Date:         Wed, 25 Jun 2003 17:38:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Marshall <mjruskin@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marshall <mjruskin@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: mini atx linux (or windoze) box for the van
Comments: To: Owen <olists@THEBRANDS.ORG>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

If you like this type of small computer, there's a whole new movement
devoted to them. Tiny computers that don't take over the desk or the
room....People are building complete computers into everything imaginable..

Most of the movement is centered around the M10000 board by VIA,
www.via.com - it's a 7.5 cm (about the length of a coke can..) square
oard  - it packs a multimedia powerhouse into that small size.

Some people like the Shuttle brand, www.shuttle.com - but it's power hungry
and is more noisey and expensive - (like the SUV of the mini-boxes..)

What Vanagoners would want is, of course, low power requirements, small
size, low noise, great audio and video capabilities (IE 6 channel sound and
DVD playback etc) and lots of interfaces (firewire, USB 2.0, IRD etc) .

Those VIA boards have them all.

More info can be found at the www.mini-itx.com website.

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westie "Iron Igloo"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Owen" <olists@THEBRANDS.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 05:06 PM
Subject: mini atx linux (or windoze) box for the van


I saw mention of this on /. and thought others here could appreciate it.

http://www.norhtec.com/products/gp/

A mini ATX form PC with no fan necessary. While I will eventually buy one
for the living room DVCR function, it would be an easy grab to use in the
van too.

Features I like:
ac/dc power
10gb hd
5v @ 1.8 A
Dual screen support
USB

Though it may not replace the laptop for dvd's and GPS any time soon, it has
potential. Maybe a fixed unit in the back with an additional small screen
for gps by the driver? Movie server in the back? always on mp3 server? ETKA?
Don't get me started on camping automation ;)

If nothing else a linux kernel to hack around on while enjoying the great
outdoors.


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