Gizmodo: mini pc

CompuLab fit-PC2i: Super Small PC Runs Windows 7 or Ubuntu Linux

Danny Allen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:54:58 EST

It won't run Crysis, but CompuLab's claims this is the world's smallest dual gigabit Ethernet-equipped PC. It measures just 4- x 4.5- x 1.05-inches, uses an Atom CPU (1.1GHz or 1.6GHz), and has room for a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk.

The die cast chassis weighs only 13 ounces, and features four USB 2.0 ports (2 mini, 2 standard), a miniSD socket, and all the usual audio connections. The fig-PC2i also handles up to 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM, has on-board Wi-Fi, and integrated GMA500 graphics with DVI output (it'll do 1920 x 1200 with an HDMI connector).

No word on price yet, but the miniature server arrives in January with your choice if OS: Windows 7, Ubuntu, or Windows Server. [CompuLab via Engadget]

CPU: Intel Atom Z5xx 1.1 GHz to 2 GHz
Chipset: Intel US15W SCH
Memory: 1 GB DDR2-533 on-board (Optional 2 GB)
Storage: Internal bay for 2.5″ SATA HDD, miniSD socket, On-board 4 GB Flash (optional)
Display & Graphics: Intel GMA500, DVI Digital output up to 1920 x 1200
Audio: Line-out, line-in, mic, 5.1 Channels S/PDIF
Networking: 2x 1000 BaseT Ethernet, 802.11b/g WLAN
USB: 4 USB 2.0 High Speed ports
Serial: RS232 full UART
Operating Systems: Windows Server, Windows 7, Windows XP, Ubuntu Linux

Mechanical and Environmental

Case: 100% aluminum die-cast body
Dimensions: 101 x 115 x 27mm / 4″ x 4.5″ x 1.05″
Weight : 370 grams / 13 ounces – including hard disk
Operating Temperature: 0 – 45 deg C with hard disk, 0 – 70 deg C with SSD
Power: 12V single supply, 8-15V tolerant
Power Consumption: 6W at low CPU load, 8W at full CPU load, <1W at standby

Availability
fit-PC2i will be available in Jan. 2010

Vstone Robovie-PC Is a Real PC and a Real Robot

Danny Allen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EDT

Programming hobby robots from a computer is far from new, but what if the robot was the computer? Powered by a 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor, Robovie-PC runs Windows or Linux, and comes pre-assembled with 20 degrees of super-expensive programmable maneuverability.

You're in luck if you're hoping to terrorize small animals and stream the results the Web: it has a programmable 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera and built-in Wi-Fi. And you get the usual stuff for the PC side of things, like a VGA output for a monitor, and USB ports for a keyboard and mouse...

That all sounds good until you see the 15-inch tall mini PC uses a 3 axis accelerometer and two 2 axis gyro sensors to move about. Those don't come cheap. In fact, bragging rights will set you back 400,000 Yen (about $4,500). Yeah, you read that right. For that sort of MIT-only style money, I'd want it to at least mix my cocktails…or make me bacon and eggs in the morning. Sheesh. [Vstone Store via Plastic Pals]

Celrun's Lluon A1 Mini-PC is Half-Notebook, Half-iMac-Alike, Atom-Powered

Kit Eaton — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT

This upcoming mini-PC from Cellrun is something a bit like the old iLamp-style iMac, a bit notebooky, a bit low-cost desktop Eee PC... but actually not like any of them too much: It seems to be it's own low-power, neat design desktop genre. It's got an 18.4-inch widescreen LCD, has built-in stereo speakers and microphone and has an Intel Atom purring away inside. Mainly the Lluon A1 is intended to be a multimedia PC since it's got an IPTV function which requires it to be dual boot—Linux for the IPTV, and Windows for standard PC functions. It's intriguing, and though there's no info on pricing, we know it'll be hitting the shops mid-September in Korea, Europe and North America. [Aving]

Everex Cloudbook Unboxed, Fondled, Declared Horrible So Far

Jason Chen — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:10:48 EST

Those of you excited about that cheap, small Everex Cloudbook Wal-mart laptop as an alternative to an Eee PC might be slightly disappointed. Laptopmag just unboxed theirs, and found many things wrong with it. The pointing device is above the keyboard on the right, but the left and right mouse keys are on the left side, also above the keyboard. What the? Update: They've got a mini-review up.

