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Smaller Than The Mini PC, The P4/2400 Micro PC
fist_187 writes "Tom's Hardware Guide has a story on the smallest PC since the Mini-PC: The MicroPC. It's a Pentium 4/2400 MHz machine, but you'd probably mistake it for a cable modem. I'm sure this trend will continue on to the Nano-PC, Pico-PC, and the Dick Tracy Watch."
thats a killer feature really.
Just a thought.
What I REALLY want is a mini with the absorbtion of the maxi!
but at this point, this thing is basicly a laptop without any output or input devices. It's nothing spectacular. A mini pc would be good to keep arround if you are a technician and you just need a portable machine to plug a hard drive in to recover files (or something similar, you get my drift) but this is just not practical.
I am hoping shuttle makes a semi-mini pc since the mini pc is a little too small for me (I like to add pci cards). Or have they already?
anybody have the modchip out for this console yet?
oh wait...
http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/computing/5a98.shtm l
This looks smaller.
I don't know about you guys, but most people I know have some old, crappy looking toaster. If they make a computer that looks like this, I'll buy it just for a good laugh.
-Lucas
What's not portable about a computer that fits in your briefcase?
It looks like rather than laptops becoming standardized (i.e. build one from scratch), full size computers are going to shrink to form what basically becomes a standardized laptop.
I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
How many of you want to bet this will not even install UT2003, let alone run it.
Sort of defeats the purpose of a LAN party convinience. If only they could make it 1 inch wider to include a Radeon 9700pro...
But that's just wishful thinking.
Since competing with speed is turning out to be non-productive, the focus will be on something else, and an obvious candidate is size. Another issue I would fervently hope gets on the table is noise and power consumption.
I am sick and tired of large beige boxes sounding like a jet taking off. Having a unit like that as the home-wide server would be a dream come true. In the same way, the 'maxi'-notebooks increasingly seem like an excellent alternative to a traditional desktop, and much for the same reasons. Maybe, hopefully, we are not too far away from another format switch, where the base hardware is smaller and quieter than the stuff we put up with today.
Trust the Computer. The Computer is your friend.
www4.tomshardware.com seems to be working just fine.
-mz
www.cappuccinopc.com
If they make a computer that looks like [a stereotypical two-slice toaster], I'll buy it just for a good laugh.
They already did. It's called the Power Macintosh G4 Cube computer.
Will I retire or break 10K?
I'm obviously missing something here (or missing something obvious here). What's the point? Why not just buy a laptop?
"How to Do Nothing," kids activities, back in print!
http://www.jadetec.co.uk/products/micropc4/
Eddy.WriteLinux.Com
Tom's Hardware Guide has a story on the smallest PC since the Mini-PC: The MicroPC.
Given "microcomputer" as a synonym for a personal computer, would a micro-PC also be called a "picocomputer"?
This POS has an Sis card lol. I'd rather get a laptop with a radeon or geforce mobile type of card.
I'm not going to spend an additional $1000+ or more just to save a cubic foot of space on my desk.
The designers of this computer certainly aren't compensating for anything.
It's not the size, but the way you use it.
Remember that you are unique, just like everybody else.
Get yer head together.
If only they could make it 1 inch thinner to include a Radeon 9700pro and a high rez video
projector and give em away for free!
I don't really understand including so many connectors in a mini computer. Why have two PS/2 ports, a serial port, a parallel, analog and digital audio in/out, 2 ethernet, and 2 non powered firewire ports?
USB should replace the PS/2, serial and parallel ports, and I'd rather have one powered firewire ports then two unpowered ones, and I don't need 2 ethernet ports, or even a modem port on htat kind of computer.
I wouldn't mind a PC Card slot though, and where's the DVI?
Any one have a good reccomendation for a super-mini that can boot with LinuxBIOS so it doesn't need a HD or CD drive, but does have ethernet and USB?
This is the same thing as the Cappucino PC... FWIW, we recently bought one and it works great as a low-end web server...
I print, therefore I am.
