Axiomtek announced a fanless embedded computer intended for automation, digital signage, and kiosk use. The eBox630-850-FL supports Intel Core 2 Duo processors up to 2.66GHz, accepts up to 4GB of RAM, and includes both CompactFlash and 2.5-inch hard disk storage, the company says.

Axiomtek has released a multitude of eBox devices, but, of these, the new eB0x630-850-FL seems most closely related to the eBox630-821-FL, a Pentium-equipped PC which was released in April 2008. Like that model, the eBox630-850-FL provides relatively high-end processing, is built around a previously released EPIC-format (6.4 x 4.5 inches) motherboard, and has case dimensions of 11.02 x 5.91 x 2.64 inches.

Axiomtek didn't say what EPIC board is in this new device, but our understanding of the company's numbering system suggests that it's the EP850 (right). Released in November 2008, this board employs Intel's GM45 northbridge and ICH9M southbridge, accepts up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, and accepts 45nm "Penryn" processors up to a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo.

All these specs are faithfully mirrored on the built-up eBox630-850-FL, though the PC's low-profile case provides no way to use the PCI-104 expansion slot that is (no doubt) still on the motherboard. Most of the ports on the eBox derive directly from the main board's coastline, though Axiomtek has added an optional port that's cabled up to an internal header, providing DVI-I video in addition to the standard VGA output.

Axiomtek's eBox630-850-FL

According to Axiomtek, the eBox630-850-FL's front panel includes the DVI-I port, audio jacks (mic in and line out), and two USB 2.0 ports. The rear panel, meanwhile, has a VGA port, two RS232 ports, two gigabit Ethernet ports, two additional USB 2.0 ports, and a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, the company adds.

Axiomtek says the eBox630-850-FL has room internally for a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive, and its CompactFlash slot is accessible from the outside by removing two screws and a small door. The device runs off 12VDC power supplied by a 60W AC adapter, according to the company.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the eBOX630-850-FL include:

• Processor — Intel 45nm "Penryn" Socket 479 CPUs, ranging up to 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo
• Chipset — GM45 northbridge and ICH9M southbridge
• Memory — up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• Storage — 2.5-inch bay for SATA hard disk drive, and externally accessible CompactFlash slot
• Networking — 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 x DVI-I (optional)
  • 4 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 rear)
  • 2 x RS232
  • audio (mic in, line out)
  • 1 x PS/2
• Power — 12VDC via AC adapter (90~264V)
• Operating range — 14 to 113 deg. F
• Dimensions — 11.02 x 5.91 x 2.64 inches
• Weight — 5.51 pounds

Further information

According to Axiomtek, which did not cite pricing, the eBox630-850-FL runs Linux, Windows XP Embedded, or Windows CE, and will be available around the end of January 2011. More information may be found on the eBox630-850-FL product page.

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.