Ubuntu Core is a stripped down version of Canonical’s popular Ubuntu Linux operating system, designed to run on low-power computers like the Raspberry Pi 2, Beaglebone, Gumstix, ODroid-C1, and others.
Now Canonical has announced that Ubuntu Core also supports the Intel NUC DE3815TY mini-computer.
That’s one of cheapest members of the Intel NUC line of mini-desktops. It measures about 7.5″ x 4.6″ x 1.6″ and currently sells for around $134 to $143.
The little computer features a 1.46 GHz Intel Atom E3815 single-core processor, a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and VGA ports, 4GB of built-in eMMC storage, and a 2.5 inch drive bay, 1066 MHz DDR3L memory slot, and PCIe minicard slot for expansion.
It’s not really designed to replace your desktop computer. But the fanless mini-PC could drive a commercial digital signage or point-of-sales system. Or you could use it as a platform for designing and testing software for other low-cost, low-power devices with Intel processors.
A key selling point for running Ubuntu on this type of device is that it allows developers to use existing applications without re-compiling them for ARM or MIPS architecture.
Or you could just buy a more expensive NUC with a higher-performance processor that is designed to work as a desktop computer.