I like to report advanced technology that runs open source systems, like LInux.From Manufactum of Germany, we have a two pound PC, running Linux, of course, just over seven inches maximum dimension. It runs at 500 MHz, can handle a gig of RAM (default 512 MB) and an 80 gig hard drive. It is pre-loaded with Debian with KDE as your desktop. That part is totally configurable, of course.Imagine replacing all the computers in your lab with something the size of a Tom Clancy novel. That would leave piles of room for, say, a bigger fridge in which you can store samples. And beer.
Ever seen one of these?
Except it’s waaaay overpriced for the specs. If you want to see the wave of the future, check out Asus’s Eee PC http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/eee-pc/
It probably has a better plot than a Tom Clancey novel, too.
If you’re into small, quiet, cool and cheap, you should know that Intel is attempting to kick the bottom out of the mini-ITX box. The D201GLY2 needs no CPU fan, has an integrated Celeron processor, and retails for less than US$80.