Not only that, the initial setup screen—similar to the part where you enter in your time zone and make a user in Windows on first startup—was not carefully thought through. Why? Because there's no way to advance past a time zone screen; at least unless you know the crazy Linux alt+click to drag the window UP and reveal that there is a button to go to the next screen. Way to go Everex. Expect tons of returns before the system is even setup. Sounds like a disappointment so far. We'll see what Laptopmag has to say later. [Laptopmag and Laptopmag]

Laptop has a mini-review done, and here's what they find. Once it's running, the web surfing is speedy, the desktop is clean, but the keyboard, touchpad, boot times, Wi-Fi setup, and resolution suck. Also that "window doesn't fit inside the screen" problem they ran into during setup still occurs in actual use, which is pretty awful. The company says they had the wrong OS install, which might fix things in the final retail version. All in all, it looks like the Eee is a better bet for your $399. [Laptopmag]

TG LLUON Mini PC Out-Classes the Mac Mini

Jason Chen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:40:30 EST

Although we'll never see this TG LLUON Mini PC here on account of how it's Korea-only, it looks so good that we just had to show you anyway. Inside the small box is an Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, a 500GB hard drive, DVD burner, GeForce 8400GS and Wi-Fi. It's $1500, unfortunately, making it almost three times as much as a Mac Mini. But man, does this look so much nicer. It's like Darth armor to Luke's dorky outfit. [Akihabara News]

ARTiGO DIY Mini-PC Kit for an Awesome Hacker Holiday

Sean Fallon — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:00:10 EST

Starting this Friday, Via Technologies will roll out their ARTiGO do-it-yourself mini-pc kit for any hacker looking for a fun (but brief) holiday project. The package includes an EPIA PX10000 Pico-ITX motherboard with a1-GHz C7 Via processor, a chassis, power adapter, and essential accessories—but you are on your own as far as a hard drive and memory are concerned. More info and a video of the build are available after the break.

When all is said and done, the unit will measure 5.9 inches by 4.3 inches by 1.8 inches and will weigh less than 1.2 pounds. The $300 price tag doesn't exactly scream value when you consider that the kit does not come complete, but it is still cheaper than some of the alternatives out there. [Product Page via ExtremeTech via Wired]

Asus Shows Off Nova P22 mini-PC, Looks Like a Mac mini Dressed Up in Orange

Matt Buchanan — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:40:37 EST

It's probably not going to take the desktop world by storm like the Eee has with notebooks—cause it's not $400 for one—but Asus's Nova P22 mini-PC certainly isn't a bad looking machine. It's got a form factor sorta like the Mac mini but it's more angular and less curvy, with a Sunkist accent wrapped around it.

So far what we know about what's inside is that it's got a 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 with a 1066-MHz front side bus. It'll go for about $1019 in Taiwan, though no word on if, when and how much on our side of the ocean. Given the popularity of the Eee, Asus would be smart to capitalize on the brand name Eee's been building for it outside of geek circles and get that sucker over here. But for cheaper. [Electronista, The Inquirer]

Epson's Mac Mini Doppelganger Packs Core 2 Duo

Louis Ramirez — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:00:37 EST

Mac Mini rip offs are a dime a dozen, so it's rare when we find one that's a worthy contender and it's even rarer when we find one that's made by a printer company. Yet Epson's Endeavor ST100 manages to stand up to Apple's Mini and despite being bigger, can even teach it a thing or two. For starters, the ST100 packs a faster Core 2 Duo CPU, while the Mini is still stuck on Core Duo. Price-wise, the $500 dollar ST100 is cheaper than the entry level Mini (which starts at $599). For the DIY crowd, the ST100 is also easy to open/upgrade thanks to two latches found on the rear. Otherwise, both computers are fairly similar with a 2GB memory capacity, dual-layer DVD burner, 160GB HDD, and integrated graphics. At the moment, the ST100 is only available in Japan, but it's one PC we wouldn't mind having on our desk.

Click through for some extra shots of the ST100, including a shot with the case removed.

– Louis Ramirez
Epson Endeavor ST100 [via Akihabara News]

Samsung Intros MX10 Mini PC

Charlie White — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:55:04 EST

While the young models accompanying this product aren't quite as comely or overtly busty as those of its Trigem Little Lluon+ competitors we showed you last week, Samsung rolls out its response, the MX10 Mini PC. Its specs are similar, matching the Lluon's Core 2 Duo processor, but doubling its RAM to 1GB and adding ATI Xpress 1100 graphics. A similar Samsung mini PC will be the NX10 with an AMD processor and GeForceGo 6100 graphics.

