| Book-sized PCs target embedded applications |
Oct. 26, 2007
 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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