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        Keyboard-based computer's less than an inch thick

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 16, 2011 | Comments: 1


        Cybernet announced a "zero footprint" computer built into a keyboard, featuring a dual-core Atom processor and a multi-touch trackpad. The ZPC-D45 is under one inch thick, but it provides features such as a CD/DVD drive, both VGA and HDMI outputs, stereo speakers, and dual Mini PCI Express slots, the company says.

        Founded in 1996, Irvine, Calif.-based Cybernet specializes in all-in-one PCs that are contained either within a keyboard or LCD monitor. (We covered the monitor-housed iOne-GX45 earlier this year.) The company pitches its devices at space-constrained applications, such as bank teller windows, customer service counters, examination rooms reception desks, and temporary field offices.

        Cybernet's ZPC-D45
        (Click to enlarge)

        According to Cybernet, its new ZPC-D45 is the company's thinnest and lightest keyboard computer to data. The device has a footprint of 17 x 6.5 inches, and is .9 inches thick -- opening its optical drive or flipping down the keyboard stand takes up slightly more space, as pictured below -- and weighs only 2.8 pounds, the company says.


        Dimensions of Cybernet's ZPC-D45
        (Click to enlarge)

        Within this envelope, the ZPC-D45 accommodates a full-size keyboard as well as a multi-touch trackpad. It also includes a CD/DVD drive and an SD/MMC/Memory Stick Pro card reader, Cybernet says.

        Internally, there's a dual-core Intel Atom D515 processor (1.8GHz), equipped with the usual NM10 chipset and a single SODIMM socket that accepts up to 4GB of DDR3 memory. Fixed storage is provided by a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive, offered in 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, and 500GB capacities.


        Cybernet's ZPC-D45 provides easy access to its hard disk drive
        (Click to enlarge)

        As shown above, the hard drive and SODIMM socket are readily accessible by removing a door at the bottom of the device. So is a single Mini PCI Expansion slot -- the ZPC-D45 actually has two, but one is permanently occupied by a wireless networking (802.11b/g/n) card.

        Ports include four USB 2.0 ports, a gigabit Ethernet port, and audio (mic in, line in, line out). Two video outputs are provided: a VGA port with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and an HDMI port with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.

        Specifications listed by Cybernet for the ZPC-D5 include:

        • Processor -- Intel Atom D525, clocked at 1.8GHz
        • Chipset -- Intel NM10
        • Memory -- up to 4GB DDR3 RAM via single SODIMM slot
        • Storage -- 2.5-inch hard disk drive (160GB, 250GB, 320GB, or 500GB); CD/DVD optical drive
        • Expansion:
          • 2 x Mini PCI Express (1 occupied)
          • SD/MMC/Memory Stick Pro card reader
        • Networking:
          • LAN -- gigabit Ethernet
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
        • Other I/O:
          • 4 x USB 2.0
          • VGA
          • HDMI
          • audio -- mic in, line in, line out
        • Power requirements -- 19VDC via 40-Watt AC adapter
        • Operating range -- 32 to 122 deg. F
        • Dimensions -- 17 x 6.5 x .9 inches
        • Weight -- 2.8 pounds
        Further information

        Cybernet, which offers the ZPC-D5 with a variety of Windows 7 flavors or without an operating system installed, did not cite pricing. More information may be found on the company's ZPC-D5 product page.

        Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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