| Tiny $150 PC runs Windows XP |
Dec. 12, 2008
 DMP Electronics has announced a compact computer based on the company's latest 32-bit, x86-compatible SoC (system on chip). The fanless eBox-3300 uses under 10 watts, runs Windows XP at 1GHz, has bootable microSD and CompactFlash slots, and sells for around $150.
(Click here for a larger view of the eBox-3300)
The new eBox-3300 is the latest in a series of small PCs devised by DMP, with a form factor that measures 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches and dates back to the eBox-2300. As we explain later in this story, DMP's eBox devices have mostly relied upon x86-compatible SoCs designed by the Taiwanese company itself -- and the eBox-3300 is no exception.
 This time out, DMP is using the new Vortex86DX (right) it announced last month. This SoC is built using a 90nm process, comes in a 27 x 27mm package, and uses under two Watts while running at up to 1GHz.
The Vortex86DX includes the compete 486SX instruction set, adding floating point support. Unlike the company's previous Vortex86SX, the SoC is capable of running Windows XP and Windows XP Embedded, has 256MB of embedded L2 cache, and supports up to 1GB of 33MHz DDR2 memory, according to DMP. For more details on the Vortex86DX, see our earlier coverage, here.
The little eBox-3300 comes with 256MB of RAM, bootable microSD and CompactFlash slots that can be accessed from the front, and a 44-pin IDE connector that can support an optional 2.5-inch hard disk drive. According to DMP, the device runs fanlessly and uses under 10 Watts of power.
 
The front (left) and rear (right) of the eBox-3300
(Click either to enlarge)
As the pictures above show, the eBox-3300 has three USB slots (two on the front, one on the rear), audio jacks, a VGA output, a PS/2 port, and a 10/100 Ethernet port.
The two serial ports also pictured constitute one of several build options. According to DMP, the PS/2 port can be replaced with a second 10/100 LAN connector, and the device is also available with an internal Mini PCI slot.
Features and specifications listed by DMP for the eBox-3300 include:- Processor -- Vortex86DX (aka MSTI PDX-600) clocked at 1GHz
- Memory -- 256GB of DDR2 RAM (expandability not specified)
- Storage -- microSD and CompactFlash, accessible from front panel
- Networking -- 1 x 10/100 Ethernet (second port optional)
- Other I/O:
- 1 x IDE
- 3 x USB (2 in front, 1 rear)
- VGA
- 2 x RS232 (optional)
- Audio mic in and headphone/line out
- PS/2 connector for keyboard or mouse (n/a with second LAN port)
- Expansion:
- CompactFlash slot
- microSD slot
- Mini PCI slot (optional)
- Operating temperature -- -20 to 70 deg. C
- Power requirements -- 5VDC
- Dimensions -- 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches (115 x 115 x 35mm)
- Weight -- 1.1 pounds (505g)
The eBox-3300 is resold by the Thai company NorhTec as the MicroClient Jr DX, with optional hard disk drives ranging from 80GB to 160GB. NorhTec also uses the underlying Vortex86DX SoC in a recently announced panel PC, the Touche 5.7.
While we're talking about rebranding, note that NorhTec not only relabels the eBox3300 as the MicroClient Jr DX, but calls the underlying Vortex86DX SoC the Xcore86DX. Adding to the confusion, DMP's own spec sheets for the eBox-3300 rename the SoC too -- as the MSTI-PDX600!
A rose by any other name ...
DMP Electronics describes itself as the "R&D and manufacturing group" for the DM&P Group, which is said to have released its first x86-compatible SoC in 1997, using a 386 core. DM&P also does business as Media Stream Technology Inc. (MSTI, "formed to handle multimedia business development") and ICOP Technology, which specializes in embedded systems.
In addition, DM&P products are resold by the Thai company NorhTec, which renames both the complete computers and the SoCs inside them. This history helps explains why the names DM&P, DMP, Icop, MSTI, and NorhTec are so often found on similar products.
Confusing monikers aside, DMP's production of a Windows XP-capable SoC is clearly a breakthrough for the company. The previous Vortex86SX was sold by DMP as part of a complete computer, the eBox-2300SX shown below. Capable of running Windows CE or Linux, this device sold for under $85, with 128MB of DDR RAM, three USB 2.0 ports, one Type I/II CompactFlash slot, and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet LAN port.
DMP's eBox-2300SX system incorporated the Vortex86SX processor
Ebox-4300 |
At the end of 2007, DMP announced an upgraded version billed as the "smallest system in the world capable of running Windows XP," the eBox-4300. While retaining the eBOX-2300SX's dimensions of 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches and weight of 18 ounces, this device employed Via's 500MHz Eden ULV and CX700M northbridge/southbridge.
Now, DMP has an XP-capable SoC it can call its own -- by whatever name it wants. We expect the new eBox-3300 to gain considerable visibility, and not just for its low price: For several years, Microsoft has given DMP's eBox computers to competitors in the Embedded Development category of the software vendor's Imagine Cup student competition.
For example, in 2007, Microsoft gave semifinalists the eBox-2300, running Windows CE on a 200MHz Vortex86 procesor, to which they were free to add peripherals appropriate to their projects. In 2008, competitors received the eBox-4300 mentioned above. The choice of hardware for 2009 has not yet been announced -- but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Vortex86DX playing a part.
Meanwhile, DMP announced another x86-compatible SoC just yesterday. The Vortex86MX is broadly similar to the Vortex86DX, but omits legacy ISA support, while adding integral audio and VGA capabilities. For more information on the Vortex86MX, see our earlier coverage, here.
Further information
According to DMP Electronics, the eBox-3300 is compatible with Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP, and Linux. A thin-client version, the eBox-3300-LS, is supplied with Linux as well as RDP (remote desktop protocol), VNC (virtual networking computing), and ICA (independent computing architecture) clients, the company says.
DMP Electronics did not announce pricing or availability for the eBox-3300. However, we found the device listed at one U.S. reseller for prices starting at $150. NorhTec, meanwhile, says its MicroClient Jr DX will start at approximately $140.
More information on the eBox-3300 may be found on the DMP website, here. More information on the MicroClient Jr DX may be found on the NorhTec website, here.
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