French mini-PC vendor Linutop announced a version of its Ubuntu 8.4-based Linux distribution on a USB key targeting Asus Eee PCs. The key (pictured) is based on its small-footprint Linutop 2.2 distro, which is designed for ultra-low-powered systems such as its own Linutop 2 mini-PC.

(Click for larger view of Linutop USB key for Asus Eee PCs)

Tailored specifically for the popular, Intel-Atom-based Asus Eee PC netbook, the Linutop 2.2 USB key for Eee PC incorporates version 2.2 of the distribution, which shipped in July, says Linutop. The distribution is based on Ubuntu 8.04, and supports the Eee PC 700 and 900 series models, says Linutop. These systems are much more powerful than the LX800-based AMD reference designs the distribution was originally created for.

Asus Eee PC 700-series “4G”

The Linutop USB key distribution for Eee PC is said to include:

• Backup/restore on key
• external or internal use
• 600MB footprint on 1GB key
• Firefox 3.0
• Open Office 2.4
• Ubuntu 8.04
• Text editor
• On-screen keyboard
• GQ view picture viewer
• Flash player
• File manager
• PDF viewer
• Gaim 2.0 beta 3
• Gcalctool 5.8.24
• Xfce 4.4.1
• VLC 0.8.6
• RDP and VNC client
• Linutop setup menu for languages and configuration

In February, Linutop shipped the Linutop 2 (pictured below), a new version of its computing appliance. The Linutop 2 is equipped with a 500MHz Geode processor, 512MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash, which stores the Linutop distribution. The Linutop models are touted as being suitable for either standalone PC or Linux terminal use, and the Linutop 2 is said to draw a bit less than 8 Watts.

Linutop 2

Asus is credited with touching off the netbook explosion with its Intel Celeron-based 700 series Eee PC 4G, which shipped for $400 in Nov. 2007. The system offers a seven-inch screen, a 900MHz Celeron processor, and the Xandros Linux distribution. In March of this year, Asus announced the a Eee PC 900, which offers a larger display, and in June, announced the Eee PC 901 and 1000, with Intel Atom N270 processors plus nine- and 10-inch screens, respectively.

Linutop has so far tested its key on the Asus 701, 4G, and 900 Eee PC models, and is currently testing on the 901 model, says the company.

Availability

The Linutop 2.2 USB key for Eee PC 700 and 900 series models is available now for 69 Euros ($87 US), with volume discounts available, says Linutop. The product is available at Linutop's online shop, here.

 
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