If you want a small PC the most common options are to buy a netbook, or if you want a larger screen a nettop. But there is an even smaller option that does not require any desk space at all: it’s called a plug computer.
These tiny machines form part of an over-sized plug and sit in a power outlet. Unlike a typical PC they don’t have a video card and therefore no video out. They are ideally suited for use as a web or media server that is always on and always connected. Just plug it in and forget about it.
While there are a few plug computers out there, including the SheevaPlug and GuruPlug, the latest model to become available offers an update to the performance, software, and connections available. It’s called DreamPlug, and it offers up some serious computing power using an ARM processor.
Here’s the basic spec:
- Marvell Sheeva core @ 1.2GHz speed
- Linux 2.6.3x Kernel
- 512MB 16bit DDR2-800 MHz
- 1 GB on board micros-SD for kernal and root file system
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps
- 2 x USB 2.0 ports (Host)
- 1 x eSATA 2.0 port -3Gbps SATAII
- 1 x SD socket for user expansion/application
- WiFi 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth BT2.1 + EDR
- Audio Interfaces
- Headphone (analogue) out x 1
- Fiber Optics (SP/DIF) out x 1
- Jtag and Uart connections for external module
- 5V3A DC power supply
The DreamPlug has the advantage of offering an always on computing solution that takes up no space and only draws 5 watts of power. Want a home server? DreamPlug could be the perfect solution.
If you want one then it’s possible to pre-order for $149 with shipments starting some time this month. There’s also an optional $30 JTAG board for debugging and programming purposes if you intend to develop applications for use with the DreamPlug.
Alternatively if you don’t mind working with a bulkier plug computer, there’s also the GuruPlug Display also up for pre-order which adds a HDMI out which can drive a 720p resolution. As you’d expect it’s more expensive at $199.
Source: Geek
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