Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Tiny Computer From Mynix

Posted by timothy on from the laptops-are-cheaper-and-more-complete dept.

vnsnes writes: "Mynix brands their e-Space computer as the world's smallest PC. It is, '...the only alternative to Desktops and Notebooks; for those who need computing in two places, typically the Home and the Office.' It looks really cool, but would it really be practical for anyone? For people chucking information between home and office it would seem much more economical to get broadband service at home and setup a VPN. Why would anyone use e-Space as a notebook when it comes without a screen, a keyboard, or a mouse? Yes, you can save space with this little guy, but you'll still need room for a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse on your desk. And they aren't exactly cheap: about $1,600. For about the same price you can get a laptop computer with the same specs but with all the necessary peripherals. PC Magazine review here." I guess this fills the same niche that the Saintsong Cappucino does, whatever niche that is.

3 of 83 comments (clear)

  1. One obvious use for such a machine... by iapetus · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Any area where you really do have to fit a large number of PCs into a small area - we've recently outfitted a training room, and small footprint has been one of the most important deciding factors in purchasing the hardware. We ended up going with slimline PCs and LCD monitors, but if the budget had stretched a little bit further, devices like this might have been ideal.

    --
    ++ Say to Elrond "Hello.".
    Elrond says "No.". Elrond gives you some lunch.
  2. Noise levels? by doorbot.com · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I wonder how loud this is. It's pretty small so I just don't anticipate it having much natural airflow. Since it's a Pentium III (rather than a Celeron, or even Pentium (@ .13 micron?)) it will generate a good amount of heat. So it must have a fan. But small fans trying to move a lot of air tend to be quite noisy (and irritating due to higher pitch).

    The design is interesting and hopefully we will see more computers like this, but I don't find myself all that impressed yet. I want a system like the one shown, but one that relies on passive cooling. Frankly, size isn't a concern for me, make it rack mountable or a bit taller and maybe twice as wide. I'll mount it on its side PS2-style and have a nice quiet server (or desktop). With some good PS2-style design (eg, designed to stand on its side or lay flat) you could have a Mac-ish computer... one where it was both functional but also designed to fit into a room; something designed to not look like a plain computer box. Something you could put in your living room and not feel like a complete computer nerd when friends came over.

  3. Hello? by aurorascope · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Haven't you guys ever heard of a laptop with a broken screen? Heck, get one of them for next to nothing; stick a monitor on it whenever necessary.
    -

    --

    I'd rather have a bowl of coco-pops.