mini pc
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ASUS EBOX cracked open for world to see, previewed
Okay, so this isn't the finalized SKU or anything (it's an "early sample," if you must know), but it's close enough to the real deal to warrant a dissection. The model shown here came sporting a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB Seagate hard drive and built-in gigabit Ethernet / WiFi / Bluetooth. Best of all, you'll see more than flashes of EBOX PCB when you step into the read link below -- you'll get a lengthy list of initial impressions too (hint: it's rather impressive). Go on, get![Thanks, Charlie]
Illusion PC hides hardware elegantly, still plays Doom
Given the absurdity of the AlphaGrip Handheld Computer, we're pretty stoked to see something fairly snazzy emerge from entries in Microsoft's Next-Gen PC Design Competition. The Illusion PC is a 8.25-inch cube that hides a Mini-ITX motherboard, 200-watt power supply, slot-loading DVD burner and provides room for two internal hard drives. Theoretically, a 6-inch LCD and TV tuner card could also be thrown in, but we're digging the minimalist feel, personally. Hit the read link for a gallery of shots -- heck, the magician even reveals his secret to pulling the whole thing together. Like, that never happens.[Via SlashGear]
ASUS' BD-equipped Essentio CS5110 mini PC gets official
If you've been courting the idea of picking up a mini PC resembling an overstuffed history book with a glossy black finish, ASUS' got just the thing. Housing an Intel processor, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, slot-loading DVD / Blu-ray (optional) drive, up to 1TB of hard drive space, a 256MB GeForce 8600M and 7.1-channel audio out, this thing is an ATSC tuner away from being a pretty potent little HTPC. You'll also find gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, an integrated IR receiver, FireWire, 10-in-1 multicard reader, HDMI / VGA out (DVI via bundled adapter) and a multimedia keyboard / mouse combo to go along with that MCE remote. ASUS also promised that it's newest 3.4-kilogram (7.5-pound) desktop keeps ultra-quiet, but sadly, it failed to mention a price or release date.[Via DailyTech]
ASUS keeps things tiny with NOVA LITE Mini 2L PC
Granted, the Nova P22 is probably small enough for the vast majority of folks, but if you weren't feeling the aforementioned machine for whatever reason, here's another option. The NOVA LITE Mini 2L measures in at 9.09- x 7.24- x 2.00-inches and weighs just a few raisins more than the X300 (3.3-pounds for those taking notes). Apparently, this box was designed to simply "meet everyday computing needs" while keeping noise to a minimum, and ASUS has three lovely flavors for you to choose from. Packed within, you'll find up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, an 80GB / 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner, Ethernet, WiFi (on select models), built-in speakers, four USB 2.0 ports, DVI / VGA and audio in / out connectors. No word on a price, release date or any of that pertinent information, unfortunately.
Lenovo's ThinkCentre M57 / M57P desktops are kings of green
Last September, Lenovo tooted its horn quite loudly with the introduction of the environmentally-friendly ThinkCentre A61e. Fast forward a few months, and it's the same song and dance once more -- with even more green this time, though. The ThinkCentre M57 / M57p machines won't blow anyone away in terms of raw horsepower, but they are the first desktops from any PC maker to garner GREENGUARD certification. Additionally, these power-sipping rigs are EPEAT Gold rated, Energy Star 4.0 rated, and the first ThinkCentres with recycled material from consumer plastics. Internally, you'll get to choose from a range of Intel Celeron / Core 2 Duo CPU options, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, integrated graphics, an 80GB / 160GB hard drive and not much else. 'Course, with prices on the M57 starting at $699 and an understandable focus on energy-efficient components, we wouldn't expect much different.
Stealth's rugged LPC-450PCI Little PC makes room for PCI card
If Stealth Computer's LPC-450 was just a bit too diminutive for your tastes, you'll be thrilled to know that the latest flavor has been opened up a bit to make room for a PCI card of your choosing. As was the case with the LPC-350PCI Little PC, this iteration includes PCI expansion slot capability along with a Core 2 Duo processor and an anodized aluminum chassis that could probably be dropped from the rear of a moving truck sans issue. Additionally, you'll find Ethernet, USB (x3), FireWire, PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors, a 160GB hard drive (or an SSD, if you choose) and an optional DVD burner to boot. Seems as if these are made to be customized, so feel free to give Stealth a ring if you're interested in claiming one as your own.
Everex gets official with $499 gPC mini desktop
While one generally associates "Everex" with "bargain basement," we can't exactly see the incredible value in the gPC mini. Hinted at late last month, this minuscule desktop is now getting all official on us and comes loaded with a 1.83GHz T2130 processor, 120GB hard drive, 512MB DDR2 RAM, a DVD writer and Intel's GMA950 graphics set. Furthermore, it's packin' gigabit Ethernet, DVI / S-Video outs, FireWire, four USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and audio / in out. Granted, you'll have to deal with the gOS that comes loaded in, but hey, maybe that's not such a thorn in some folks' sides, anyway. Don't worry, you've got until March 1st to mull it over, after which you can (hopefully) place your order at NewEgg.
