Dal Computex 2011
Cupp è nota per aver già tentato di portare una piattaforma ARM su PC x86, almeno come prototipo. Al Computex s’è vista tuttavia una integrazione interessante tra una piattaforma ARM completa e un normale netbook basato su piattaforma x86 (nello specifico, un ASUS Eee PC SeaShell con Intel Atom), cui è stato dato il nome di PunkThis. Cupp ha rimpiazzato l’hard disk del PC con una scheda con un sistema completo basato su piattaforma ARM e un socket mini-PCIe in cui è possibile inserire un SSD SATA per il comparto storage della parte x86. Il sistema alla base di PunkThis è costituito da un processore Texas Instruments DM3730 funzionante ad 1GHz di frequenza, accompagnato da 512MB di RAM e da una radio WiFi oltre a vari connettori per connettere il sistema a video, audio e USB del computer ospite.
Il netbook in mostra al Computex aveva installato Android 2.3 Gingerbread accanto a Windows 7, anche se mancava il supporto al WiFi. Come è possibile vedere nel video sul sito di Engadget, il cambio tra Android e Windows 7 è questione di un attimo – il tempo di premere due tasti. Sulla scheda PunkThis, tra le altre cose, si trovano anche uno slot microSD per il sistema e uno slot per la memoria di massa (condivisa tra Android e Windows). Il prezzo dovrebbe essere intorno ai 200$ (attualmente, 164€ inclusa IVA), mentre dovrebbe essere disponibile tra 2 mesi.
[spoiler title=”Comunicato Stampa”]Punk your PC; 40 hour Computing
CUPP Computing has developed a 2.5″ module for x-86 PCs. Codenamed “PunkThis” for PC, it is based on CUPP’s patented technology and “Multi-mode computing” vision. The device enables a user to combine a high performance PC processor (x86/IA) and a low power processor (RISC/ARM) into a single platform. This allows the user to choose between low power/extended battery life and high performance/ normal battery life, enhancing their PCs functionality.
PunkThis enables more practical computing with greater battery life and a more versatile set of use cases. It allows low power applications and flexibility, with seamless access to PC processing power as needed. This module will provide over 20 hour computing in a standard netbook or 40 hours with a low power screen. (PixelQi)
The PunkThis module fits in a standard 2.5″ drive bay and contains both and Mini PCIe SSD HD and an ARM processor. The ARM Processor is a TI OMAP DM3730 at 1GHz with 512MB of RAM. It is designed to be an unlocked system to allow users to modify the OS and functionality. Two USB connections (Host & USB OTG) allow uses flexibility to access and share data.
The PunkThis board will have wiring kits that allow solder-less in installation into a number of PC platforms. The Asus 1015PN is the first target for these packages. (Additional platforms will follow.)
The PunkThis desktop enclosure will give users and developers a compact desktop Computer that can be used in a number of roles. As a stand-alone computer it can be used as media center, terminal, or connected device. When used in conjunction with a desktop PunkThis provides an ideal instant on, low power system to check mail and surf the web. Developers gain the ability to target the ARM v7 code base on physical hardware while retaining the functionality of a desktop environment.
PunkThis is an open unlocked device allowing users and developers to use their imagination to find new use cases and functions for this board. This gives manufacturers and consumers the ability to easily adapt existing PC’s for greater power efficiency and flexibility. Delivering functionality previously impossible in a Personal Computer.
CUPP PunkThis Techinical Specifications:
TI DM3730 1.0Ghz A8 processor
512 MB RAM
Micro SD System Memory
Mini PCIe SSD for PC C: Drive
Micro SD for Shared Drive
Wifi
USB ToGo
USB Host
Keyboard Controller (User Reprogrammable Keyboard Controller)
Audio I/O
OS Development
Ubuntu
Android 2.3 (to be updated as new releases become available)
Open Platform
Other:
20 hour battery life in 10″ Netbook
40 hour battery life with low power screen (PixelQi)
Sub $200 USD Price
PunkThis Enclosure: (Price undetermined)
5 USB Ports
Audio I/O
DVI I/O
Power
SD Card
Head Phone Jack
Presently implemented in Asus 1015PN
Solder-less Wiring Kit for Asus 1015PN – Mid July
Module Production – Mid July
PunkThis Enclosure – Start September
Send interest to sales@cuppcomputing – “Pre-Order” in heading[/spoiler]
[Via Engadget.com]