Pricing on these PCs is vague-to-nonexistent, but you can bet it will be similar to the $1200 WinBook Jiv Mini HTPC, a home theater PC with similar specs that's received rave reviews stateside. We have high hopes for these types of PCs—their small and slim form factor and efficient processors make them well-suited for home theaters. – Charlie White

More pics after the jump.
Samsung kick Little LLuon+ in the nuts with their MX10 [Akhihabara News]

Systemax Releases New Mini PC Media Centers

Jason Chen — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:40:26 EDT

Systemax has three new Mini PCs in their line of Impact Media Centers. The Core2 Impact VXR2 Media Center has a built-in TV Tuner, and retails for $899, the Core Duo Impact VXR also has a tuner, and goes for $799, and the Impact2 runs Windows XP Home, and has 256MB and a 40GB hard drive, but no tuner.

The VXR2 and the VXR, the two with tuners, have a remote control, an S-Video port, FireWire, two USB 2.0 ports, DVI, and SPDIF audio. All three units will ship October 1, and have a footprint of 6.5-inches square and are 2-inches in height.

Full specs after the jump. – Jason Chen

Impact VXR2 ($899.99)

* Intel T5500 1.66GHz 667FSB 2M Core 2 Processor

* Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition & Remote Control

* Intel integrated graphics

* 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 Memory

* 80GB SATA Hard Drive

* DVDRW Drive

* 802.11b/g Wireless

* Built-In ATSC/NTSC Hybrid Tuner

* S-Video, FireWire, two USB2.0, DVI, and SPDIF

* Microsoft USB Keyboard & Mouse

* 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty

Impact VXR ($799.99)

* Intel T2050 1.6GHz 533FSB 2M Duo Mobile Processor

* Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition & Remote Control

* Intel integrated graphics

* 512MB PC4200 DDR2 Memory

* 80GB SATA Hard Drive

* DVDRW Drive

* 802.11b/g Wireless

* Built-In ATSC/NTSC Hybrid Tuner

* S-Video, FireWire, two USB2.0, DVI, and SPDIF

* Microsoft USB Keyboard & Mouse

* 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty

Impact ($499.99)

* Intel Celeron M 1.4GHz 400FSB Processor

* Microsoft Windows XP Home

* Intel Integrated Graphics

* 256MB Memory

* 40GB SATA Hard Drive

* CDRW/DVD Combo Drive

* 802.11b/g Wireless

* Video Out, FireWire, two USB2.0, and DVI

* Microsoft USB Keyboard & Mouse

* 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty

AOpen MiniPCs Will Use Core 2 Duo

Gizloco — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 09:12:39 EDT

While yesterday may have been the big unveiling of the Intel Core 2 Duo—also known as Merom—AOpen just announced that its MiniPC line of PCs (think of them almost as the PC's Mac mini) will also be using Intel's latest wunderchip. Both the MP945-X and the MP945-VXR will use the Merom processor.

The MP945-VXR will boast, in addition to the Merom, integrated graphics (boo!) in the form of Intel's 945GM chipset, gigabit Ethernet, DVI output, 5.1-channel sound and a DVD burner. Home theater PC, anyone? It sure is small enough to not be an eyesore. – Nicholas Deleon

AOpen mobile-on-desktop PCs enter Core 2 Duo era [The Register]

Shuttle XPC X100: The Half-Sized Mini PC

Jason Chen — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 14:41:45 EDT

The Shuttle X100 Ultra Small PC has gotten some changes and some finalized specs since we last looked at it in February.

The 1.83GHz Core Duo PC makes it even more powerful than the Mac Mini (1.5 and 1.66GHz). ~~which is actually bigger than this device. Not many PC makers can claim that they're smaller than Apple.~~ Sorry, got my sizes mixed up. Thanks Andrew!

The other specs: a standard 3.5-inch disk drive that can hold 250GB or more of data, slot-loading DVD player, ATI Mobility Radeon X1400, 256MB DDR2 RAM, external 120W power supply and an internal USB socket in front.

The X100 should be available next month for around $1,000, depending on your specs. – Jason Chen

Shuttle squashes Mini-PC [The Inquirer]
Shuttle design chief blasts lack of industry innovation [Compuer act!ve]

MiniPC Japan Rolls Out Weak Boxes

Charlie White — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 08:22:28 EDT

MiniPC of Japan has released a small PC (6.2"x5"x2"), where you'll have to sacrifice quite a bit of power to get a box priced anywhere close to a Mac mini. It can be outfitted with a Celeron M420 inside with 256MB of RAM for $887. If you want a setup with an Intel Core Duo, well, that'll cost you $1397, but you get 512MB of RAM.

