AMD palms PCs with LiveBox miniature desktop 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 …
Would've preferred the plug pins to stick out from the big flat side, rather than allowing the device to protrude so far from the wall - easy to damage when kicked (accidentally) in this configuration. Other than that, I'm liking all these new teeny-but-powerful new devices coming out.
"plug pins to stick out from the big flat side" (AKA, stomach or back)
but how will you reach the switch? for that matter, how will they account for the switch? Any way, I wouldn't plug it directly to the outlet, instead I would plug it to an extension cable; easier to reach that way.
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.
£30 bulk price. Retail price would be a little higher. Retailers would not sell on the Windows license at cost either.
The real danger to this product comes from the channel. You are required to pay at least £200 for a no-margin computer with no useful software. They only tolerate that price because they expect to make some money on the software. Microsoft will not need to bury this product - the channel will do that for them.
Here comes the small cheap computer again. Blink and you will miss it.
The Zotac Zbox nano AD10 bare bones has been around for a while. Based on the AMD E-350, supports up to 4GB of RAM, Radeon HD 6310 gfx. It's 5"x5" with 100mm VESA mount (handy for bolting to the back of your screen.
No SIM card slot, but you could plug a dongle into one of the extra 2 USB 3.0 ports, it also has eSATA and wifi.
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