TG's LLUON Crystal reminds us that mini PCs can be sexy, too
Sure, manufacturers are stuffing all sorts of great components into inconceivably small cases these days, but all that cramming has still left plenty of room for ugly of late. TG has been honing its skinny desktop form factor for a few years now, and seems to have it down to a science with the latest TG LLUON Crystal. Specs are only so-so, running up to a Core 2 Duo T7200 processor at 2GHz, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB HDD, DVD burner, GeForce 8400 GS graphics and a bit of 802.11g, and the 1,399,000 won pricetag (about $1,490 US) is hardly a steal for this amount of power, but we're just glad that ugly spell is over -- and unsurprised it took a South Korean company to do the trick.[Via Akihabara]
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]
Manuscriptum: the two-pound, Linux-powered mini PC
Manufactum, the same company who apparently produces a totally sensational espresso machine, is offering up something a bit different with the Manuscriptum. Not vastly unlike many of the diminutive alternatives already out there, this two-pound PC gets stuffed with a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor, an 80GB hard drive, up to 1GB of RAM and a motherboard that handles four USB 2.0 ports, VGA / serial connectors, dual Ethernet jacks and audio out. Additionally, this little fella is passively cooled and sucks down just 12-watts of power when in operation. As for the OS, you'll find Debian Linux loaded on, and it also ships with OpenOffice, Foxit PDF Reader and Firefox to keep you busy right from the get-go. In the aforementioned configuration, the Manuscriptum will run you €449 ($650), but it sounds like you can pony up even more if you're craving a customized rig complete with a 32GB SSD.[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]
Stealth Computer rolls out LPC-350PCI Little PC
If Stealth Computer's LPC-450 "Little PC" was a little too powerful for you, you may want to consider the company's new LPC-350PCI model, which cuts back on some of the specs but offers a few advantages of its own. The biggest of those is a PCI slot for some added expansion options, although that seems to have come at the expense of the latest and greatest processors, with a Celeron M370 or Pentium M740 your only options here. Otherwise, you'll get up to 2GB of RAM, a standard 80GB hard drive (or optional flash drive), your choice of DVD/CD-RW or DVD-RW drives, and a decent array of ports, including DVI output, FireWire, and three USB ports. If that's not too much of a trade-off for you, you can get one now for just under $1,000 for the base configuration.
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.
Acer Aspire L320 mini PC touts Viiv certification
Every time you think the Viiv hype is dying down, Acer brings it back up, as just a few months after kicking out the "world's first" Viiv-certified LCD TV, the firm is now unveiling its Aspire L320 mini PC with -- you guessed it -- a shiny Viiv sticker adorning its case. Hot on the heels of its xSeries displays, this machine sports a slim, silver / black case designed for living room placement, a variety of Intel Pentium processors, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, up to 400GB of internal hard drive capacity, an Acer-branded digital / analog hybrid TV tuner, DVD writer, flash card reader, and a bevy of included ho hum software that you'll likely replace immediately upon bootup. Additionally, it sports 7.1-channel audio, Intel's GMA 3000 graphics set, VGA / DVI outputs, an option to add Windows Vista, FireWire, audio in / out, and a pair of USB 2.0 ports to round things out. No word just yet on price or availability, but this ought to be a fairly inexpensive alternative for those eying a very basic (and fairly attractive) pre-fab HTPC.[Via RegHardware]
Hands-on with Vulcan's Flipstart handheld PC
The Vulcan Flipstart is one of those products that just gets you juiced up about gadgets, because really, what's more gadgety than a full-fledged computer that you can slide into a coat pocket? There was a short while there (2003 to 2007) when we thought that the Flipstart would never make it out of vaporware hell; all that trepidation disappeared, however, when not one but two of the little XP-powered clamshells got delivered to our doorstep. Having already played around with both OQOs, several UMPCs, and countless smartphones, we had a pretty good idea of what we were expecting from this device, and from our preliminary evaluation, it does not disappoint. From the polished, slightly-heavy body to the port replicator to the geeky hip pouch, everything feels solidly built -- as we would hope for a product that's been in development for several years. Boot-up occurs fairly quickly, and you're up and running within the minute, with most applications performing adequately on a Pentium M CPU backed by 512MB of RAM. Input is also fairly painless; although touch-typing is a non-starter on the tiny thumb board, those used to their Treos will catch on quickly, and the dual methods for pointer control (touchpad and nubbin) felt responsive and precise. Another nice feature is the auxiliary external display, which although not powered by Slideshow, nonetheless offers PIM entries and media control in a very convenient manner. We'll have more impressions for you once we take our two new toys for a longer spin, but for now you can pass the time by checking out the loaded gallery below, complete with the all important Flipstart vs. Flipstart comparative shots.%Gallery-1960%
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]
Albatron showcasing Nano Abox V2.0 Mini-PC at CeBIT
It looks like Asus' LED-backlit laptop and NVIDIA's three-way SLI will have to share the limelight with someone else at CeBIT, as Albatron is planning to showcase its wee Nano Abox V2.0 Mini-PC for literal computing on the go. While not quite a laptop per se, this miniature PC has a 6.1- x 3.4-inch LCD screen flanking the top, and while a brief glance may bring back delightful memories of the Wii laptop design, this multimedia-centric device isn't just fun and games. Aside from boasting Viiv certification, it packs an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, integrated graphics, DVI output, eight-channel audio, USB 2.0, FireFire, and gigabit Ethernet. Of course, no pricing or availability details have yet been divulged, but if you're looking for an average HTPC that can hit the road without taking up too much space, Albatron's got you covered.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]
Rock Box melds MCE jukebox with beer cooler
Talk about one-upping. No sooner than the cutesy soccer ball cooling station graced our eyes, MCE Integrations is upping the ante quite substantially with its latest cooler / jukebox hybrid. Partnering with Icehouse, this brew-lover's dream come true sports the tried and true jukebox allure, a built-in cooler for keeping the stash on ice, a flipout touchscreen HDTV, and an Aopen Mini PC to run the show. Current models are still running Windows MCE 2005, but the company promises that we'll see Vista Home Premium loaded on them later this year. Although we don't expect the Rock Box to be hitting any mainstream retailers in the near future, those looking to add yet another novelty to their game room or recently opened pub can snag the baseline unit for around $6,500, and for those abstaining from alcoholic intake, the cooler can be replaced by a subwoofer for some serious (and sober) room-rattling action.
