Inexpensive PowerPC development platform comes with Linux

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Oct. 04, 2004

Austin, Texas based Buffalo Technology is shipping an inexpensive PowerPC development platform -- roughly the size of a toaster -- that comes with Linux and a variety of open source software. The Kuro Box sells for $160, and can be used by embedded hobbyists to build all sorts of network-attached storage and other devices (but will it toast bread?).

(Click for slightly larger view of Kuro Box)

The Kuro Box is the first product in Buffalo's "Revolution" line to see US distribution. The line is intended to foster collaboration between Buffalo engineers and high-end technology users. In Japan, the company says, tech-savvy users already use Revolution platforms to build sophisticated devices to share with friends and co-workers.

"There are a great number of highly tech-savvy end users that thrive on creating cutting-edge products that are exclusive to them and their peers. Buffalo has been very successful with this concept in Japan, so we felt it was important to offer Revolution to tech enthusiasts in the US and Canada as well," stated Morikazu Sano, vice president of marketing and public relations at Buffalo Technology.

What's under the hood?

The Kuro Box is based on a 200MHz PowerPC processor (can that really get hot enough to toast bread?). It comes with 4MB of Flash ROM, and 64MB of RAM. I/O ports include an internal 6-pin serial header, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and a single USB 2.0 port. Additionally, users can install an internal IDE drive of any size.

The device measures 2.4 x 7 x 7.4 inches, and weighs 2.4 pounds with an internal drive. it includes an ultra-silent 22dB internal fan.

Kuro Box comes with a setup CD with an installation wizard and binaries such as a Linux 2.4.17 kernel, samba, netatalk (Apple networking), telnet, ftp, dhcpd, thttpd (a small Web server), and perl. The source code is freely available for download, as well, Buffalo says.

Erik Andersen, maintainer of busybox, enthused, "The great thing about a product like the Kuro Box is it gives me complete control so I can adapt the system as my needs change. Unlike single purpose devices that soon end up in the trash, the Kuro Box is built using 100% Open Source software. This gives me the power to customize, upgrade and enhance my Kuro Box to make it do whatever I can imagine."

To celebrate the Kuro Box's launch, Buffalo is sponsoring a 6-week development contest with a $500 dollar cash prize.

Availability

The Kuro Box is available now direct from Buffalo, priced at $160 with a 30-day warranty. The RevoGear.com site has more details about Kuro Box, along with a user forum. Loaf of bread not included.

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