MiniPC
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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.
MiniPC's SA800 is stacked and ready to roll
Oh modular box of silicon affection, how we love thee. The latest -- the SA800 -- from MiniPC (Japan) is a DIY house of fun packing up to a Core 2 Duo T7600, 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory, 2.5-inch 40GB SATA disk, and an Intel 945GT chipset. Want more disk, no problem, stack a 3.5-incher in an extra slab above. Better video with HDMI-out or optical drives? Yup, they've got a stackable component for that and more. Have it your way starting early July in Japan.[Via Akihabara News]
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.
AOpen intros Santa Rosa-based miniPC Duo
Given all the buzz surrounding Intel's new Santa Rosa platforms for laptops, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before some company would get the bright idea of re-purposing it for use in a pint-sized desktop PC. From the looks of it, AOpen is the first to go that route (though we somehow doubt it'll be the last), recently introducing its Santa Rosa-based miniPC Duo MP965-VDR. While complete specs are still a bit light, you can expect much of what we've been seeing in Santa Rosa laptops as of late, including Intel's 965GM chipset, support for the latest Core 2 Duo processors, 802.11n WiFi, and an Intel Turbo Memory cache card to speed things up a bit further. Still no word on pricing or availability, unfortunately, though we wouldn't expect AOpen to hold out too much longer on that.[Via 64-Bit Computers]
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]
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.
AOpen's MP945-VDR miniPC gets Vistad
AOpen's miniPC has come a long way since their first-gen crack at a miniature PC. The new MP945-VDR miniPC Duo builds upon the MP945-VXR platform by slamming the Vista OS, dual-channel DDR2 memory (4GB max), 6x USB 2.0 ports, and a beefier power supply into an all black chassis. Otherwise, nothing else has changed -- choice of Core 2 Duo procs, DVI and S/PDIF digital out, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g WiFi(optional), Bluetooth (optional), integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics, a mini PCI slot, DVD±RW optical drive, and choice of 2.5-inch SATA disk -- which isn't a bad thing.[Via Impress]
MiniPC's latest: the LS800A PC with gigabit Ethernet and eSATA
Clearly, Minipc.jp isn't looking to win any design awards for their lineup of somewhat wee PCs. No problem, these kits are aimed at bespectacled roll-your-lowners not Shibuya fashionistas. The obvious change in this model is the fan. The new LS800A moves it from the top like the LF870 it replaces, and onto the side. The dimensions, however, remain unchanged at 4.5-inches tall -- not very "mini" by today's standards. They've added a DVI jack as standard now, an option for 2x gigabit Ethernet ports, external SATA, and support for PCI Express X1 (low profile) add-in cards. Otherwise, things look pretty much the same: stuff the box with any Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, Core Solo, or Celeron M processor of your choosing, up to 2GB of DDR2 memory (2x PCS-5300), up to 2x internal 3.5-inch SATA hard disks, 6x USB 2.0, Firewire, 802.11b/g WiFi, S/PDIF output, Intel 945GM Express graphics, optional DVD writer and more. Expect this blackest of black boxes to pop for Japan later this month starting at ¥59,850 (about $493) -- yeah, without a CPU or HDD. Catch the LS800A in a fit of hot geeky sexiness after the break.[Via Impress]
AMD introduces DTX open standard to boost SFF adoption
Although vanilla desktop PCs have (generally) been the same size and shape for years, the small form factor world has never really settled down, and while various other protocols have been thrown out there, no one has actually stepped up the task of standardized an SFF chassis until now. AMD has just announced the DTX "open standard," which the firm hopes will "enable broad adoption" of the SFF PC in order to deliver "innovative solutions to market that are smaller, quieter, desktop-friendly," and less taxing on the ecosystem. Reportedly, the DTX standard "will be designed to embrace energy-efficient processors and allow an optimally designed small form factor system to consume less power and generate less noise." Additionally, an open standard that's widely embraced will make the lives of OEMs much easier, and will hopefully give us folks looking for those wee PCs a bit more choice when it comes to picking one up. Notably, it seems that Asus has latched on already, boasting that it will start busting out DTX-compliant motherboards here shortly, likely to be bundled in some fashion with an AMD chip. If all goes as planned, this open standard should actually decrease manufacturing costs across the board over time, and AMD stated that a "review copy of the DTX specifications" should be made available sometime this quarter.[Via Inquirer]
Shuttle launches XPC X200 mini PC, goes Core 2 Duo
