View Full Version : Mini-PC Hardware?
CheetahCat
March 27th, 2007, 02:55 PM
Hello fellas,
I'm currently looking for some hardware to run Xubuntu or even normal Ubuntu on. The hardware should have the following specification.
- x86-type CPU (>=400Mhz)
- at least 256MB RAM (optionally expandable)
- USB
- Audio In/Out
- VGA (optionally DVI)
- Ethernet ports (optionally WiFi)
- Be available in Europe (especially in Germany)
- €/$ 100-300 price range (excluding touch screen)
- Fanless cooling
- Low power consumption
The system is supposed to work as a CPU for a touch-interface in a home automation concept or even as an info-terminal for the company I'm working for.
The only solution I found so far is Linutop (www.linutop.com), unfortuntely they don't even mention their company address or phone numbers on their website, so I don't feel comfortable with buying their stuff (I hardly could find anything on the web about them or their products, either).
My question is: Are there any other good alternatives to Linutop? If yes, where can I find them, does anyone have experiences with them? Are there suppliers who build such [custom] machines?
Thanks in advance for your time! :)
Cheetah
Cloudy
March 27th, 2007, 03:13 PM
I believe Wal*Mart sells some systems with specs similar to what you're looking for, but it is Wal*Mart and they don't always seem to carry the best PCs and accessories, if you catch my drift.
Dragonbite
March 27th, 2007, 04:07 PM
Mini Koobox (http://www.koobox.com/minikoobox.php)
It may not be running Ubuntu out-of-the-box but if it is certified for Linspire then you know Linux in general should run well on it.
http://images.linspire.com/koobox/koobox_mini.gif
Lightweight size, heavyweight value.
Powered by Linux, the Mini koobox packs all the punch of your old desktop - for a fraction of the price. Full MS file-compatible office suite, graphics and video software, familiar look and feel - all for just $399 (after mail-in rebate). Isn't it time you lightened up?
Check out all the features you'll get:
Intel CeleronM 370 1.5 Ghz Processor
256MB DDR2 RAM
40GB HDD, 5400 RPM
Slot-in slim CDRW/DVD combo drive
Onboard network, video and sound
2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port, 1 x speaker-out, 1 x mic., 1 x s-video, 1 x 10/100 LAN (RJ-45) port
DVI monitor connector with VGA adapter
Speakers
6.5" x 6.5" x 2", 3.0 lbs.
Matte Silver Case
Internet Keyboard
Optical Mouse
Speakers
90 days Limited Parts and Labor Warranty (details)
Linspire Operating System
OpenOffice.org Office Suite, DVD Software, and FREE CNR service
I have seen somewhere that it is sold with Ubuntu but I have no idea where that was. It's been an interesting idea to get one so if you do, post how it goes and if it is worth it.
Dragonbite
March 27th, 2007, 04:13 PM
Ahh.. found the Ubuntu one, unfortunately it's a bit more expensive.
Try System 76's Koala Mini Performance (http://system76.com/product_info.php/cPath/2/products_id/190) which is similar to the Koobox Mini but starts at $599.
The System76 version has more RAM, otherwise they look very similar and comes in black as well.http://system76.com/images/koala_pblk_med.jpg
Graphics: Intel 945 GM Integrated Graphics
Sound: Intel High Definition Audio
Networking: 10/100/1000 (LAN)
Wireless: Intel 802.11 abg
Ports: DVI, 2x USB 2.0, Mic In, Line In, Speaker Out, FireWire 1394B, S-Video
Dimensions: 6.5" x 1.97" x 6.5" (W x H x D)
Weight: 3 lbs
For more money you can up the stats in it up to :
Core 2 Duo T7600 2.33GHz
1 GB DDR2 667 MHz
100 GB 5400 RPM SATA
add Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.
marcus2004
March 27th, 2007, 04:35 PM
Sounds like you want a mini-itx computer. I noticed that you are in Germany.
Tthis company:
http://techcase.de/
Sells mini-itx stuff.
I am not sure if they build them or not.
From what I have been reading Via boards will run linux no problem.
I'm in Canada but am playing with the idea of building a mini-itx computer for downloading.
Hope this helps.
mips
March 27th, 2007, 04:44 PM
Yeah, look at mini-itx but they are not cheap as far as i know..
http://www.mini-itx.com/
http://www.mini-box.com/site/index.html
http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/
just google mini-itx and you will get plenty of links.
CheetahCat
March 27th, 2007, 09:58 PM
Wow - THANKS A LOT for your replies!
I stumbled across most of these products already today, but none of them (except Linutop) really has what I need...
They are either
... to expensive
... too large
... have fans
... slow CPU and only a few MB of memory
... have what I need but the website is written in chinese and no local resellers have these products. ;)
I'm much more looking for personal experiences of you. What machines are YOU or your company using? Have you seen someone using such a machine before?
Thanks!
Cheetah
mips
March 27th, 2007, 11:36 PM
... have what I need but the website is written in chinese and no local resellers have these products. ;)
What are you referring to ?
CheetahCat
March 28th, 2007, 09:27 AM
What are you referring to ?
Well, I'd have to search my browser history for that. Anyways, I think that if a product is only available in China or Japan and there are no local resellers in Germany or Europe, it will be a bit too much work to import those products.
Oh, and here's an update:
I talked to the guys from Linutop and it seems that I didn't see the company address at the bottom of the Terms and Conditions page. Right now I'm trying to get a Linutop from them to see if it is what I need.
I will post my experiences in this thead as soon as the box arrives (which might be in the next few weeks).
Thanks.
Cheetah
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