But, if it's larger you want then take a look at Compaq/HP Proliants. They keep getting bigger and bigger. The price isn't coming down much but, damn they're big. Why does a low end server with 5 expansion slots and no drive cage need to be as big as a mini bar?
A friend of mine works in the Digital Video business, and I was telling him about the shuttle systems. A couple of days later he told me that his workplace were very interested in one (esp. when I updated him with the integrated monitor).
The reason they were so interested is that they have to take a laptop and docking bay with PCI adaptors so they can show customers any demos, yet with the Shuttle they're able to completely package the system and it works a charm. The bean counters were even more surprised at the cost of the system, they thought $2500, but it only cost £330 for the shuttle and the rest of the bits were already on site (although they are still sorting the Xenarc version).
Although with the size of the Jadetec, I doubt they'd be able to fit in the custom PCI cards, pity!
Are you local? There's nothing for you here!
It amazes me that this guy, who posts utter garbage on purpose, can continually get modded high for his inane and pointless comments in story after story as he sits there first-posting all day.
At least he's knows he's posting garbage, you mods seem to completely freaking clueless as to what make a good comment.
Really. I'd love to replace my present systems with smaller ones such as these and even ad a few more, since I'll have the room. But, my concern is noise. With a P4/2400 this baby will get hot. That means that it's probably going to have a couple of those 1 inch high-speed fans that typically howl like a jet engine.
What I really want is small like this with a similar processor but, no fans. As in silent. the I really could imagine the beowolf cluster (shaddap trolls). Yeah, I know that I could build such a beast and water cool it but, that's a bit too hacked up for me. Just don't have the balls to run a hacked up water cooled cluster.
Instead:0 21009/inde x.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/02q4/
This is just a rebranded (and uglified) Mocha P4, which was reported on previously right here.
Install OpenBSD, us pfilter/pnat, badabing, new firewall. And much smaller than a PIX, too!
Don't worry, the price will come down. Eventually, computers will be disposable just like some cell phones ;)
Push the envelope. Watch it bend.
Not to be nitpicky, but it's a pet peeve of mine: Is it smaller than the miniPC, as the title claims, or is it the smallest since the miniPC, as the body states?
The two don't mean the same thing. If something is the best thing since sliced bread, then sliced bread is still better.
Kevin Fox
this is the body of the message
That which does not kill me only makes me whinier
Here you go! Two nics, smaller than a PIX or other rackmount nonsense, and you're good to go.
I couldn't help but notice that this thing has no internal source of power. Are they not showing us the cubic foot wall wort that goes with it?
I think I'm going to have to stick w/ my old shuttle, (which needs upgrading. That C3 733 just ain't cuttin it). I use my small computer as a dvd player and a media box. I need at least 200GB's storage, (basically room for 1 full sized hdd), and I need a DVD ROM. This offers neither of those and while I could use external DVD drives and HDD's, that would defeat the purpose of a small computer for me.
I do security
Step 1: Stack 5 or 6 of these into a tall ATX case.
Step 2: Put an ethernet switch inside the case and connect ethernet cables.
Step 3: Put a power-strip inside the case and plug in all hardware.
Step 4: Install one or two case fans in the ATX case.
Step 5: Bring the contraption to your local colocation provider and plug it in.
Step 6: Enjoy the fact that you have 5 or 6 colocated servers for the price of one!
Amazing magic tricks
I could have sworn I left my new micro-super-nano-terahertz-keychain computer on my desk...
I'll go get the flash lights and magnifying glasses!
smaller is not always better. I think its the next trend though, those stupid G-car remote control cars come to mind... I watched some kid lose his to a small dog the other day, thing ran up and choped that car to bits...
(nelson voice)HAHAaaaa
"If I were bound by all laws everywhere I'm sure I would have committed a capital crime somewhere."
At this form factor, with some kind of fast and conventient docking station, a device like this could become a personal computer that you can fit in your pocket.
