Stealth Computer announced a fanless mini PC whose hard disk drive and CompactFlash storage are both easily removable from the front panel. The LPC-395F features an Intel Atom N270 processor, two gigabit Ethernet ports, two serial ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a DVI-I video output, the company says.

We'd sure like to have a buck, or even a penny, for every device that has been released based on Intel's 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 945GSE northbridge, and ICH-7M southbridge (parts that were announced in June 2008, though by now it seems a lot longer!). Stealth Computer's new LPC-395F would just make us that much richer: It uses these evergreen components, and with the usual results — integrated GMA950 graphics, and a 2GB RAM maximum, for example.

Stealth Computer LPC-395F (front)
(Click to enlarge)

The LPC-395F is worthy of interest, nonetheless, because of an unusual form factor. As pictured above, the device allows a standard, 2.5-inch disk drive to be installed or removed without the chassis having to be opened. A CompactFlash slot is also front-accessible, making the system suitable for "easy drive swapping, software updates, and added security protection," says Stealth Computer.

Stealth Computer LPC-395F (rear)
(Click to enlarge)

The computer's rear panel (above), meanwhile, incorporates a DC power input, two serial ports, two gigabit Ethernet ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. Additional I/O is provided in the form of a microphone input and a line output, the company adds.

According to Stealth, the LPC-395F can support dual monitors (one DVI and one VGA) when its single DVI-I output is fitted with a splitter cable. Another available extra is 802.11b/g wireless networking, provided via an Atheros AR5006EG PCI Express Mini Card.

Stealth says the LPC-395F runs fanlessly on 12VDC input power, featuring wake-on-ring and wake-on-LAN functionality. A "remote power" option allows the device to be hidden inside a cabinet and switched on and off from elsewhere, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed by Stealth Computer for the LPC-395F include the following:

• Processor — Intel Atom N270 clocked at 1.6GHz
• Memory — Up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM via one SODIMM slot
• Storage — 2.5-inch SATA drive bay and CompactFlash slot (both front-accessible)
• Expansion — PCI Express Mini Card slot
• Networking:
  • LAN — 2 x gigabit Ethernet
  • WLAN — 802.11b/g (occupies PCI Express Mini Card slot)
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x DVI-I (supports both DVI and VGA with optional splitter cable)
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • line out and microphone in
  • 2 x RS232
• Power — 12VDC via external AC adapter (supports inputs from 100 to 240 VAC)
• Operating range — 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 6.54 x 6.18 x 1.89 inches (166 x 157 x 48mm)
• Weight — 3.75 pounds (1.7kg)

Ed Boutilier, president and CEO of Stealth Computer, stated, "Stealth's removable storage feature presents a new level of security, maintenance and data protection in a small form factor PC. There is no longer any need to spend lengthy time to open a chassis to change/remove the hard drive. Our removable storage feature allows the user to secure or replace their critical data in a matter of seconds."

Availability

Stealth Computer's LPC-395F supports Ubuntu Linux 9.04, Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Embedded, and QNX. The system is available now, priced starting at approximately $800 for a system with 1GB of RAM but no mass storage.

More information may be found on the company's website, here.

This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.