FanBoy TechWeb

I. Introduction

While it is not something new for the hardcore hardware enthusiasts, and embedded computing industry, a small-footprint system is not something common for the typical consumers and mainstream computing industry. While Small Form Factor systems has been in circulation for quite sometime, it hasn't reached peak maturity due to the fact that the component within it are those made for desktop computing, with the the exceptions of a few that makes use of mobile processor. But still, SFF that use mobile processors and chipsets are still not able to reach that even smaller footprint because subcomponents are still based on desktop peripherals such as power supply, hard drive, optical drive, and even regular full height memory modules.

In this aspect of ultra-small, and even highly portable desktop computing, AOpen develop a complete system that not only meets the needed size, but also went ahead and make it into a very aesthically pleasing system which they aptly call MiniPC. The components that made up the MiniPC are all well thought out, from the power supply, to memory modules to cooling, processor, and hard drive. Many will smirk at it as a clone of MacMini and it is really not that different when looking at the exterior of the system. However, the MiniPC in the testbench today is a bit more flexible than the MacMini and can actually compete in this target market segment.

II. Features and Specification

The AOpen MiniPC MP915-B (SuperMulti) has an outstanding features for its size. It is like laptop but it is not, it is like a desktop but it is not, it truly is in between and the name MiniPC does fit it very well. It can accept mobile processor based on Dothan core either full blown Intel® Pentium M® or Intel® Celeron® M. Below is the complete features and specifications of the AOpen MiniPC.

• Wireless Internet surfing- The Internet access with built-in IEEE 802.11 b/g frees you from the restrictions of “wires and cables." You can now roam freely on the Internet anytime anywhere. The AOpen MiniPC is not just compact but can also give you total freedom!

• High-speed network LAN - Even endowed with wireless functions, you may still need higher speed when transmitting files and browsing resources through the local area networks (LAN), or downloading massive image and audio materials at fixed places like the office or at home. The high-speed Gigabit 1000Mb network connecting port of the AOpen MiniPC can not just meet your needs but can also be compatible with the traditional 10/100Mb networks.

• Digital video interface (DVI) - Through its high-resolution digital video output port, the AOpen MiniPC can generate high-resolution and high-quality video data. When using a new generation LCD monitor, you will personally experience the unprecedented display quality for the transmitted digital signals. Meanwhile, the digital video output port can also support any model of LCD or CRT via the attached adapter.

• TV signal output- Another thoughtful design is the S-Video connector provided by the AOpen MiniPC that allows you to flexibly make use of your home TV set or monitor. This further enhances the portability of the AOpen MiniPC because you can use AOpen MiniPC at more places without having to consider if a PC monitor is available. You may continue to enjoy your digital life with the AOpen MiniPC as long as you own a TV set.

• HDTV-For consumers who have high-definition TV (HDTV) set, the AOpen MiniPC provides even more stunning viewing delights through the Y/Pb/Pr connector. The more precise colors and delicate details shown on HDTV sets are beyond comparison with traditional CRTs. This enables you to handle computer work on your TV set. Now you can hook up the AOpen MiniPC to your TV in the living room to easily process documents, business, and even edit pictures and images. These functions are not limited only to surfing Web pages, listening music or viewing photos and movies.

• Dual screen display-AOpen MiniPC can simultaneously support two monitors, enabling you to surf the Web pages and watch TV programs at the same time, or enjoy entertainment while you are working.

• High capacity DVD±RW / CD-RW burner- Being even smaller than an external CD/DVD burner, the AOpen MiniPC contains a slim built-in burner. You only need minimum space to easily carry around this petite, yet full-fledged PC. In addition, the high-capacity hard disk inside the AOpen MiniPC lets you record, duplicate, and store much more data or video data.

• High-speed USB 2.0 port- The AOpen MiniPC provides two universal serial bus input/output ports at the back to expand the connectivity with peripheral equipment. You can connect to USB flash drive, external CD/DVD burner, printer, scanner, etc. In spite of its mini size, the AOpen MiniPC gives you unlimited expansion possibilities! Furthermore, the USB 2.0 protocol of AOpen MiniPC also allows the support for the older USB 1.1 specifications.

• IEEE1394 serial bus port -The AOpen MiniPC provides the high-speed serial bus port to connect to the typical peripherals like digital video recorder, high-speed hard disk drives, etc. With the above high-speed USB 2.0 port, AOpen MiniPC supports the great majority of external peripherals on the market.

• Dimension (in): 6.5(W)x1.97(H)x6.5(D)
• Dimension (cm): 165(W)x50(H)x165(D)
• Volume: 1.36L
• Weight(Kg/Pound): 1.49kg / 3 pound (N.W.)
• Chipset: Intel 915GM+ICH6M
• Memory: SO DIMM, 1xDDR2 533MHz 1024MB
• Processor:Socket 479 (Intel® Pentium® M 740/Celeron® M)
• Bus Speed: 133MHz
• Chipset: Intel 915GM
• Expansion slot: 1x Internal MiniPCI
• AGP: None
• PCI Express: None
• Audio: 2.1 Channel
• Power Supply: 65W (19V, 3.5A) Adapter
• Rear I/O: 1xSpeaker, 1xLineIn, 1xMic, 2xUSB2.0, 1xIEE1394
• Internal I/O: ATA Connector 2.5" HDD/Slim Optical
• TV Out: Multi-TV x1(Composite + S-Video + YPbPr)
• VGA Port: DVI x1
• LAN: 10/100/1000
• WLAN: IEEE 802.11 b/g
• S-ATA: None
• S/PDIF: None

Now, to disect this baby...