I lug a heavy but powerful Dell laptop to and from work, where it dock it with a large monnitor, keyboard, and mouse - I might not need to lug the screen and keyboard around with me. This idea was explored in IBM Research's MetaPad. They take the idea even futher - suggesting that it would dock into a desktop-type setup, or even dock into a laptop-like shell.
Just imagine a beowulf cluster of those!
But seriously, I don't really see how impressive something like this would be. Personally, if something with an actual screen can be had for $700 cheaper, why buy this piece of junk? I don't know about you, but this thing just doesn't have that "more expensive, but cooler looking" value.
Hard work usually pays off over time, but procrastination pays off now.
Why the hell can't Tom's Hardware show it all on one page instead of nine?! Or, at the very least, make it an option.
Disinfect the GNU General Public Virus!
The shuttle mini-pc's are a better option because their performance is in-line with a typical pc. The biggest advantage with the newest pentium base shuttle, is that they have an AGP port so it makes it a viable option for LAN party folks, since they can stick a radeon 9700 in there.
They usually have about 3 PCI slots or so, several producers make these... but they're usually integrated cheap-o mobos, few people care about the extra inches 3 more slots for a full-size ATX board adds. Too bad really, because I don't need 6 PCI slots, but I still got a full-sized ATX mobo recently because of features.
Kjella
Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
The current version is equipped with AGP graphics that will even sway 3D-game fans.
and later...
Not for suitable for 3D games: The built-in SIS graphics
The following benchmarks show that the Micro PC doesn't do well running 3D games. But that's not too surprising, since this PC was not designed as a gaming machine.
Evidently the editors fell asleep?
The Right Reverend K. Reid Wightman,
The mini PC market is a niche market as a whole, but this model does not cater to the entirety of the niche market, but rather to a niche of the niche market.
It cannot be used to replace a video recorder (as it is too loud), neither can it be used for gaming at LAN parties, because it's not expandable, for many professional applications, there is either no need for a small PC at all or the larger versions would be more favorable as one could add and exchange components at one's liking.
Naturally, it seems to be very suitable for environments where space is really critical, like caravans - but I'm sure a laptop would do a much nicer job there! Basically, if someone has enough space for a 17" display on his/her desk, he/she will in 98% of all cases be able to squeeze in a minitower as well.
That said, I think the Jadetec device is just another silly gadget for people who have too much money to spend (and don't really think about what they're spending it for).
where's all that Karma?
One solitary 2.5" drive, which guarantees slower speeds than desktop, higher price, and general lack of space (I use 200+gig on my main machine)
I can't see value for this in langamers (of which I will admit, I am not) because of the lack of module replacement and overclocking. Lacking either an AGP or PCI it doesn't even take the place of business on-site demos that require such things - the laptops will still be preferable.
Of course, I look across the room at two 18" tall towers, the second case I recently purchased -because- it was so roomy. I find small machines too annoying to work on.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a rigged demo.
I'm a big fan of Micro ATX.
Small and unobtrusive, but with enough expansion to replace integrated components.
I really don't understand why there aren't more Micro ATX mobos and cases available to the general public.
obviously no deficiencies vs. no obvious deficiencies
... but can you make it small [b]and[/b] /.proof?
I am unique, just like you, and you, and you...
The main thing im looking for is a PC of this size that requires NO FANs. Go ahead, slow it down to 700mhz or less. Thats plenty of speed to run a head-less http, ssh, mail, ftp server. Ive got a Pentium class 166 that is doing everything I need without making a sound and I love it! Its getting a little old and Im looking for a no-fan PC (Including no cpu fan). By the way, the Seagate Barracuda IV IDE drives are extremely quiet. Its the only moving part in my system.
For people who want a small, quiet PC for their desktop, I think they need to put it into a nicer-looking case and make it quieter (I didn't see anything in the review about noise so I assume it's not particularly quiet). Also, something like a DeskNote (search on Google)--a laptop form factor with desktop components--is cheap and space saving. For gamers, it really needs a PCI+AGP slot so that they can put in their favorite graphics cards. For lab equipment and other uses, you probably don't need such a high-end processor--a min-ITX board is cheaper, quieter, and generates less heat. Overall, I think this is a real niche product. But it shows that more small PCs are on the horizon.
