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Saintsong Releases A New Mini PC

Posted by Hemos on from the pretty-new-hardware dept.

A reader writes "Saintsong, our favorite manufacturer of tiny PC's (see here and here) is at it again. They've released the TX2 version of the Cappuccino PC everyone drooled over not to long ago. It's designed by Gingko corp., the same folks who designed the iMac. The new unit includes 2 Firewire ports and an additional 2 USB ports over it's predecessor, the Cappuccino GX1. Unfortunately it appears that Saintsong is only distributing it in kit form, so you'll have to supply your own socket 370 processor, RAM, hdd, etc. No prices are listed, but it's still a slick looking toy."

7 of 123 comments (clear)

  1. When is... by swordboy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    When is the industry going to realize that we need a new compact format PC. This thing looks great but its pricey when you compare it to the costs of off the shelf components.

    How about a "disposable" PC form factor? Currently, you can get a mini-ATX with integrated LAN/video/modem/sound for well under $100 US. Pitch the dimm slots, processor ZIF socket, and PCI/ISA slots for non-expandable, non-upgradeable permanant RAM, processor and a firewire or USB expansion standard. This would cut even more overhead off the cost of the individual components. Buy them all on one small board. This improves reliability in harsh environments as well. Screw upgrading things on an individual basis. You can get a Duron 750 for under $30. Have you seen the price of RAM these days?

    There is so much computing power to be leveraged by other markets. This may very well be the thing that brings the PC to other markets.

    --

    Life is the leading cause of death in America.
  2. Silly Video Card by ink · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Intel 82815, Video Memory 4MB (shared Memory).
    Supports up to 1280 by 1024-pixel at 24bits per pixel 15 pin mini D-sub VGA connector
    One S video port
    One AV video port

    They need to put in a GeForce mobility chip. If you're already going to pay a pretty penny for style, you may as well fork over the extra $80 for a somewhat decent video card.

    --
    The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
  3. Before you judge small PCs.... by reaper20 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    While visiting a friend for an extended stay, he lent me his Book PC to anything I needed to do. I thought "Thanks, he won't lend me a laptop or anything, I get stuck with a 'convergence' crap box that probably sucks." I was extremely surprised about how easy and fun this little thing is.

    Add a processor, mem, and drive, and it's good to go. Great form factor and most everything is built into the mobo, sound, USB, ethernet, and even a TV out. The intel iCrap chipset needs to go, but other than that, a BookPC with a Happy Hacker keyboard look great and run linux extremely well (except for the modem).

    If they only had one for Athlon chips, you'd have an extremely capbale '2nd computer'. I'm going to pick one up the second they have better video cards.

  4. Those in the states can buy one here: by mac123 · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://www.ibuypower.com/product-pc/pocket-epc2.ht m

  5. Imac designers? Hmmm ... by Wordsmith · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can we get some Imac-style flavors too? I want a Moccachino and a Frappachino PC, please.

  6. Who designed the iMac? by axlrosen · · Score: 5, Informative

    This FAQ says that the iMac was designed in-house by Apple.

  7. MUCH better price! by isaac_akira · · Score: 4, Informative

    the above poster is linking to the OLDER model, without firewire and with only 2 usb ports. if you want one of those older machines, check out this link:

    http://www.directron.com/ezgo.html

    You can get the barebones system (no ram, hd, cpu, etc) for only $420. Great if you already have that stuff lying around from previous upgrades.

    i haven't seen anywhere selling the newer machines yet.