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Thanks, Ray…
Linux users, rejoice! Here on display today is a marvelous little device, named the Linutop. As you can probably guess, it is somehow connected to Linux and, if you’re really good, you’ve figured out it can sit on your desktop. The Linutop system is a small device (only 9.3 x 2.7 x 15 cm) whos primary job is to provide a Linux-based, diskless computer workstation as well as easy internet access and mobility to those who can’t afford a PC, or are looking for a cheaper, but almost no less filling, PC alternative. Let’s look at some of the feats that our pint-sized powerhouse can do…
First, lets talk about what it is and how easy it is to use. Linutop uses a Linux kernel to operate, choosing the “xubuntux” operating system. Along with the “xubuntux” system comes the Firefox web browser, Gaim instant messaging, Abiword word processing, and has the ability to install GTK2, KDE or GNOME applications on your Linutop system. However, since the Linutop system is in a diskless configuration, the core kernel and accompanying software is held on an external 1GB USB flash drive. Interfacing with the system requires at the minimum a USB keyboard and a monitor (not included). The Linutop has 4 USB ports, allowing for a keyboard, mouse, and up to two external USB flash drives or other peripherals. The monitor is hooked up to a VGA port on the back. Separately, you may also plug in a microphone and headphones to the two minijacks in the front of the device. When setting up the device, Linutop’s main site (http://www.linutop.com/) says it takes less than 5 minutes to go from completely loaded to surfing the web. Price? 280 euros or roughly $313 dollars.
Full specs are as follows:
Apparently, the system is not only pretty environmentally friendly, but is great for public places, government usage, kiosks, Point-Of-Sale terminals, city information systems, and embedded computers for your vehicle or boat. Unfortunately, the worst news comes last; the Linutop is already being distributed in Europe, however, plans for stateside distribution are unknown at the moment (Author’s Note: I’m probably going to send the Linutop company an email in a few days asking about the subject of getting a few Stateside; feel free to email me if any of our readers are interested, every bit helps. -BS). Either way, the Linutop is a cheap, cheap system with a bunch of power. I could easily see this filling the need for a school or commercial enterprise for a small-yet-powerful system, but purchasing this for a kid’s first PC (or an OLPC, your choice) would be an economical buy, too. Hopefully, I’ll have some luck talking to these guys.
Have a good weekend!
Pictures courtesy of: linutop (2007)
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