I agree with the commenter who said “I don’t know what I’d do with it, but I want one.”
It’s so *cute*!
Four-inch computer has more ports than you’ll ever need | DVICE
Small computers aren’t anything new to write about. Xi3 Corporation’s new little computer, however, is unique. It has more ports crammed into as little space as possible that we’ve seen in recent years.
For such a tiny box, it doesn’t skimp out on accessible ports. The Xi3 has six USB 2.0 ports, DVI, two eSATA ports, audio in/out, DisplayPort, ethernet and special ‘Xi3 Port.” Who else besides professionals need two eSATAs and six USB ports? There are three CPU options are available for the Xi3 — 1Ghz, 1.8Ghz and 2.2Ghz. Sorry Intel, but these dwarfs run on AMD Athlon processors.
All of this is crammed inside a small 4-inch aluminum cube. Take that Mac Mini! The interesting thing about this tiny PC is that it’s case also serves as a heatsink. Yeah, pretty cool stuff.
elgecko
*very* not bad!
tmc4242
Their idea of “more ports than I’ll ever need” and mine are somewhat at odds.
And it costs upwards of $800.
The package is neat, but the specs and price point don’t work.
Rob Wynne
Well, yes, but it’s (more or less) a prototype. It’s not even in full production yet.
I also don’t think it’s being promoted as a primary computer replacement. I certainly wouldn’t use it as one. But as a really portable device, I can think of lots of ways it could be deployed.
kightp
It certainly gives new meaning to the term “portable computer”!
hitchhiker
sweeeet!
cellio
Cute, but… 6 USB ports is more than anybody other than a professional would need? Looking at what’s plugged into my Mac Mini (for home use, nothing professional) I see: two external hard drives (one is a time machine, one is because the Mini has a small drive), printer, scanner, wireless keyboard/mouse, headphones, and on a rotating basis, iPod, camera, Kindle, and hard drive for off-site backup. I don’t think that’s that atypical.
Obviously this involves a USB hub. 🙂
necturus
It’s not available.
I’m sticking with my $99 SheevaPlug.
keristor
I’ve never used eSATA, but 6 USB ports isn’t much. Keyboard and pointy thing take two of them for a start, and if it doesn’t have much built-in storage (it doesn’t seem to say, but I’d guess it has at least some flash disk) external drives take up more (yes, one could buy eSATA drives but they are more expensive and less portable, few machines have eSATA capability).
But that does add a new concept of “portable computing”. As long as it doesn’t weigh too much, and the price comes down (I see that this is only a limited edition prototype, so I’m not surprised that the price is currently high) it will be interesting.
mnemex
I’d always favor esata drives (or rather, an esata enclosure with dual connectivity) over pure usb given an esata connection — sata is a -lot- faster than usb 2.
And enclosures with dual esata/usb connections are not very much.
celticdragonfly
I think I may be using six USB ports now…
Cute, though.