Axiomtek has announced an industrial panel PC that runs Linux, and targets POS, kiosk, VoIP, and remote monitoring applications. The Panel2170-831 includes a 1.3 megapixel camera, 17-inch touchscreen display, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, two 1394a ports, and PCI expansion.

(Click here for a larger view of Axiomtek's Panel2170-831)

The Panel2170-831 is capable of being mounted on the stand pictured above, or standard VESA mounts. The device's 17-inch touchscreen has 1280 x 1024 resolution and a 300-nit brightness rating, and the unit has a built-in microphone and stereo speakers.

The Panel2170-831's main board has a 478-pin Socket M, designed to accept either low-voltage Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, or Core Solo CPUs, or else an ultra-low-voltage Celeron M. The computer can also be ordered as the Panel2170-831-FL1.06G, a fanless configuration sporting a 1.06GHz ULV Celeron M 423 processor.

Whether equipped with a Celeron or Core processor, the chipset is Intel's 945GME, with integrated graphics. Dual DIMM sockets support up to 4GB of RAM, and storage is provided by an optional 2.5-inch hard drive, plus an 8X CD or 8X/24X combo drive.

The Panel2170-831 sports a wide variety of interfaces, especially for a panel PC. Located on the bottom of the device, as seen in the picture at right, there are dual gigabit Ethernet interfaces, two 1394a FireWire ports, four USB ports, and three serial ports.

The device has dual PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, and mic in and line out audio jacks. The Panel2170-831 also includes a standard 3-wire AC input, notable because many devices of this type require an external power brick.

Axiomtek touts the Panel2170-831's internal antenna, ready for 802.11b/g wireless networking. However, the radio module for this is apparently optional. For installation of this or other hardware options, the device includes a PCI expansion slot.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the Panel2170-831 include:

• Processor:
  • LV Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, or Core Solo CPUs, or ULV Celeron M
    
  • 1.06GHz ULV Celeron M 423, enabling fanless operation (Panel2170-831-FL1.06G)

• Memory — up to 4GB of DDR2 DRAM, via two DIMM slots
  
• Display — 17-inch touchscreen with 1280 x 1024 resolution and 300-nit brightness
  
• Camera — 1.3 megapixel
  
• Networking — 2 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet
  
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x USB
    
  • 3 x RS232
    
  • 2 x 1394a
    
  • VGA output
    
  • audio mic in, line out
    
  • 2 x PS/2
• Expansion — PCI slot
  
• Dimensions — 17.3 x 14.8 x 3.6 inches
  
• Weight — TBD
  
• Operating temperature — 0 to 40 deg. C

Axiomtek did not cite pricing, but said the Panel2170-831 and Panel2170-831-FL1.06G will be available at the end of April. In addition to Linux, the systems are offered with Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE.

 
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