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        Mini PCs include bootable miniSD slots, low power consumption

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 30, 2010 | Comments: 1


        U.K.-based Anders Electronics announced two fanless PCs measuring just 4.5 x 4 x 1.05 inches. The fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i include 1.1GHz or 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z-series processors, bootable miniSD slots, 2.5-inch drive bays, built-in wireless networking, and HD-capable DVI video outputs, the company says.

        Newly distributed by Anders, the fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i are products of Haifa, Israel-based CompuLab. The devices were apparently first announced in Israel in March, though they eluded our notice at the time.

        CompuLab originally released its fit-PC (right) in 2007. The device measured 4.7 x 4.6 x 1.6 inches, used a 500MHz AMD Geode processor, and was said to consume from three to five watts of power.

        The second-generation fit-PCs are even smaller (4.5 x 4 x 1.05 inches), still run fanlessly, and still come in anodized aluminum cases. And, while the devices now use twice the power, purchasers now get computing power approaching that of a much larger PC, says Anders.


        The fit-PC2i
        (Click to enlarge)

        The fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i are very similar, but the latter model (above) has dual gigabit Ethernet ports, where the fit-PC2 just has one. Apparently as a minor result, the fit-PC2i uses a maximum of 10 Watts, whereas the fit-PC2 uses a maximum of nine.

        According to Anders, the fit-PC2i is available in an extended-range version that may be operated in temperatures from -40 to 185 deg. F. A standard version has an operating range of 32 to 158 deg. F, like that of the fit-PC2.

        Anders says both models use either a 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor or a 1.1GHz Z510, while a 2GHz version -- presumably built around the Z550 -- will be available in the fourth quarter. Thanks to the accompanying SCH US15W combination northbridge/southbridge, the devices are capable of providing 1080p HD video output via their DVI ports, the company adds.

        Interestingly, Anders says "If you are intending to use the HD capabilities of the Fit PC2 you should go for the XP model. Windows 7 HD performance is quickly improving as better drivers are constantly being developed, and as of June 2010 is about 85 percent as good an experience as on XP. We expect this gap to close by the end of 2010."

        According to Anders and CompuLab, the fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i accept up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, include bootable miniSD slots, and are available with 160GB, 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drives. Solid state disks (SSDs) from 8GB to 16GB are listed as options and, we'd guess, are recommended for extended-temperature duty.


        The rear panel of the fit-PC2i

        The fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i both have two front-accessible USB 2.0 ports, microphone inputs, line outputs, and S/PDIF digital optical outputs, according to Anders. The 2i has two additional USB 2.0 ports on its rear panel (above) while the 2 adds four additional USB 2.0 ports, the company adds.

        The fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i are said to include 802.11b/g/n wireless networking. The fit-PC2i also adds a RS232 serial port, which reaches the outside world through a miniaturized front panel connector, Anders and CompuLab say.

        Features and specifications listed by Anders and CompuLab for the fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i include:

        • Processor -- 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 or 1.1GHz Atom Z510
        • Chipset -- SCH US15W
        • Memory -- up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM
        • Storage -- bootable miniSD slot and room for 2.5-inch SATA device (can be either 160Gb B hard disk drive, or SSDs from 8GB to 16GB)
        • Networking:
          • LAN:
            • 1 x gigabit Ethernet (PC2)
            • 2 x gigabit Ethernet (PC2i)
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
        • Other I/O:
          • 1 x DVI
          • 1 x RS232 (PC2i only)
          • 4 x USB 2.0 on PC2i; 6 x USB 2.0 on PC2
          • S/PDIF digital audio output
          • mic in, line in, line out
        • Power:
          • Consumption -- 10 Watts max (PC2i), 9 Watts max (PC2); <1W standby
          • Input -- 12VDC
        • Operating range:
          • Standard -- 32 to 158 deg. F (0 to 70 deg. C)
          • Extended (PC2i only) -- -40 to 185 deg. F. (-40 to 85 deg. F)
        • Dimensions -- 4.5 x 4 x 1.05 inches (11.5 x 10.1 x 2.7cm)
        • Weight, with hard disk drive -- 11.64 ounces (330g)
        • Operating system support -- Windows 7, Windows XP, Linux
        Further information

        According to Anders, the fit-PC2 and fit-PC2i are available now. Prices are said to start at 229 U.K. Pounds (around $342) for the 2 and 265 U.K. Pounds (around $396) for the 2i, though these versions do not include wireless networking or disk drives.

        More information on the systems may be found on the Anders website, here, and on the CompuLab website here and here.

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