Smaller is cooler, yes. But what use is a PC like this? It's small in size, but without the benefit that most computers that are small bring- mobility. The MicroPC provides portability, but in practice, not more than a laptop (with or without a head!). So why would one want to spend the extra money or suffer the limitations? The size of this thing could be kind of useful if it could be "converted" into a full laptop or desktop (with PCI, AGP slots and HD bays) ala the OQO or MCC. But it's not. It's not been designed to accept a battery and a small touchscreen-endowed display, to make it into a bulky mobile computer for when a full-speed computer is needed (there are situations when this could be needed). but nope- it's just a small version of a regular computer. Whoooop-de-doo!
:P But given the choice between something even smaller for the same price and capabilities, I'd take the small one. But what the MiniPC worthwhile?
/. that are thinking "WOW! I must have one!" I'm interested in your opinion- what draws you too this? To look cool at LAN parties or to brag to those on IRC? I'm seriously curious- any insight would be great.
Sure, given the choice, I'd rather have a small, out of the way computer rather than a big noisey PC desktop. Er, well, I have had that choice, and I went with the iBook.
Why is it that Slashdot people and Wintel nerds often love these things, but rail against something like an iMac or eMac? A MicroPC has all the drawbacks of an all-in-one design and then some.- with the exception of a built-in monitor (on most [all?] iMacs and eMac models, the built-in can be bypassed or use as a second monitor).
There has to be folks out there on
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
I like the size of those sort of things. I bought a mac laptop. It is nice, but a desktop wouldn't be too bad, just not one of that towers. Like a few other posts I don't think that towers are that good anymore. I am thinking on getting an xbox beast so my computer won't be a gaming machine (to save me money :-) So I guess what I am saying... APPLE PLEASE BRING BACK THE CUBE! So many others copied it anyways so why not?
What we see depends on mainly what we look for. -- John Lubbock Now search for that bug slave!
A pc for blind people with no hands who want to pay an extra 1K for a laptop type computer without that nagging screen or keyboard to get in the way.
Seriouslly, the cd drive, memory, HD are all laptop components....the price is $2000 -- sans screen and keyboard. What market are they shooting for here?
(+1 Funny) only if I laugh out loud.
Seriously, all products (used) to be aimed at a market. Since I live in a rather small and boring town, I might be wrong but isn't targetting a market essential for a product to get off the ground? Who are these people aiming for? Apparently no companies, who in their right mind would pay the (probably) insane ammount of money required for that when you can get an otherwise fine workstation for about 40% of the price and onboard graphics is the fastest way to scare away any potential gamers. Video and graphics editing people will still prefer the Mac for their job and because of horrible expandibility it won't be of any use in the CAD/CAM area either.
So what niche is JadeTec trying to fill here? Or are they going for the "I want to have something more espensive then the guy in the next cubicle/office" idea to sell their Micro-PC?
Hate me!
I guess not.
" Plug-in for PC cards (PCMCIA): the slot is on the top."
You're right about the networking and most of the rest. I'd love to have this as a box in front of my TV, using only USB, powered firewire, 100Mbps networking, and DVI/Svideo.
--
Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
If anything, I'd like to see this thing come out in glossy designer colors... Black, white, blue, phychadelic.....
When you walk away from the standard form factor, why not also walk away from the standard color schemes, too?
OS Software is like love: The best way to make it grow is to give it away.
You won't see the offerings chang on the whole until the average custom builder can create a custom case or for that matter a custom motherboard with all the features.
If the average self sufficient computer enthusiast isn't willing to take the finacial hit for custom cases at that size, why should Dell or Gateway?
Too bad consumers can't swallow their pride and accept a wooden case like the first personal systems had. Wooden cases can be built easily, without outsourcing to case makers, and without having to make a large investment in special equipment.
Oh well.
hmm, I got an idea...