We're not quite wrapping our minds around this one, since a Mac mini is priced much lower than this, with a Core Duo mini starting at $799, and it lets you boot both Mac OS X and Windows XP. Maybe MiniPC's customers in Japan haven't heard of the Mac mini...? – Charlie White

Product Page [minipc.jp, via Akihabara News]

MiniPC VT800

Jason Chen — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 15:04:04 EDT

The MiniPC VT800 goes on sale this month in Japan, where it will be much appreciated due to their space premiums in the big cities. Not much to look at compared with other mini pcs, this MiniPC VT800 sports a Core Duo processor, DDR2 and a SATA hard disk in its cold, metallic interior. For connectivity, it's got four USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet and TV-out for hooking up your flicks to your telly.

At $630, it's cheaper than the AOpen, which is $955, but you'll have to import it from Japan, and possibly get some adapters, which will add a few yen to the cost. – Jason Chen

VT800 [MiniPC via TechEBlog]

S1Digital Media Center Mini Edition

Jason Chen — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 15:39:00 EDT

Either the S1Digital Media Center Mini Edition uses AOpen's Mini PC as an OEM, or some lawyer is going to have his golf game interrupted pretty soon.

Nevertheless, the MCME runs Windows XP MCE 2005 comes in a tiny case, perfect for living rooms, kitchens, or people in Tokyo. Inside the small shell is an Intel Core Duo 1.66 Ghz processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, an 80GB hard disk, gigabit ethernet, DVD writer, 5.1 channel sound, DVI/Component/RGB out, and firewire support.

If buying a Mac Mini and using Boot Camp isn't for you, then this Media Center Mini gives you plenty of media functions in a small, hide-able package. Or a slightly less large package, if you're a ~~midget~~ little person. – Jason Chen

S1Digital Launches Media Center Mini Edition [eHomeUpgrade]

AOpen MP945-VXR Mini PC

Jason Chen — Tue, 30 May 2006 20:30:47 EDT

AOpen improves on their mini pc with the MP945-VXR. Fans of small computing will enjoy the Intel 945GM chipset which provides Gigabit Ethernet, DVI, Firewire and USB support. There's a single slot for DDR2 memory up to 667Mhz, and no PCI express slots—only a miniPC connector used for WiFi.

The brains consist of a Core Duo processor that has support for Intel ViiV. Available for $955, which is a little bit more than the Mac Mini. This'll be good for quiet home theatre systems or people who like to keep their work area nice and tidy. – Jason Chen

AOpen re-styles second-generation MiniPC [Reg Hardware]

K-OS Switch

johnb — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 10:29:07 EDT

This looks a bit too black box for our taste, but let's give it a chance. It seems to be a mini-PC with RGB, S-Video, and Stereo Audio out as well as an Ethernet jack. It can supply IPTV, Video-on-Demand, and gaming as well as wireless keyboards smartcards. This paragraph:

Imagine a computer so small that it fits in your pocket and allows you access to over 37,000 software titles. Software includes games, office software, design software and multi-media software that can plug into your TV set or your computer monitor. The K-Otic guru's of K-OS Technology have created such a system called the K-OS Network and the pocket sized computer we call The Switch.

... makes us thing that this may be just a tiny, web-based miniPC with a bunch of open source software available for use online. We're going to do a little digging and figure this thing out for you all. $149.95 for the box and $69.95 for a year of service.

Product Page [K-OSSystems]

Mini PC

gizmodo.com — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 17:39:39 EST

Like the styling of the Mac Mini but don't want to run OS X, or to give Apple your money? A bunch of small companies are branding AOpen's MiniPC and bundling it with a Linux-based OS pre-installed. The Koala Mini is $499 and comes with Ubuntu, while the folks behind the Linspire OS are selling the Linspire Mini pictured above for about $399, or you can get the barebones AOpen version for between $250 to $300.

AOpen MP915-B Barebone Mini PC [eHomeUpgrade]
Koala Mini [system76]
Linspire Mini [eHomeUpgrade]

Mini PCs Getting Even Mini-er

Noah R — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:40:20 EST

The CF700 (from the profoundly-named small computer makers "Minipc" in Japan) proudly states that it is smaller than a Mac Mini, and can also double up as some kind of totally awesome tennis ball heating device. Whilst I'm not a fan of the comparing game, I still fail to see how any of these so-called Mac Mini competitors are really a viable alternative, seeing as how many of them — including the CF700 — do not have optical drives. That's real progress — sacrificing functionality to make something smaller. In 5 years the world's smallest computer will be a tiny thing that sits on one finger and there will be no graphics card, no sound card, no on/off switch, no HDD, but it will have some kind of really cool blue LED light and will let you do simple arithmetic if you use the optional external keyboard. Overall, though, my general indifference is caused by the fact that small computers like this are becoming something of a cliche. Come on manufacturers — mix it up a little. Let's see something different. I'm holding out for the world's first EDIBLE pc.

Minipc's mini pc - the CF700 [Product Page]