AdvantageSix Promises a Tiny ARM-based Computer

oberondarksoul writes "Drobe, one of the leading RISC OS news websites, is reporting that AdvantageSix have displayed an in-development version of their forthcoming A9home system. Running on a 400MHz Samsung ARM9 processor, and measuring approximately 6.6x4x2 inches, this ought to be a cheap -- and reasonably powerful -- RISC OS-based alternative to small form factor PCs or the Mac mini."

Comments

Re:Interesting

[cahiha]

Tha Mac Mini is actually pretty expensive for what it does; you still need a keyboard, screen, mouse, cables, etc.

I don't see much of a market for these things in the long run: a low-end laptop is easier to set up, more compact, and less messy (no cables, speakers, etc.). It's also a better deal.

Re:Hello?

[FidelCatsro]

2 main reasons , ARM development and Risc OS development . Perhaps also it would make a rather nice router if you have money to burn , or an internet booth type thing if you wanted.
Its really not a product your average user would want.
I really don't see why the artical refers to as an alternative to A MacMini or SFF PC , it just leads to alot of confusion.

Re:Interesting

[treff89]

You didn't RTFP. The idea is 1) that sysadmins creating a cluster _don't need_ mice, keyboards, speakers, etc.; and 2) that the lower base price entices non-computer users. (Of course, they get slugged extra later, but it's the psychological thing.)

Re:Interesting

[roxtar]

The costs are low, therefore people who have given that excuse to not owning a computer will be happy to buy. Usage is simple, which will appeal to the same group of people.

I don't think that people who haven't owned a computer till now will go and buy one which doesn't have a monitor and runs RISC OS. IMHO they will be more comfortable buying a standard PC running windows.

They will be useful for clusters (ie. Beowolf)

Technically Beowulf clusters are diskless along with not having monitors,mice etc.

Re:That sounds like a lot of of money

[wisdom_brewing]

exactly... when you can buy something like this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/full_system s.html
- Intel Pentium IV 'Prescott LGA775' 3.0GHz (800FSB) HyperThreading CPU
- Abit IG-80 915G "PCI-Express" (Socket 775) Dual DDR400 Motherboard
- Onboard Intel 2D/3D Accelerated Graphics (PCI-E x16 slot for future upgradability)
- GeIL 512MB (2x256MB) DDR Value PC3200 CAS2.5 Dual Channel Kit
- 200GB Maxtor DiamondMax Plus10 8mb Cache SATA 150 Hard Drive
- NEC ND3540 16X Dual Layer DVD±RW ReWriter Drive
- Onboard 6 Channel Audio
- Gigabit LAN
- Antec Aria Micro ATX Cube Silent Case
- Antec 300W Silent ATX Power Supply
- Built in 8in1 Card reader
- Front & Rear Firewire IEEE1394 Ports
- Front & Rear USB2.0 Ports
- Front Headphone & Microphone Ports
for £400... why would you spend £499 on something like that?

Re:Garrhh!

[Glock27]

an ARM running at 400mhz would outdo a pentium M at 1200MHz. Since the Pentium M at 1200MHz is about the speed of a 1.42GHz G4 Mac Mini, then this machine is about the speed of a mac mini.

OK...first of all I challenge your figures, please cite some references for a 400 MHz. ARM (Palm/PocketPC CPU) being as fast as a 1.2 GHz. Pentium M, or a 1.42 GHz. G4. Does this ARM even have hardware floating point? Most don't...

Secondly, the Mac Mini comes with a great software bundle, a ton of available software, a good (if not great) graphics adapter, and for the cost of the ARM box I could get it with 1 GB RAM and the Superdrive.

In a smaller case. That sounds worth it to me.

I doubt you'd even notice the size difference (Mac Mini is 6.5"x6.5"x2"). You and I have very different concepts of "worth it".