FIT-PC2: a $250 miniature nettop PC
Tim Finin, 10:27am 18 March 2009
CompuLab will offer the fit-PC2 as “the smallest, most power-efficient Intel Atom PC to date.” The nettop box some nice features, including DVI video output, no fan, mini SD slot, IR receiver, and six USB ports. Plus it only draws 6-8 watts of power (depending on the load) so you can deploy these things without feeling guilty about enlarging your carbon footprint (compare to the EEE nettop’s 36 watts).
This looks like a great small box for many projects. Now, if I could just think of one we need to do…
LinuxDevices.com reviewed specs.
CompuLab is readying a full-featured Ubuntu Linux PC that draws six Watts and costs $245-to-$400. The Fit-PC2 packs a 1.1GHz or 1.6GHz Atom processor, 160GB hard drive (or SSD), and DVI/HDMI video up to 1920×1080 into a passively cooled case smaller than three CD cases.
Measuring 4 x 4.5 x 1.0 inches, the Fit-PC2 would be dwarfed by a stack of three CD jewel-cases, which would measure about 5.5 x 5 x 1.25. The Fit-PC2 is touted for its innovative, ruggedized die-cast aluminum case. There are no venting holes, but the fanless device is said to be designed so that the case itself dissipates heat.”
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Ebiquity Blog
March 19th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Wow, I go looking for info for this device, and the first google response is my old Alma Mater!
I am a little curious about this device, but I can’t help but wonder what the nitch is that it is trying to fill. If you want something for a lower power server, thin client, light duty desktop or a rather powerful onboard robotics controller, the beagleboard makes for a better choice at 2W power draw and $150.
At this price point and apparent usage case (general desktop), you might as well get a full atom based Asus EEE, such as the 1000ha right next to me. Then you have a full computer (no need for a monitor which will really drive the power usage and price up) with identical features.
Go retrievers! Tell Dr. Rheingans I said hi!
March 28th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
the beagleboard is based on ARM processor. Not being x86 can be a problem. For instance, there is no flash player that runs well on ARM.
pc fit2 has 512MB of RAM which is 4 times more than the beagleboard.
The beagleboard is said to be HD capable, but I am not sure it can decompress H264 on the fly. Some more information ?