Picotux: Smallest Linux Computer In The World

Rai    Hardware, Linux, News     computer, Hardware, Linux, picotux, smallest computer

Only slightly larger than RJ45 connector, Picotux 100 is the world’s smallest computer running Linux operating system. Armed with Busybox 1.0, ARM7 CPU at 55 MHz running uClinux kernel 2.4.27.

Technical data:

Processor: 32-bit ARM 7 Netsilicon NS7520
Processor Clock: 55 MHz
Flash Memory: 2 MB
RAM: 8 MB SDRAM
Ethernet: 10/100 Mbit, HD and FD, auto sensing
Serial (TTL): Up to 230.400 bps
General Input/Output Pins(TTL): 5, can be used as Handshake
LED for Ethernet: 2; green (programmable) and yellow (Carrier)
Supply Voltage: 3,3 Volt +- 5%
Supply Current: 250 mA
Operating System: uClinux 2.4.27 Big Endian (native)
Shell: Busybox 1.0 and others
File Systems: CRAMFS, JFFS2, NFS
Applications: Webserver, Telnet
Size of the Linux Systems in Flash: 720 KB and more
Protected Bootloader for Update over Network: 64 KB Code
Development System: GNU Tool chain
Compiler: GCC 3.4.4 for C/C++ and Fortran
Binutils: 2.15
Library: uClibc 0.9.26

Dimensions:
Height: 19 mm
Width: 19 mm
Deep: 36 mm
Package: Shielded by metal
Weight: ca.18 g
Ambient Temperature: -40°C to 85°C

Motorola MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistant

Rai    Hardware     computer, device, gadget, motorola mc70, pda, scanner

Gadgets keep evolving incorporating one type into another kind creating a different kind of device altogether. Just like Motorola MC70 Mobile Computer that combines mobile phone, PDA, computer, scanner and imaging device all in one compact, rugged device. This lightweight device combines wireless networking, voice and data communication with advanced data capture. Its rugged structure also helps withstand rigorous environments and working conditions and has been tested by drop-and-tumble method, providing a versatile and efficient device. The networking capabilities of Motorola MC70 include LAN/WAN and wireless support for voice and data connectivity.

The multiple functions of the device provides low total cost of ownership (TCO). Accessories to complement the features of the device are readily available.

MC70 Specification

Windows Mobile 5.0, 64MB RAM 128 MB ROM, 1/4 VGA color display and Bluetooth.

12-Year Old ‘Magneto’ Boy

Rai    Random     computer, Joe Falciatano, magneto boy, static electricity

Confirming our belief that some people are just “bad with computers,” a boy named Joe Falciatano III from Pulaski, New York, seems to have simply the worst luck ever — and some think it could be do to an overly magnetized touch. While using PCs at this elementary school, Joe — who dubbed himself “Magneto Man” — found that every system he laid his hands on went totally haywire. Only after a teacher suggested he use a grounded, anti-static wrist strap did the systems experience relief from his Geek Squad-inducing grasp. Apparently, the boy has also disrupted slide show presentations and caused his Xbox to freeze repeatedly. Though tests have been run on Joe, there’s still no conclusive evidence about the source of the problem, though at least one electricity expert said the cause could be his over-insulated shoes. Maybe, but we won’t be surprised when he forms an army of mutant super-villains and tries to take control of the White House.

Source: engadget.com

Build A Computer The Easy Way

Rai    Hardware, Others     build, computer, DIY, Easy As My PC

Gone are the days when only uber geeks can understand what RAM and CPU means and can build their own computers from scratch. Welcome to the 21st Century!

What? Still stuck with the jargons? Then you obviously need help, my friend. Easy As My PC helps you build your own PC from scratch, with the components you want, including all the instructions you will understand. You don’t have to be a geek to learn how to do it, all you need is a screwdriver and you are on your way to building that PC and learning along the way.

Benefits of building your own PC:

Based on my experience, it is beneficial to learn how to build your own computer from scratch because not only you get familiarized with the terms and the components of your computer system, you also get the feeling of satisfaction after building your PC masterpiece. You also go beyond just using your computer and on to understanding how a computer actually works.

I once bought pre-assembled computers from stores but they are really expensive. So being a natural DIY-er, I decided to try building my own PC which is one of the best decisions I ever made. But I learned through the hard way, though. I short-circuited most of the components, went through sleepless nights of figuring what does “three beeps” mean and flipping through pages of user’s manual with jargons I do not fully understand. But with Easy As My PC, you get easy to follow instructions with illustrations plus you are covered with manufacturer warranties. You will also learn how to upgrade your PC rather than buying a complete set now that you will have the opportunity of learning to build your own PC.

Save yourself from unnecessary headaches and “helpless” technical helpdesk calls. Learn to build a PC the easy way through Easy As My PC.

Shuttle’s $199 Linux PC

Rai    Hardware, Linux, News     computer, hardware. cheap pc, Linux, shuttle

I came across this nice article from news.com which is another piece of technology about to hit the stores that comes with Linux – Shuttle’s $199 KPC Linux PC.

It’ll have an Intel Celeron processor, a 945GC chipset, 512MB of memory and either a 60GB or 80GB hard drive. What it won’t have: an optical drive or a PCI Express slot. Despite that, it’s a pretty good-looking box, and comes in red, blue, white, and black, each with a different icon stamped on the front.

Shuttle also says there will be a $99 barebones version of the KPC. That version will have the option of upgrading to a Core2Duo processor and 1GB of memory. Both will be available for purchase near the end of the first quarter.

Shuttle is known for its high performance, small form factor (barebone) computers distributed around the world.