The message on the other side of this sig is false.
GAIN 3-4 INCHES GUARANTEED! OUR ONLINE PHARMACY IS OPEN 24-7!!!!
sigh, I need to get some sleep. Still, one wonders what women will think when you show off your micro PC to them...
I hereby place the above post in the public domain.
Once upon a time, any computer that could fit in a desk, was called a microcomputer...
They say "The World's Smallest PC".
... the world's samllest P4, at best. There are at least a couple places in Akihabara that sell PII based boxes that are 5 1/4" ... too expensive and NOISY for me though.
Well
"Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are the dead." A. Huxley
Now, apple computers are a joy to open up. Pretty much every model (cube, imac, tower, etc) features a motherboard on a sliding tray or a hinged panel so that you can have every serviceable part in front of you within 10 seconds. And they still manage to keep them compact. That's good hardware design.
Try searching for "Zemanova" on Gnutella. I have 300 pics currently shared. Natural DD's, and she's a cutie.
Size is weight and weight is money. A large organization could save bundles of cash on the shipping alone for large quantities of these units. Reduced warehouse costs and fewer people to manage them. Moreover smaller packages means fewer damaged units, fewer parts to track, fewer configuration problems caused by fewer upgrades and fewer field staff to manage what is effectively a closed box.
That is not small. At 3.5 pounds, it is a monster. Try this http://www.upont.com/tx3.asp at a sleek 1.9 pounds. Get it from newegg http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=m anufactory&catalog=309&manufactory=1281&DEPA=1&sor tby=14&order=1 for $635.
... Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed...
Ofcourse Microsoft will try to expoilt it, sell it, make it illegal except if only they sell it, change the terms for the OEM about a billion times, put spyware on it, make it virus prone(like that not anything new), make it insecure(once again nothing to be suprised of). Then the RIAA will find something that they will exploit to make money with. Ofcourse we can't forget the FCC which would regulate it so badly the manufacture of it will have to pay so much to even get ready to sell it, it will only be afordable to Bill Gates, then he will buy it and the cycle continues.
Is that a computer in your pocket
or are you just happy to see me?
One future, two choices. Oppose them or let them destroy us.
These and Centrury Sytems' FutureNet products have been around for quite a while in Japan, and they appear smaller than the micro computer in the original article. (But then these are server devices and don't have monitor or keyboard controllers.)
As even those of you who can't read Japanese can get from the comparison page, OpenBlocks comes with the Linux 2.4 kernel and FutureNet come with the Linux 2.4.10 kernel. (If they had a FreeBSD version, I'd retire the old laptop I'm using as a router to my cable modem. The price certainly isn't a problem.)
http://www.kingyoung.com.tw/
I've been looking for this for a while.
The problem is that there's been a sense of "damn the noise and heat, give me speed" among PC users for too long, and it's really caused a distortion in the market. Hot, noisy systems that run 50% faster.
The Barracudas are nice, but here are a couple of other thoughts:
Current x86 processors pretty much suck from a heat perspective. You can't really get below 40 watts. I believe there's still a fanless Cyrix processor in production, but it's kind of slow. You might consider a PPC box from Apple.
There are "quiet hard drive" cases. Unfortunately, they generally can't cope with the ventilation demands of 7200RPM drives -- another nice reason to get the Barracudas, which run cool. With 5400 RPM drives, though, you can use these.
There are cases designed to reduce noise. Haven't tried these. Also, haven't tried "silence mods" by adding sound-absorbing material like cork to the inside walls.
There are "quiet power supplies". Haven't tried these either...think they mostly just put a nicer fan in.
Stick with large, low-RPM fans. They're quieter. There are also a few expensive fans designed to be really, really quiet.
I miss my (literally silent) Mac Plus.
