$99 ARM PC, With Ubuntu or Android, For Business?
Compulab is launching a $99 ARM-based PC that runs Ubuntu or Google Android. At first glance, the Utilite PC looks like a cheap consumer device that won’t attract much channel partner attention. But take a closer look because at $99, this low-end system also offers potential business opportunities.
Indeed, Compulab says the Utilite PC — shipping in August 2013 — is ideal for “a variety of applications such as media player, IPTV, infotainment systems, digital signage, thin client and small-footprint desktop replacement.”
Admittedly, the digital signage market has been shifting to complete, integrated display/PC/network solutions. But Utilite could offer a point product option in the low-end market. Also, for business users who simply need web-based terminal access, Utilite could fill the void.
The Utilite offers the following tech specs:
- CPU: Freescale i.MX6 single / dual / quad core Cortex-A9 MPCore, up to 1.2GHz
- Memory: Up to 4GB DDR3-1066
- Storage: mSATA SSD, up to 512GB Micro-SD SDXC, up to 128GB
While overall PC market sales continue to decline, Compu;ab continues to carve out a niche for itself with small, embedded computing products. Additional offerings include the Trim-Slice desktop computer and fit-PC.
Compulab has developed embedded computing products since 1992. The company is headquartered in Yokneam, Israel with offices in St. Petersburg, Fla.