| Chinese mini-PCs run Linux, target specialty apps |
Dec. 19, 2005
 A systems integrator in GuangDong province, China, is shipping an extensive line of Pentium-based miniPCs that run Linux. The SD-Omega MiniPC line comprises 44 variations, include passively cooled and quiet models targeting car PCs and HTPCs (home-theater PCs), car pcs, and DVR models.
(Click for larger view of SD-Omega MiniPC)
The SD-Omega MiniPC systems are housed in lightweight aluminum cases that measure 5.7-inches wide (up to 6.2-inches wide, in models equipped with cooling fins), 9.8-inches to 10-inches deep, and between 1.65 and 2.75 inches tall.
A Pentium M model with room for 2.5-inch harddrive and CD in a 1.65-inch tall case
To put these sizes in perspective, the most common car stereo size is DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm), which measures 7.125 inches wide by 2.125 inches high. SD-Omega offers dozens of models that could theoretically fit into DIN-sized dashboard cut-outs, although its passively cooled models, including a "carPC" model, are actually slightly too tall, at 2.17 inches. The company does offer a non-passively cooled car PC model that would fit, though, a 1.7-inch tall model based on a Pentium M.
SD-Omega's passively cooled car PC is 5mm too tall to fit into a DIN stereo slot
The SD-Omega MiniPCs are available with Pentium M, Pentium 4, and Pentium 3 processors. The Pentium M units appear to support 2.5-inch laptop hard drives, while the Pentium 4 units support 3.5-inch drives, with 2.5-inch conversion kits optionally available. The Pentium 3 units appear to accept thin (9mm) 2.5-inch drives.
The Pentium M models take up to 2GB of DDR266/333 DRAM, while the Pentium 4 models support up to 2GB of dual-channel DDR400/333/266 DRAM. The Pentium 3 models support up to 512MB of PC-133 DRAM.
The Pentium 4 models support 3.5-inch hard drives
Across these three main processor options, models are differentiated by I/O port options. These include: - PCMCIA slot
- DVR (video in)
- CompactFlash reader
- Gigabit Ethernet (1 - 3)
- S/PDIF digital audio out
- 802.11G WiFi
- TV-out
- PCI slot
- 4 x RS-232 ports
Fanless case models are also offered.
Other special models in SD-Omega's line include a car PC, featuring a special power supply that delays PC startup after the ignition key is turned to give the engine a chance to crank over, and a four-channel multiplexing "standalongDVR" design that features front-panel pushbuttons for stop, play, fast-forward, etc.
Additional details are available at the SD-Omega website, here.
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