A systems integrator in GuangDong province, China, is shipping an extensive line of Pentium-based miniPCs that run Linux. The SD-Omega MiniPC line comprises 44 variations, include passively cooled and quiet models targeting car PCs and HTPCs (home-theater PCs), car pcs, and DVR models.

The SD-Omega MiniPC systems are housed in lightweight aluminum cases that measure 5.7-inches wide (up to 6.2-inches wide, in models equipped with cooling fins), 9.8-inches to 10-inches deep, and between 1.65 and 2.75 inches tall.

A Pentium M model with room for 2.5-inch harddrive and CD in a 1.65-inch tall case

To put these sizes in perspective, the most common car stereo size is DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm), which measures 7.125 inches wide by 2.125 inches high. SD-Omega offers dozens of models that could theoretically fit into DIN-sized dashboard cut-outs, although its passively cooled models, including a “carPC” model, are actually slightly too tall, at 2.17 inches. The company does offer a non-passively cooled car PC model that would fit, though, a 1.7-inch tall model based on a Pentium M.

SD-Omega's passively cooled car PC is 5mm too tall to fit into a DIN stereo slot

The SD-Omega MiniPCs are available with Pentium M, Pentium 4, and Pentium 3 processors. The Pentium M units appear to support 2.5-inch laptop hard drives, while the Pentium 4 units support 3.5-inch drives, with 2.5-inch conversion kits optionally available. The Pentium 3 units appear to accept thin (9mm) 2.5-inch drives.

The Pentium M models take up to 2GB of DDR266/333 DRAM, while the Pentium 4 models support up to 2GB of dual-channel DDR400/333/266 DRAM. The Pentium 3 models support up to 512MB of PC-133 DRAM.

The Pentium 4 models support 3.5-inch hard drives

Across these three main processor options, models are differentiated by I/O port options. These include:

• PCMCIA slot
• DVR (video in)
• CompactFlash reader
• Gigabit Ethernet (1 – 3)
• S/PDIF digital audio out
• 802.11G WiFi
• TV-out
• PCI slot
• 4 x RS-232 ports

Fanless case models are also offered.

Other special models in SD-Omega's line include a car PC, featuring a special power supply that delays PC startup after the ignition key is turned to give the engine a chance to crank over, and a four-channel multiplexing “standalongDVR” design that features front-panel pushbuttons for stop, play, fast-forward, etc.

Additional details are available at the SD-Omega website, here.

 
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