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        Book-sized PCs target embedded applications

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Oct 26, 2007 | Comments: 1



        DSM AG, of Munich, has announced three compact computers aimed at the embedded market. The "Booksize" PCs are based on a mini-ITX motherboard with a 1GHz processor, are packaged in a rugged metal enclosure, and can be fitted with either hard drives or solid-state disks (SSDs).




        (Click here for a larger view of the Booksize PC)

        The Booksize B1, B2, and B6 systems offer three different processor families and associated chipsets. An element common to all, however, is the 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5-inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm) metal case, including a 60-watt, 100-240 VAC power supply (24 VDC is optional).

        Beyond that, all the units include the basic functions and interfaces expected of a standard PC, including keyboard and mouse connectors, VGA output, and Ethernet ports. Each also offers a standard, half-size PCI expansion slot, plus a drive bay that accepts a 3.5- or 2.5-inch hard drive or dual CompactFlash cards. Additionally, the systems can accept disk-on-module SSDs.

        Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B1 include:
        • Processor -- Via C7 processor clocked at 1 GHz, with CN700 chipset (no active cooling required)
        • Memory -- up to 1 GB DDR (533 MHz), 0 MB in standard configuration
        • Video -- Via 2D/3D video controller with S-Video and composite TV-out, supported resolutions not specified
        • Audio -- Via AC '97 audio controller
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet (Via VT6103)
        • Other I/O ports:
          • 2 x IDE ports (supports 4 x EIDE drives)
          • Serial ATA supports 2 x SATA 150 drives
          • 6 x USB 2.0
          • 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
          • VGA output
          • jacks for audio input and output
          • S-Video and composite jacks for video output
          • serial port
        • Expansion:
          • half-size PCI expansion slot
          • 2 x CompactFlash slots
        • Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
        • Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
        • Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C
        Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B2 include:
        • Processor -- Intel Celeron M clocked at 600 MHz (no active cooling required), with 400 Mhz front-side bus and Intel 852GM chipset
        • Memory -- up to 1 GB DDR (PC 200/266/333), 0 MB in standard configuration
        • Video:
          • Intel Extreme Graphics 2 video controller
          • 64 MB shared memory
          • 1600 x 1200 resolution
        • Audio -- AC '97
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
        • Other I/O ports:
          • 2 x IDE ports (supports 4 x EIDE drives)
          • 4 x USB 2.0
          • 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
          • DVI-I video output
          • jacks for audio input and output
          • 2 x serial ports
          • parallel port
        • Expansion:
          • half-size PCI expansion slot
          • Mini-PCI slot (accepts optional wireless LAN module
          • 2 x CompactFlash slots
        • Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
        • Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
        • Operating temperature -- 0 to 45 deg. C
        Features and specifications listed for the Booksize B6 include:
        • Processor -- Intel Core Duo T2500 clocked at 2 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo clocked at 2.16 GHz (both require fan), with Intel 82945GM chipset
        • Memory -- up to 4 GB DDR (667 MHz), 0 MB in standard configuration
        • Video:
          • Intel GMA950 video controller
          • 224 MB shared memory
          • 2048 x 1536 resolution
          • S-Video and TV out
        • Audio -- AC '97
        • Networking:
          • 1 x 10/100 Ethernet based on Intel ICH-7M chipset
          • 1 x 10/100/1000 LAN based on Marvell 88E8053
        • Other I/O ports:
          • 1 x IDE ports (supports 2 x EIDE drives)
          • 6 x USB 2.0
          • 2 x PS/2 (keyboard and mouse)
          • VGA video output
          • jacks for audio input and output
          • S/PDIF optical digital audio output
          • jacks for S-Video and composite video output
          • 2 x COM
        • Expansion:
          • half-size PCI expansion slot
          • Mini-PCI slot (accepts optional wireless LAN module)
          • 2 x CompactFlash slots
        • Power -- 60-watt 110-240 VAC power supply or 50-watt 24 VDC power supply
        • Dimensions -- 11.8 x 8.7 x 3.5 inch (300 x 220 x 90 mm)
        • Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C
        According to DSM, the Booksize B1, B2, and B6 support Windows 2000 and XP, but could run Windows XP Embedded given installation of a suitable operating system image onto hard drive or SSD. Pricing was not disclosed.



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