Smallest P4 Desktop Debuts

[DBAHO]

A MACHINE claimed to be the world's smallest PC incorporating a Pentium 4 desktop processor and weighing just 1.25 kilograms has been showcased at Computex 2004 in Taipei.

The EZgo PC e7j computer uses some notebook components like hard drive, memory and a PC card slot, marrying these to more traditional desktop components like a DVD-RW drive, a Pentium 4 processor and a copper heat sink.

 

The machine, from Taiwanese outfit ATOZ International, is targeted at those concerned about aesthetics or with limited desktop real estate, particularly in living rooms.

 

Account manager Alvin Hwang told Australian IT that the heat dispersal system was patent pending and "top secret".

 

The specifications of the toaster shaped box are impressive. They include: CPU system bus at 400/533 MHz; System Chipset SIS 651; a 2.5 inch 12.5mm high Hard Disk (ATA133/ 100/66), and an ATAPI-IDE interface for high speed slim type CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-COMBO, or DVD-RW drives. It has built-in IrDA, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, 56K V.90 Modem card, a TV-Port, two mini type FireWire (1394) ports (400 Mbps); four USB ports; a 9 pin serial port (RS-232) and a 25 pin Parallel port (EPP /ECP).

 

Form factor changes for PCs are very much in evidence at this year's Computex - the world's second-largest computer trade show, with several manufacturers showing off hi-fi component shaped computers.

 

SVEC's Media Center PC Chassis FD7134, for example, is solidly made to go at the bottom of a stack of living room-style component decks. It has front-mounted ports for USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, line in, speaker out and microphone. The FD7134 has two 5.25 inch bays for drives like CD-RW and another two 3.5 inch bays for a 6-in-1 card reader or floppy drive, as well as two internal bays for hard drives.