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1.0GHz P3 In A CD-ROM Drive Bay
Migraine Man writes "Similar to the PPC-based Briq, the folks at Stealth Computer have introduced an Intel-based PC that's built into a 5.25" CD-ROM-sized enclosure. It's got a 1.0GHz P3, 256M RAM, 20G HD, 10/100 eth, CD-ROM, USB, FireWire, video, and sound. At USD 995, it's reasonably priced too. You could put three of 'em on a 1U rackmount shelf, or stuff several into a mid-tower and build your own desktop cluster. A summary datasheet is here. Very cool."
This isn't a troll, but what exactly is the niche? For not a lot more size, but less money, you could have a shoebox PC like a Shuttle SS40. For not a lot more space you could buy a laptop of the same performance, and have screen and keyboard. And you still have to plug all the wires in the back and (by the looks of it) provide top and rear venting, so you can't just pack 'em in a rack like crazy.
So, serious question: what's the niche? They're cool, yes, but beyond that?
This would be a great thing to install in your dashboard. You could have a self-contained computer that works as a GPS moving map (connect the GPS antenna to the USB port), CD/DVD player, MP3 player, game system, wireless internet, and so forth. You'd just need to pick up an LCD screen to go with it.
Not that I'm advocating people typing email messages or playing UT while driving -- they're distracted enough as it is. But this would be great for the passengers, especially on road trips!
Too late to be known as Bush the First, he's sure to be known as Bush the Worst.
miniaturization does carry a price, and people do pay more for small computers. This article illustrates the differences between the market that asks for speed, compared to the market that asks for good design.
this computer is not powerful at all, but how much power would someone need for office chores? this is perfect for the office environment. good for anything that can't have a large bulky computer case lying around.
I think it's laudable that mfgs. build different designs, especially smaller designs. i think that computers would be way more useful if they were designed for the purpose in mind, rather than simply cramming a hot running processor into the cheapest, ugliest box and calling it a "gaming machine". once people start thinking of computers like appliances rather than "OMG 3ghz box!" then we'll see a dramatic change in the way people use computers.
Gradually, we'll see people become less concerned about raw speed and more at making computers actually fit your lifestyle, rather than the other way around.
This doesn't have TV out, which would be nice for making a PVR box. Are there any USB TV in/out adapters (supported in Linux, natch) that could be used with this thing?