While tossing an Intel Core 2 Duo chip into last year's rig isn't enough to impress anyone anymore, Shuttle's hoping to catch the eye of studio-bound media freaks who need that HTPC flexibility in a very tight space. Upping the ante on last year's X100, the XPC X200 comes in two flavors (X200MA and X200BA), and measures in at just 5.5-centimeters tall and taking up "no more space an A4 sheet of paper." Externally, the form factor has remained similar, but this rendition has received a trendy black makeover (including a vertical stand) on the outside, and a whole new lineup of hardware on the inside. Powered by your choice of dual-core / Celeron M Intel processors, this wee machine also touts Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, a hybrid TV tuner for analog / DVB-T reception, SATA hard drive, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 7.1-channel HD audio, FM radio tuner, dual-layer DVD burner, built-in 802.11b/g, PS/2 connectors, DVI output, multi-format flash card reader, an audio input jack, and an IR remote to boot. Notably, it managed to lose the FireWire and S-Video ports found on the X100, but it does boast five USB 2.0 ports in a feeble attempt to compensate. Both versions should be hitting the market soon, and while the somewhat stripped X200BA will run you just £499 ($972), the beefed-up X200MA will demand at least £637 ($1,240) depending on options.[Via RegHardware]
AOpen's XC cube EZ/EU965 brings couples together
AOpen has a new flagship XC cube in the works with this, their EZ/EU965 (white/black) PC. Having come a long way from their noisy, Mac mini clone, their latest is dubbed "Vista Ultimate ready" after adopting Intel's G965 Express chipset. Inside, you'll find room for a Core 2 Duo, up to 4GB of DDR2 memory running at up to 800MHz, a single PCI Express x16 slot for graphics, 3x SATA connectors , HD-audio 7.1ch, and 6x USB 2.0 ports. That just edges-out their previous top-ender -- the EZ495 -- but not without a lot of bitch slapping and ratted hair. No price or ship date announced, but judging by that picture up there, buying one will make you as content as a Hindu cow.[Via 64-bit-computers]
Samsung's MX-10 slim PC: with Core 2 Duo, and an "M"
The slim PC tower market is sure hottin' up with yet another introduced today, this time from Samsung. The MX10 mini PC measures a mere 55 x 265 x 299-mm (2.2 x 10.4 x 11.8-inches) and sports a Core 2 Duo and ATI Xpress 1100 graphics. If it looks familiar, it's 'cause it is: Samsung also has an AMD version which goes by the name of NX10 -- we peeped that one back at the Korea Electronics Show. Fully spec'd, the MX10 should pull about 1,100,000 Korea Won or about $1,265 of the lean green. Now, if Samsung could just get around to providing some official specs we could decide just how (in)appropriately priced the MX-10 really is.[Via Akihabara News]
MiniPC bumps the game to Core 2 Duo with LF870 and VT870
While these MiniPC-brand miniPCs aren't exactly the smallest contenders on the block, they sure do look useful in their uber-simple black cladding, and now they're sporting Core 2 Duo processors, paving the way for all sorts of utilitarian good times. The LF870 keeps the same size of its predecessor, which at 4.5-inches tall is hardly "mini" by today's standards, but packs the full range of (Merom) Core 2 Duo processors, all the way up to the 2.33GHz T7600. There's also a minimum of 512MB of RAM, a 250GB SATA hard drive, DVD burner, PCI Express slot and even a WiFi option. The much smaller VT800 forgoes the disk drive to manage a 2.8-inch tall form factor, and the HDD is of the 2.5-inch variety, but the unit still manages the full range of Core 2 Duo action, along with a max 2GB of RAM and integrated Intel graphics. The new PCs, which should be shipping later this month in Japan, go for 130,000 yen ($1,095 US) and 122,000 yen ($1,028 US) respectively, while a third barebones option, the ET610E, goes for a mere 54,000 yen ($455 US).[Via Akihabara]
AOpen opens the door to Core 2 Duo miniPCs
AOpen, creator of the Mac mini-mimicking miniPC, is the latest PC manufacturer to announce that it'll be using Intel's notebook version of the Core 2 Duo processor, this time in its ultra small form factor PCs. From now on, the company's MP945-X, -VX, and -VXR PCs, along with a range of Series i975 and i945 motherboards, will all support Core 2 Duo. If you bought one of these products before this announcement and fancy getting in on the Core 2 Duo action, then all you need to do to add support is grab a new BIOS and set of drivers from the official site. UK-based miniPC reseller Evesham has already offered up some shots of a Core 2 Duo T7200 (2GHz, 4MB cache) and Windows MCE '05-equipped model which also has a built-in digital TV tuner, 1GB of RAM, a 100GB 2.5-inch hard drive, along with a bundled remote control. Finally, the DVI port at the back runs off an integrated graphics chip, which isn't much of a surprise considering the machine's diminutive 50 x 165 x 165mm dimensions, although the £799 incl. VAT price tag doesn't make us feel any better about it.[Via TrustedReviews]
MiniPC goes Core Duo with the LF800
Japanese consumers looking for yet another Mac mini-style PC will soon be able to pick up the LF800 from miniPC, which won't run as silently as the ED612E we recently saw from this same company, but delivers a much more impressive set of specs. Instead of that pokey 1.2GHz VIA Eden processor powering the last offering, this model throws down a Core Duo T2300, while also doubling the RAM to 512MB and jacking up the hard drive capacity from 40GB to 250GB. If that particular configuration doesn't suit your needs then you're in luck, because you can also pick up a bare bones model that includes integrated Intel graphics, a PCI-Express x16 slot, and CF reader, along with gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, USB 2.0, S/PDIF, and S-Video ports. Both the fully assembled rig as well as the DIY version will be available sometime this month, with the former going for around $1,080 and the latter priced just under $600.[Via Impress]
