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Mini/portable computer
http://www.x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1140		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  forquare1 [ Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Mini/portable computer
Hi all,

I'm after something similar to the Mac Mini, something identical almost identical to it should do actually, however, the Mac Mini is too expensive, and I only really need a core duo.

I want something easy to lug around and plug into projectors as a demo machine, I need to be able to upgrade to 2GB of memory at some point, 4GB would be nice but not necessary.

OK, a Mac Mini is too expensive, I'm looking ideally <£100, though that can move a little, which a PC should be able to do, right? IIRC, Core Duo came out about three years ago...
Has anyone made such a computer? Even if a laptop had similar specs I'd happily go with that, I don't need the screen, but it's a nice addition I guess...

Any suggestions would be most welcome :)

Ben
Author:  JJW009 [ Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
You can get tiny low-power PCs, but I've not seen something that combines a core-2-duo with that form factor for less than £200.

If you don't really need the power, then there are loads of thin-client style options for around £80 - £120

http://www.norhtec.com/products/mcjr/index.html
http://www.ewayco.com/

Those were just the first two hits on Google. You can probably get one second hand for peanuts, but it all depends on how much power you need.
Author:  snowyweston [ Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
JJW009 wrote:
http://www.norhtec.com/products/mcjr/index.html
I want. I don't know why or what for. But I want. <where's the goddam smitten/love emoticon!>
Author:  forquare1 [ Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
Ideally, I need a fair bit, ideally a dual core jobby, P4 is as low as I could go for good demo performance.

It's to demo OpenSolaris features at uni, and Solaris isn't particularly lightweight, for example: ZFS is designed for higher-spec CPU's to do a lot of it's checking (accuracy over performance because hardware will give us that).

Thanks for the links JJ, I'll have a look at them a little more tomorrow :)
Author:  JJW009 [ Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
forquare1 wrote:
It's to demo OpenSolaris features at uni, and Solaris isn't particularly lightweight, for example: ZFS is designed for higher-spec CPU's to do a lot of it's checking (accuracy over performance because hardware will give us that).


I don't think my links are very promising...
Author:  saspro [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
You could probably build a fairly small machine using mini-itx stuff (there's loads on ebay) for ideas look here
Author:  forquare1 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
I've found some supported items on eBay, so I'm going to cobble together some bits and make one.
Cheers for the site saspro, it was really useful :)
Author:  forquare1 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
Coo, I've got an Atom board which is supported, got a case with 220W PSU, an 80GB sata hard drive with cable and I think I have a compatible stick of RAM at home (If it says 533 DDR2 and I have 667 DDR2, I presume it'll clock down?).

Anyhoo, apart from a power lead, all that for just over 110 quid!

Cheers for links and suggestions all :)
Author:  saspro [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
Nice, you'll have to post pics (I'm building loads of prototype mini-itx stuff for my new project)

667 will clock down fine
Author:  forquare1 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
I got the cheapest case, as such it isn't particularly flattering...But pics will be posted as I build it and when it's finished :D

saspro wrote:
Nice, you'll have to post pics (I'm building loads of prototype mini-itx stuff for my new project)

667 will clock down fine
Author:  JJW009 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
forquare1 wrote:
I got the cheapest case


The cardboard box the motherboard came in?

:oops: :lol:
Author:  forquare1 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
JJW009 wrote:
forquare1 wrote:
I got the cheapest case


The cardboard box the motherboard came in?

:oops: :lol:


Well, errr...I'm gonna paint it SILVER :roll:
:P

Nah, I got one of these:
http://www.e-itx.com/morex-668.html
In silver because eBay didn't have it in Black...
Author:  JJW009 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
That's pretty much the classic "shuttle" style. They actually look a lot smarter IRL than they do in the pictures.

Have fun :)
Author:  forquare1 [ Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
JJW009 wrote:
That's pretty much the classic "shuttle" style. They actually look a lot smarter IRL than they do in the pictures.


Thank goodness! I was a little horrified about the size...But it was the only thing in my price range...

JJW009 wrote:
Have fun :)


Fingers crossed :)
Author:  forquare1 [ Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Mini/portable computer
Wow this thing is small! I've just got the case today, hoping for the board later this week, bit it's really tiny. I'd live it to be a little smaller, but the insides are incredibly cramped!
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