Vendor: Shuttle Computer Group, Inc. - us.shuttle.com
Name / Model: KPC - us.shuttle.com/kpc
Overall type of computer: Small desktop (cube form factor)
Approximate list price, quantity one: US $199
(no graphic - all graphics on Shuttle's site are in Flash)
Notable features: Visually pleasing, small cube that won't dominate a desk. A neat feature is that Shuttle offers a way to create a photo or graphic and apply it to the front panel. It runs Linux; optionally Windows XP / Vista. Comes standard with 512K RAM, 80 GB hard drive. Though small, it seems to have a full complement of ports, including 4 USB and (surprisingly, in this era) PS/2 keyboard and mouse... and a PCI slot. Ethernet, of course (a bit confusing - perhaps one 10/100 port and a 1 Gbps port). There's no mention of which Linux it comes standard with - perhaps something that Shuttle has created.
Comments: My limited (second-hand) experience with Shuttle is that they make good systems. One colleague carried his on a motorcycle to a conference where he was handling the online chores, and it survived the trip with no trouble (and apparently the colleague did this frequently.) This seems to be an amazing deal for $199.
Company blurb:
Shuttle Introduces Cube Size $199 Linux PC
City of Industry, CA., February 18, 2008
After generating quite a buzz at CES 2008, Shuttle today announced the
official launch of its $199 Linux based system. A first for any
computer at this price point, Shuttle’s KPC boasts a small form factor
– it’s even smaller than the toaster sized XPC – and a unique
changeable front image that works like a photo frame.
Designed for simple day-to-day use, just about any application
consumers might need for daily computer tasks is ready loaded onto the
KPC. Simply plug in the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and start web
surfing, emailing, instant messaging, and word processing – it’s simple
and perfect for use at the home or office.
The Internet ready cube is powered by an Intel processor and comes
standard with 512MB of memory (user expandable up to 2GB), 80GB of hard
drive space (user expandable up to 1.5TB with 2 hard drives), quality
Intel graphics, and 5.1 channels of high definition audio. Plus,
benefit from the extra security and stability of the included Linux
operating system (Windows capable). For more details visit: http://us.shuttle.com/kpc
CNET News - Shuttle's $199 Linux PC (States there will be a $99 bare-bones version of the KPC also available.)
By Steve Stroh
This article is Copyright © 2008 by Steve Stroh except for specifically-marked excerpts. Excerpts and links are expressly permitted (and encouraged).
This article was written and posted via Broadband Wireless Internet Access (BWIA); Clearwire service using a NextNet Wireless / Motorola Expedience Residential Service Unit (RSU).
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