World's Smallest Linux Box Fits in RJ-45 Jack

An anonymous reader writes "German electronics company Kleinhenz is shipping a network-enabled Linux system built into an RJ-45 Ethernet jack. "Picotux" has a 55MHz ARM processor, 2MB of Flash, 8MB of RAM, a serial port, and five lines of GPIO. It measures 0.75 x 0.75 x 1.4 inches (19 x 19 x 36mm), and weighs 0.64 ounces (18 grams), packaged in a metal housing. A wireless 802.11 version appears to be on the horizon, too. So, if you've ever wanted to network-enable, say, a robot, boombox, or model airplane, this could be the system for you." Is this really the world's smallest? It looks a bit chunkier than a tiny gumstix machine.

Comments

it's all about size

[tedtimmons]

comparison:

picotux: 19x19x36mm (12.996 cc), 18 grams
gumstix: 20x6.3x80mm (10.080 cc), 12 grams?
packaged gumstix: 36x15x83mm (44.820 cc), ?? grams

Okay, so the gumstix is smaller. But the picotux has built-in eth.

Re:it's all about size

[ageforce_]

true.
but a gumstix has bluetooth (which is IMO even cooler). Also a Gumstix has more RAM, more flash and is faster. And (as you point out with your link) you could always add the ethernet-board if you really need ethernet (and in some weeks the double-ethernet board).

Not new - Digi Connect ME

[Amgine007]

This is a Digi Connect ME, which has been around for a while. I have one, and it runs uClinux nicely.

Dunno what Kleinhenz is shipping, but I'm gussing it's just the DCME with uClinux flashed onto it. Nothing new here.

IIRC, old newsgroup threads when these came out suggest the quantity cost is ~$50/ea, so this product's convenience comes at a bit of a premium.

Re:Not new - Digi Connect ME

[drinkypoo]

Lantronix also has a similar product called the XPort. It's an embedded system in an ethernet jack with a serial port out the other end. Doesn't run linux as far as I know, but it's x86-based so a port should be easy if you can get the necessary information out of them.

wireless?

[mschoolbus]

When you lose the network cable, you also lose the power source. It will get much heavier than current weight.

Great build-environment for Gumstix'

[ageforce_]

We are currently using a Gumstix for a robotics-project, and eventhough the size is amazing, the really big advantage of Gumstix' are their build-environment, and a really efficient and responsive support there.
In addition they have a Wiki-page which has a nice tutorial (I must know it, I wrote it;) and other helpful tips.
Add to that: cutting edge software (latest Linux kernel and gcc) and bluetooth (do you remember the bluetooth-sniper from some days ago? It was based on a Gumstix).
Really cool!

Re:Exoensive.

[syukton]

Actually, according to another slashdotter's comment, gumstix is smaller by almost 3 cubic centimeters. 99 euro is $127. For $109 you can get a gumstix with a 200mhz processor, 4MB flash, and 64MB of RAM. Granted, the gumstix doesn't come with built-in ethernet. It does however have almost four times the processing power and eight times the RAM. A waysmall basix can be had for $139. Add the audiostix expansion board ($40) and you've got the beginnings of a portable media player, or the like.