed to reside in places humans aren't fond of visiting, and ICI Controls is making no bones about the ruggedness of its latest alternative. The fanless SC240M is a relatively small, completely sealed PC designed for "embedded and industrial applications in wet and dirty environments." Packed within the rough and tough exterior is a 1.2GHz VIA, 1.6GHz Pentium M or 1.6GHz / 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, up to 2GB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, WiFi and a slew of ports including Ethernet, four USB 2.0 sockets, audio in / out, RS-232, FireWire and S-Video. Notably, users can customize the innards to their heart's content, but the basic configurations start at $1,695, and you can even add in a backlit sealed keyboard for just $250 more. You know, for your upcoming stay in an underwater hotel, or whatever.[Via LinuxDevices]
NEC intros diminutive US110 thin-client PC
Unfortunately, the wee US110 isn't a full-fledged PC, but it should perform quite nicely as a thin-client machine. Measuring in at just 5.9- x 3.7- x 1.2-inches and weighing 0.77-pounds, this device features a fanless design, 128MB of RAM, 128MB of NAND flash memory, five USB 2.0 ports, a VGA connector, resolution support up to 1,600 x 1,200, gigabit Ethernet, audio in / out and support for RDP5.5 / ICA10.0. Those interested can pick one up at the month's end for around ¥49,000 ($417).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Trigem showcases Lineage 2 Dreamsys STWT slim PC
It's not unusual to find pre-fabricated rigs with game-specific paint jobs here in the US, but Trigem is looking to pique South Korea's interest with its Lineage 2 Dreamsys STWT. The glossy white tower sports some fairly impressive artwork on the front panel, and while your attachment to the game may draw you in, it's the innards that will make or break the deal. Specs wise, you'll find a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB SATA hard drive, a DVD burner, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 7650GS GPU, gigabit Ethernet, a slew of USB 2.0 ports, nine-in-one multicard reader, audio in / out, FireWire, and VGA / DVI outputs to boot. No word on when this gem will be available to fanboys (and gals), but you'll be looking at a ???1,249,000 ($1,356) pricetag whenever it does.
MSI intros Hetis 965 desktop and Media Center PC
MSI isn't stopping with a longevous DAP at Computex, as the firm is also taking the opportunity to announce a new desktop and HTPC. The compact Hetis 965 offers your choice of Intel's Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, or Core 2 Quad processors, handles up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, touts Intel's GMA X3000 integrated graphics set, and also includes MSI's Specific Linear Fan Speed Control to intelligently vary fan speeds based on current cooling needs. For the AV crowd, the Media Center PC is powered by AMD64 dual-core processors, features AMD's Cool 'n Quiet and AMD Live! technology, and includes a mysterious NVIDIA integrated graphics set, HDMI output, 7.1-channel surround sound, 12-in-1 card reader, built-in DVD optical drive, and a host of USB 2.0 ports as well. Per usual, there's no word on price nor availability at the moment.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]Read - MSI Hetis 965Read - MSI Media Center PC
Tangent's Rugged Mini Fanless PC resembles a giant heatsink
While Itronix's latest GoBook should handle your workload whilst on the go, Tangent is hoping that you'll look its direction for a rugged PC in your home or underground bunker. Quite frankly, the company claims that its Rugged Mini Fanless machine is "designed to take a beating," which apparently includes the ability to withstand "shock, dust, vibration, humidity, extreme cold and heat, and even electromagnetic interference." Externally, this thing is certainly on the opposite end of sexy, but it's the inside that counts; packed within is your choice of an Intel Celeron M, Core Solo, or Core Duo processor, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, up to 120GB of hard drive space, optional external DVD writer, 802.11a/b/g, FireWire, a pair of PS/2 ports, six USB 2.0 connectors, VGA / DVI outputs, audio in / out, and Ethernet. Furthermore, you'll purportedly find "no moving parts" (aside from that HDD spindle, eh?) as its cooled by a passive convection-based system, and you can snag one right now with Windows XP Pro for $1,195.[Via Gearlog]
Stealth Computer's LPC-450 mini PC
Itching for something to match real pretty with your $1,195 Stealth Computer keyboard? If so, the very same company has recently unveiled a miniature PC that costs just marginally more than the 'board itself, but the LPC-450 packs some pretty decent specs into a battle-ready 5.7- x 9.9- x 1.65-inch enclosure. The slightly unattractive case can pack a wide range of Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, up to 1GB of RAM, a DVD writer, between 80GB and 160GB of hard drive space (or an SSD for a serious upcharge), your choice of operating system, Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, gigabit Ethernet, and a plethora of ports including audio in / out, VGA out, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, RS232, FireWire, and even a parallel printer port for kickin' it like it's 1995. The case itself is said to be made of "rugged extruded aluminum," and the only fan noise should come from the one keeping the CPU from getting too toasty. Stealth's wee machine can be picked up now for just under $1,400 in the base configuration, but specing it out like you truly desire will push things quite a bit higher.
New Sony VGN-UX1XN Micro PC coming to Europe
Ok, so it's not exactly a brand new Micro PC, but an upcoming issue of the UK edition of Stuff reveals that Sony is rolling out a new version of the Vaio UX for the European market. Dubbed the VGN-UX1XN, this new model runs Vista and has a 1.3GHz Intel Core Solo U1500 processor, a 4.5-inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, a 32GB solid state disk, a Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11g, USB 2.0, Firewire, and CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo memory card slots. No word on wide-area-networking capabilities, but price is listed as an intimidating £2,000.