May we never see th
This product is most likely aimed at the market of people trying to integrate their computer into their entertainment center. Those people with 52 inch HDTV's. I mean really I would love to have something like this just dedicated to surfing the net on a 52" HDTV and then watch DVD's off the same little box. Not to mention You would then be able to play mp3's off of it networked to another computer that has vast more storage for MP3's. Plus then you could easily watch home videos from the new USB 2.0 MiniDV camcorder or whatever. Its for people who want all these toys. I personally have none of them because of lack of need (I would want some of them) and lack of wanting to spend the cash. You're correct with all the people you list not wanting something like this. Of course you're not gonna do digital editing on it or CAD/CAM.. You get a Freakin' workstation made for that not something mini. If you're looking at this stuff you're definately not some developer you're an end user who wants a nice quaint compact piece to fit into the entertainment center. Something thats unobtrousive and sleek. I personally wish I had one of these thing built into my coffee table or breakfast nook at home with a nice flat panel monitor and a One-handed keyboard ;).. so I could surf the net while getting breakfast or cooking or something like that. Thats just my 2 cents.. (ok maybe a little more than 2 cents)
Who makes you Sig?
Using a C3 processor, it is not nearly as fast as a comparable clockspeed PIII, but it should be sufficient for most tasks. It is also available very cheaply (Dutch local is about $130 for the 800MHz version), and can by quite well casemodded.
FYI, the mainboard measures 17x17cm (6.8" square), has one PCI slot, and has pretty much everything on board. It's fairly silent, since it only uses a smallish fan on the 800MHz CPU, and passive cooling for the 533MHz one.
Cases can be cheaply had. Even Ikea has a perfectly suitable case available. Silent, small, cheap, and somewhat expandable.
...include a link from the first page to a version with all the pages. Insert the extra adds throughout the article.
The folks who read the whole thing at once can do so, those who just read the first few pages only download the first few, and of course the advertisers will get what they pay for.
Does anyone remember when the 'Micro' PC was as big as the Maxi shown?
I thought the Capuccino was the smallest computer? This thing doesn't look smaller than that.
This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.
I find it interesting that when a PC manufacturer releases a machine without a floppy drive, no one makes a comment. Yet mention a Mac and someone inevitably mentions the fact that there's no floppy drive. Just an observation.
I would love to see one of these with a translucent case. That way I could spray paint it to the colour of my liking - the finish always looks better if you spray the inside of transparent plastic.
Jumpstart the tartan drive.
I'm sick of PCs.
I look at a PC and what do I see? Decades of short-sighted design, kludges, needless complexity, and backward compatability.
Why? Because it's cheap? Because it's what we've always done? Is that all?
I say throw off the x86 architecture--we've long sinced reached its esthetic limitations. It's ugly; it's hot; it's loud; it has bus after redundant bus; it has a cpu architecture that's wheezing; it has connectors up the wazoo; and don't even get me started on the abomination that is the PC bios!
I want something simple, elegant, and quiet; something that doesn't have to answer to the kuckelheaded profit motives of twenty years of design revisions. Something that doesn't give kernel hackers cold sweats when they think of all the chaotic evil hiding in that arch just waiting to be unleashed!
I want the BeOS of hardware!
Designing a PC today like remodeling an abandoned house. Who cares then if you've replaced the tile in the kitchen if the pipes are wrapped in duct tape? (Oh. And the house is haunted, too.)
Note, however, that I still prefer cheap hardware to good hardware. Which, um, I suppose is the problem....
That said, however, surely someone can design an architecture using existing technologies that doesn't have to answer to ISA madness (or equivalent) yet is still an open standard? I mean, can't someone take a bunch of standard buses (PCI, IDE, USB, etc) and design something sensible to connect them to? Am I really so stupid about what's involved? (Entirely possible)
I just find it very hard to believe that the PC is really the best one can do.
--
Francis Avila
Show slashdot, or any bunch of random geeks, something interesting and they turn it into an opportunity to prove their dubious intelligence by competing to point out the biggest shortcoming with the object in question.
Gritch, gritch.
dumb ass
FoundNews.com - get paid to blog.,
BOFH excuse #145:
Flat tire on station wagon with tapes. ("Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurling down the highway" Andrew S. Tanenbaum)
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