| Mini PC Velcros XPe to TV sets |
Jul. 21, 2008
 VidaBox L.L.C. has announced a mini-PC that runs Windows XP Embedded (XPe) and is designed to add computer functionality to large-screen televisions. The "PicoPC" features an AMD Geode LX800 processor, fanless operation, from 2GB to 16GB of solid-state storage, Ethernet, and optional Wifi, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of VidaBox's PicoPC)
The PicoPC comes in an aluminum case that weighs only 13.1 ounces and measures just 6.8 x 1.2 x 0.43 inches. VidaBox touts the unit's ease of installation, noting that its lightness means it can be installed behind any HDTV using a hook-and-loop style closure product, such as Velcro.
Unfortunately, the device does not have an HDMI port for direct connection of audio and video. Instead, outputs include a VGA port and a 3.5mm headphone output, requiring any television to have suitable inputs. An S/PDIF optical digital audio output is optionally provided via a $99 USB dongle, for connecting to an A/V receiver or amplifier.
Hardware specifications within the box are an AMD Geode LX800 processor clocked at 500MHz, 256MB of RAM, and a standard 2GB of storage. Solid-state disk (SSD) upgrades are available in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities.
The PicoPC includes a wireless keyboard that is said to have a 30-foot range. It also includes one RS232 serial port, two USB ports, and a 10/100 Ethernet port. Wireless 802.11b/g networking is a $200 factory option.
VidaBox is candid about the performance limitations of the Geode LX800, noting that the device is "not recommended for video streaming," and cannot stream ripped DVDs. Instead, the company emphasizes "lightweight PC tasks" such as web browsing and email.
WindowsForDevices.com readers are likely already familiar with XPe's File Based Write Filter (FBWF), which can protect embedded devices by redirecting some or all file writes to a RAM overlay. This overlay is then discarded after a reboot, leaving systems in a pristine state. FBWF is unfamiliar to most consumers, however, so it's interesting to see VidaBox actively marketing this as a feature. Like the company's earlier TouchClient12, the PicoPC is touted as "eliminating support calls caused by user errors, viruses, and malware," by reverting back to its "out-of-the-box factory condition" when rebooted.
If users do need to save files to the PicoPC permanently, this can be permitted via modification of FBWF's "write through list," designating folders or volumes that need to be writable. The necessary changes to FBWF settings apparently must be done when the PicoPC's XPe image is first built, however, since VidaBox says they need to be specially ordered.
Features and specifications cited by VidaBox for its PicoPC include:- Processor -- AMD Geode LX800 clocked at 500MHz
- Memory -- 256MB of RAM
- Storage -- 2GB solid state drive (SSD); 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB capacities are optional
- Display -- VGA output; potential resolutions not specified
- Keyboard -- Wireless keyboard with 30-foot range and integrated pointing device
- Networking:
- 10/100 Ethernet with RJ45 port
- 802.11b/g wireless (optional)
- Other I/O:
- 1 x VGA
- 1 x RS232
- 2 x USB
- microphone input (3.5mm jack)
- headphone/line audio output (3.5mm jack)
- Operating range -- 4 to 50 deg. C (40 to 120 deg. F)
- Power consumption -- 18W maximum
- Weight -- 13.1 ounces
- Dimensions -- 6.8 x 1.2 x 0.43
The VidaBox PicoPC is available now, costing $929 for a 2GB configuration. Larger 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB SSDs respectively add $104, $220, and $520 to the device's price.
More information may be available from the VidaBox website, here.
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