Non x-86/Mac-PPC Workstations?

Aknaton asks: "As I begin to plan for my annual fall purchase of new hardware, I would like to try something different. I have already owned several PPC Macs running MacOS X and many PCs but they still leave me wanting more. I have begun looking for non-Apple/X86 alternatives but I am not finding much. SGI still makes machines but they don't even list prices. Sun offers the SunBlade 100, for just under a grand and it is a consideration. Can anyone else suggest, or know of, any other options? Or is it just a PC world after all?"

Comments

try a BriQ installed in your existing X86 system

[BroadbandBradley]

The briQ is a PowerPC based network appliance computer. Measuring just 5.74 inches wide, 1.625 inches tall and 8.9 inches deep (the size of a CD-ROM drive), it offers developers and OEMs a versatile platform for a wide range of applications and products such as firewalls, routers, security devices and web servers.
The briQ was designed with versatility in mind and is available with either a PowerPC 750 (G3) or 7400 (G4) processor and are upgradable in both speed and processor type. Storage and memory are also easily upgradable using standard industry components. The briQ also allows the flexibility to run any PowerPC based Linux distribution available.

Board Picture

Data Sheet

Software

Hardware Specifications

CPU: PowerPC 750 (G3) or 7400 (G4) - Upgradable CPU module

Chipsets: Northbridge - IBM CPC710-100+, Southbridge - Winbond W83C553

Memory: Two 168 DIMM sites, support for up to 512Mb of SDRAM, 3.3V, unbuffered PC-100 SDRAM

Local Bus: Local 60X bus speed: 100MHz 64-bit

BootROM/BIOS: Open Firmware, supports remote boot

Storage: IDE - 44 pin, 2mm connector, up to 40GB internal hard drive

Serial: 16550C UART (w/FIFO), RS-232 interface, DE-9 connector

Network: 10/100Base TX Ethernet

Power Consumption: 15 to 30 Watts

Expansion: 64-bit, 66MHz PCI connector (custom)

Front Panel Display: Programmable Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD), 2 X 20 characters Two push button switches, bi-color LED

Debug and Development: PCPLD ISP, BDM/COP, JTAG

Dimensions: 5.74 X 1.625 X 8.9 inches

Weight: From 1.85 pounds

Software Specifications
Operating System: PowerPC Linux - Yellow Dog Linux Pre-installed

Development Environment: GNU C/C++ compiler, Text Editors, Debuggers

Warranty: One year parts and labor.

Ordering Information
briQ w/PowerPC G3 (750) 500MHz, 256MB SDRAM, 10GB HDD - $1,499
briQ w/PowerPC G4 (7400) 500MHz, 512MB SDRAM, 20GB HDD - $1,999

Contact Sales Department for other configurations.