Book-sized PCs target embedded apps

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Oct. 29, 2007

DSM AG, of Munich, has announced three compact computers aimed at the embedded market. The "Booksize" PCs are based on mini-ITX motherboards packaged in a rugged metal enclosure, and can be fitted with either hard drives or solid-state disks (SSDs).

(Click here for a larger view of the Booksize PC)

The Booksize B1, B2, and B6 systems offer three different processor families and associated chipsets. An element common to all, however, is the 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5-inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm) metal case, including a 60-watt, 100-240 VAC power supply (24 VDC is optional).

Beyond that, all the units include the basic functions and interfaces expected of a standard PC, including keyboard and mouse connectors, VGA output, and Ethernet ports. Each also offers a standard, half-size PCI expansion slot, plus a drive bay that accepts a 3.5- or 2.5-inch hard drive or dual CompactFlash cards. Additionally, the systems can accept disk-on-module SSDs.

Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B1 include:

Processor -- Via C7 processor clocked at 1 GHz, with CN700 chipset (no active cooling required)
Memory -- up to 1 GB DDR (533 MHz), 0 MB in standard configuration
Video -- Via 2D/3D video controller with S-Video and composite TV-out, supported resolutions not specified
Audio -- Via AC '97 audio controller
Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet (Via VT6103)
Other I/O ports:
- 2 x IDE ports (supports 4 x EIDE drives)
- Serial ATA supports 2 x SATA 150 drives
- 6 x USB 2.0
- 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
- VGA output
- jacks for audio input and output
- S-Video and composite jacks for video output
- serial port
Expansion:
- half-size PCI expansion slot
- 2 x CompactFlash slots
Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C

Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B2 include:

Processor -- Intel Celeron M clocked at 600 MHz (no active cooling required), with 400 Mhz front-side bus and Intel 852GM chipset
Memory -- up to 1 GB DDR (PC 200/266/333), 0 MB in standard configuration
Video:
- Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller
- 64 MB shared memory
- 1600 x 1200 resolution
Audio -- AC '97
Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
Other I/O ports:
- 2 x IDE ports (supports 4 x EIDE drives)
- 4 x USB 2.0
- 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
- DVI-I video output
- jacks for audio input and output
- 2 x serial ports
- parallel port
Expansion:
- half-size PCI expansion slot
- Mini-PCI slot (accepts optional wireless LAN module
- 2 x CompactFlash slots
Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
Operating temperature -- 0 to 45 deg. C

Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B6 include:

Processor -- Intel Core Duo T2500 clocked at 2 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo clocked at 2.16 GHz (both require fan), with Intel 82945GM chipset
Memory -- up to 4 GB DDR (667 MHz), 0 MB in standard configuration
Video:
- Intel GMA950 video controller
- 224 MB shared memory
- 2048 x 1536 resolution
- S-Video and TV out
Audio -- AC '97
Networking:
- 1 x 10/100 Ethernet based on Intel ICH-7M chipset
- 1 x 10/100/1000 LAN based on Marvell 88E8053
Other I/O ports:
- 1 x IDE ports (supports 2 x EIDE drives)
- 6 x USB 2.0
- 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
- VGA video output
- jacks for audio input and output
- S/PDIF optical digital audio output
- jacks for S-Video and composite video output
- 2 x COM
Expansion:
- half-size PCI expansion slot
- Mini-PCI slot (accepts optional wireless LAN module)
- 2 x CompactFlash slots
Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C

DSM does not explicitly tout Linux support. However, the Booksize models appear to be based on standard PC components, and are thus likely to support Linux. DSM does support Linux on some of its other small-form-factor computing platforms.

Pricing was not disclosed.

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