VIA launches ultra-compact DIY computer with Eden X2 chip

VIA has revamped its Artigo mini PC, an ultra-compact machine that offers a basic computing platform, but leaves a few doors open for end-user customization. Billed as a "DIY kit," the Artigo A1150 comes readily equipped with a 1.0GHz dual-core VIA Eden X2 processor, a 40nm chip that was unveiled earlier this year for embedded solutions such as the Artigo. The system also packs VIA's VX900H integrated graphics, which provides hardware acceleration to play popular codecs such as H.264, VC-1 and MPEG-2/4 in 1080p HD.

That's a respectable amount of power considering the Artigo's 5.7 x 3.9 x 2-inch chassis -- similarly sized to Zotac's Zbox Nano. The tiny box is riddled with connectivity, including audio in/out jacks, a mic jack, four USB 2.0 ports (two in front and two in back), a micro-USB 2.0 device port, VGA and HDMI outputs, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. The "DIY" claim refers to the fact that you can add your own RAM and storage. There's one SODIMM slot supporting up to 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz along with a SATA port and room for a 2.5-inch drive.

There's not a huge market for compact low-powered machines, so by excluding storage and RAM, VIA ensures that it covers as many bases as possible. Users also have the option to install a module for 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity as well as an SD card reader. The Eden X2 has native support for 64-bit operating systems, so you can install your preferred edition of Windows or Linux. We haven't seen any pricing information yet, but the single-core Artigo A1100 is fetching about $240, while similar Fusion-based Zotac machines are ~$220.

Stealth intros ultra-compact "Little PC" with Core i7

Stealth has launched a new novel-sized PC armed with Intel's Core i5 or i7 mobile processors. More specifically, theLPC-670 comes with last year's Arrandale chips such as the 2.4GHz Core i5-520M, 2.67GHz i5-580M or 2.67GHz i7-620M -- not Sandy Bridge. Nonetheless, the machine represents Stealth's most powerful mini-PC to date and it crams some impressive specs into a mere 6.54 x 6.18 x 1.89-inch aluminum enclosure.

Configuration options include up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM via two SO-DIMM slots, 160GB to 750GB of mechanical storage or 32GB to 256GB of flash storage, and a slot loading DVD or Blu-ray drive. There doesn't appear to be any discrete graphics options or related expansion slot, but Arrandale's embedded graphics engine can handle up to 1080p video playback and should suffice for most standard tasks outside of hardcore 3D gaming.


Despite its size, the LPC-670 squeezes in most of the connectivity you'd require from a basic desktop, including Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11g Wi-Fi, 5.1-channel audio, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and DVI-out, as well as a RS232 COM port. The system can be preloaded with your choice of Windows XP, Vista or 7, Ubuntu, as well as QNX, while optional accessories include wall mount brackets and a remote power option. Pricing starts at $1,650.