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Linux Computer in USB Key Form-Factor

PMBjornerud writes "A start-up located in the French Alps near Grenoble is readying a tiny ARM-based Linux single-board computer (SBC) in a USB key form-factor. Calao's USB-9260 USB key-sized SBC measures 3.3 x 1.4 inches (85 x 36 mm). It is based on an Atmel AT91SAM9260 processor, an SoC (system-on-chip) powered by an ARM926EJ-S core clocked at 190MHz. The SoC targets "advanced applications such as GPS application processors," according to Atmel. Here is a Spec sheet PDF. With a 10/100 Ethernet port, firewall usage springs to mind. Other interfaces are 2 USB host ports and room for an expansion card. Which should allow some creative uses. "

6 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Firewall by ringfinger · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This seems like the ultimate in upgradable technology -- just unplug an old one and plug in a new one. Put this in a car as the on-board computer, then you could pull it out and plug it into another machine to perform diagnostics or upgrade software. This seems extremely useful to me.

  2. Re:imagine by SQLGuru · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why isn't there a Grindel cluster or Grindel OS or something for all of these Beowulf clusters?

    Layne

  3. beowulf posters take note by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    There is a right way, and a wrong way to do a beowulf post.

    First of all, you do not put the word "imagine", or "beowulf" in the subject line. Your subject line MUST pertain directly to the subject at hand. In this case, the subject is a USB key computer that runs LINUX. It is also important to use the word "these" instead of the word "those".

    I have taken the opportunity to display a properly formatted beowulf post, conveniently reproduced below:

    Subject: USB Key form factor computer

    Imagine a beowulf cluster of these!

  4. Israeli companies have been making them for years by Organic+User · · Score: 5, Informative

    Many Israeli companies have been making computer-on-a-stick for quiet a while now. For example, Yoggie has been making some running linux to be used for security applications. I pick up a regular computer-on-a-stick for about $40USD 3 years ago in Tel Aviv.

  5. A few more (less legal) appliactions come to mind by Opportunist · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Let's see. A computer that can easily be hidden inside your pocket. With a network interface.

    All you need now is a UPS uniform and a target.

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  6. Re:imagine by dbIII · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why isn't there a Grindel cluster ... Beowulf

    It would be missing an ARM.