The Small, Silent and Low-Cost Linux Computer, Compulab Fit-PC Is Dust-Resistant as Well
July 23, 2007
As electronic devices get smaller, they should get more expensive, right? Tiny components cost more and hardware design becomes more complex, not to mention the challenges in manufacturing. Small, low-cost Linux computers don't seem to follow this logic. The Compulab Fit-PC is a handheld-size product that comes with Linux, 40GB hard disk, and network and USB interfaces for using it as a PC or as a networking device.
Key Features:
- Factory-installed Gentoo Linux, kernel version 2.6.20.
- Silent; there's no fan in the unit.
- 40 GB, 2.5 inch hard drive with IDE interface.
- 256 MB of RAM which can't be expanded.
- AMD Geode LX800 CPU, 500 Mhz.
- Graphics controller with an external VGA port. The device can display up to 1920x1440 resolution images to VGA-compatible monitors.
- Two 100 Mbps Ethernet ports.
- Two USB 2.0 ports.
- Speaker and microphone ports.
- Serial RS-232 port via RJ11 connector.
- Aluminum case that's splash water and dust resistant.
- Dimensions: 120 x 116 x 40 mm / inches, 450 gram
The Compulab Fit-PC product includes an 110/230 AC adapter, power cable with U.S. Plug, and an RS-232 serial cable. If you want to use the product as a PC, you need to acquire an Ethernet cable, VGA monitor, keyboard, and a mouse for the unit. When used as a network device, for instance, as a Linux firewall, you only have to hook the unit to your network because you can manage it remotely from another PC.
Compulab has set USD 285 as the price for the Fit-PC. The product can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
Although the PC comes with Linux, it is possible to install Windows XP to the device as well. You need a CD-ROM drive with USB interface for loading the XP software to the hard drive of the Fit-PC. The purchase price of Windows XP, however, quickly causes a serious stack overflow in our mind and in many buyers' budgeting. one of the fundamental reasons to get a product like the Fit-PC is to be able to acquire a minimal, low-cost PC, after all.
Other low-cost, stripped-down Linux computers that can be used as PCs (primarily for basic tasks like Web surfing and email) or as network devices are, for instance, the Linutop, Square One Personal Internet Server, and the Zonbu.
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