| Tiniest Linux system, yet? |
Sep. 16, 2008
 CompuLab introduced a tiny fanless PC using 4-6 Watts of power. The Linux-ready "Fit-PC Slim" measures 4.3 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches (110 x 100 x 30mm), but includes a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800, Ethernet, VGA output, WiFi, and a 2.5-inch hard drive option, says CompuLab.
(Click here for a larger view of the Fit-PC Slim)
CompuLab's CM-iGLX module
(Click image for further information) |
The Fit-PC Slim apparently includes much the same ingredients as CompuLab's earlier Fit-PC, introduced last year. The original Fit-PC used CompuLab's CM-iGLX computer-on-module (COM), which like the new Fit-PC Slim includes a 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor plus display, disk, USB, and networking controllers.
While the original Fit-PC measured 4.7 x 4.6 x 1.6 inches (119 x 117 x 41mm), the Fit-PC Slim is even smaller, at 4.3 x 3.9 x 1.2 (109 x 99 x 30mm) inches, says CompuLab. These dimensions make it tinier than the eBox-4300, once claimed to be the world's smallest system capable of running Linux or Windows XP when it was launched last December.
The Fit-PC Slim has an easily accessible hard drive bay
Despite being smaller than the original Fit-PC, the Fit-PC Slim optionally increases memory from 256MB to 512MB. The new version also adds an easily accessible bay for 2.5-inch hard drives (pictured above). The Fit-PC was available with a hard drive as well, but the drive was "deeply buried," by CompuLab's own admission.
An entirely new option on the Fit-PC Slim is a WiFi adapter. Because the adapter supports access point mode, it not only provides wireless networking, but can also let the Fit-PC Slim be used as a wireless router, the company says.
The Fit-PC was described as using 3-5 Watts of power, whereas the Fit-PC Slim is said to use 4-6 Watts. CompuLab does not say if the WiFi circuitry is responsible for the growth in power budget, but if so, the device can always be ordered without it.
Other Fit-PC Slim capabilities include a single Ethernet port with RJ45 connector, three USB ports, VGA output, and audio I/O. The computer also has a serial port, with a non-standard cable that requires an adapter cable.
An external power supply accepts AC line voltages from 110VAC to 220VAC, providing the Fit-PC Slim with a nominal 12VDC input. CompuLab adds that the device tolerates power that varies from 9VDC to 15VDC, making it suitable for connection to car batteries or solar panels.
Features and specifications listed by CompuLab for the Fit-PC Slim include:- Processor -- 500MHz AMD Geode LX800
- Memory -- 256MB or 512MB of soldered-on RAM
- Display -- VGA output
- Storage -- Accepts 2.5-inch hard drive internally; factory offers pre-installed 60GB version
- Networking:
- LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet with RJ45 connector
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g (optional)
- Other I/O:
- 3 x USB 2.0 (2 front-panel, 1 rear)
- 1 x serial (with proprietary connector)
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 45 deg. C
- Dimensions -- 4.3 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches (110 x 100 x 30mm)
- Weight -- 13 ounces (380g)
According to CompuLab, the Fit-PC Slim is available in a bare-bones 256MB configuration without WiFi for $220, or a 512MB version with WiFi but no hard drive for $245. Versions that include 60MB hard drives, 512MB of RAM, and either Linux or Windows XP Home, cost $295 and $335, respectively.
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