The eBOX II integrates an x86-compatible processor, memory, networking, USB, and other I/O ports in a small enclosure that accommodates a 2.5-inch hard drive.
Contest participants are free to work entirely on a PC, or use any other convenient platform that can run Windows CE 5.0, for their entries in the contest. However, a small development system like the eBOX II could be handy for both the contest and other projects, and the $195 price tag (hard drive not included) is hard to beat. The eBOX II was the required target platform for Microsoft's
Windows Embedded Student ChallengE 2006 contest, which holds its final competition round on Microsoft's campus in Redmond, Wash. June 23-24.
About the 2006 Windows CE Shared Source ContestMicrosoft and
WindowsForDevices.com are jointly sponsoring the first-ever shared source contest based on Windows CE. Contestants will create device prototypes based on the Shared Source webcam driver or the Shared Source DVR engine. The Grand Prize is a $2,500 Xbox 360 dream setup including console, 34-inch HDTV, games, and accessories for four. Three other winners will be awarded Xbox 360 game consoles. Further details on the 2006 Windows CE Shared Source Contest are available
Introducing the June 2006 Windows CE Shared Source Contest.
About the Ebox II
Key features and specs of the eBOX II, according to ICOP, include:
- Processor -- 200 MHz Vortex86 system-on-chip (equivalent to the SiS550)
- Memory -- 128MB SDRAM
- Disk -- EIDE interface
- Ethernet --10/100 Mbps Realtek 8100B with PXE boot
- CRT/LCD video controller:
- AGP Rev 2.0 Compliant
- Shared system memory area up to 128MB
- Up to 1920 x 1440 resolution in "true color"
- Other input/output ports:
- 3 x USB
- PS/2 keyboard/mouse
- Parallel
- Real Time Clock with lithium battery backup
- BIOS -- AMI BIOS
- Audio:
AC97 V2.1 CODEC
- Mic, line in/out connections
- Power requirements -- Single voltage, +5V @1.7A, with ACPI support
- Dimensions -- 5.2 x 2.5 x 4.4 inches (133 x 63 x 111 mm)
- Weight -- (484g)
- Wide operating temperature -- -20 to 60 degrees C
Further details on the eBOX II are
here.
Interested contest participants are asked to send an email to ICOP's
Samuel Phung, to arrange the special pricing that the company is offering in support of the contest.
Disclaimer: This information is only provided for informational purposes, with no expressed or implied warranty. Neither Microsoft nor WindowsForDevices.com has performed any reliability or compatibility testing of the eBOX, and the companies do not warrant that the system is suitable for use in the 2006 Windows CE Shared Source Contest or for any other purpose.
Related stories: 
