AMD palms PCs with LiveBox miniature desktop
Size of relief
AMD is making a splash at Computex this week with its own mini PC setup, the AMD LiveBox.
Powered by one of AMD's X86-based Fusion chips, the LiveBox boasts 1GB of RAM and Radeon HD 6200 graphics. The model on display features 64GB of SSD storage, which can be expanded through the Box's memory card reader.
One standout feature is the ability to plug the LiveBox straight into a power outlet through its two-prong connector, built directly into the case.
There are also two USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet socket and the customary HDMI slot. For good measure, the company has thrown in space for a 3G SIM card and includes Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities.
Sure, this particular prototype may currently run Windows 7 - no sign of Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 just yet - and could only be sufficient enough for email, video and surfing the web, but it's not bad for a piece of kit you can fit in your hand, eh?
Here's a hands-on video we found from the guys at nDevil.
AMD hasn't revealed which company will brand its small form factor PC, or whether it is simply a reference design for future PC makers. We've asked AMD for more details and will let you know if we hear more. ®
COMMENTS
No sign of Windows 8 ...
Why on earth would they even WANT to use Windows 8? I don't know a single person. whether nerd or pleb, that intends to use Windows 8, ESPECIALLY those who have tried the various previews.
Price?
Windows would double the price. If they want to sell this, they have to find manufacturers and distributors that do not depend on Microsoft.
Ubuntu, Mythtv & XBMC
Looks great! - I'm looking to upgrade from my ageing Acer Revo 3600.
Hope they supply a cheap version, without Windows, so that I can load it up with Ubuntu, Mythtv & XBMC
Agreed about the pins - bad idea
Pins on the case most definitely are pretty stupid - much better to replace them with an IEC "figure of eight" connector, then just pop the right cable in the box. This would also mean that customers don't have to plug it directly into a wall socket (with all the clearance issues that would entail) - I'd have this tucked away inside my media rack (running XBMC on Linux, fark Windows!)
I suspect it could really do to lose the 64GB SSD storage, and just boot directly from USB memory stick or SD card - hopefully bare-bones units will be made available. Without the SSD, this will hopefully retail for well under $100 - will have to if it hopes to compete with Apple TV and other ARM-based products. Add in the 64GB SSD and it will at least double the price.
Pins on the case? Stupid idea - means multiple redesigns for international sale as in most countries equipment must be sold fitted with the right pins for that country's sockets, no adaptors allowed
