Globalscale Technologies is showing off a new $249 desktop PC with an ARM-based chip and support for 1080p HD video playback. The D2Plug computer can run Ubuntu Linux or Google Android 2.2, and joins a growing list of “Plug” computing devices. But this space may get even more interesting when Microsoft releases Windows 8 with support for ARM-based processors.
The Globalscale D2Plug features a Marvell PXA510 system on a chip. It’s an 800 MHz ARMv7 chip with support for HD video playback, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics, And Adobe FLash Player.
The miniature desktop uses just 2 Watts of electricity and measures just 6.7″ x 3.2″ 1.3″.
The D2Plug has 1GB of DDR3 memory, 8GB of storage and a range of ports including USB, eSATA, HDMI, Ethernet, VGA, and audio jacks. It also includes 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0.
Globalscale expects to ship the D2Plug in late June and is offering pre-orders for $249.
via Linux For Devices and Engadget
Hi aftermath,
sound like you are well vered with low power computing. Can you recommed an low power computer with SATA?
thx
While you pointed out Ubuntu and Andoird as two Linux-based brands, software support is more widespread. Â There are even community-purposed and supported distributions.
I’ve really enjoyed working with GlobalScale’s OpenRD product, and while their “plug” products have had issues, GlobalScale’s support has been very good.  The D2 is a pretty neat looking offering, but people interested in it should also take a look at the concurrently announced “Dream” plug.  It makes less pretense to emulate what a typical consumer would expect from a typical desktop, but it’s got “grunt”.
Also, people should remember that DisplayLink makes it possible to connect an LCD monitor to devices like these over USB, which is both convenient and power efficient.  It’s very feasible to create a complete and productive computing solution that runs on a trickle of power.  My entire office runs on far less energy than a typical lightbulb consumes.