The $100 Linux Based ‘Wall Wart’ Computer
You will soon be able to manage and monitor your appliances, pool, heater,
AC, and otherhome devices (home security, home/office electronics, etc)
An Uncle Dave prediction: In just a few short years this will contain 8
quad-core processors with 1 TB of flash memory. Aside from the USB port (no
need for Ethernet as a gigabit wireless router and broadband modem will be
built in), there will be an HDMI port for a cable from the quad GPUs to your
dual 60″ 1080p TVs. Separate is the 100 TB wireless NAS in the closet. Only
other thing is a wireless keyboard and mouse. Oh, almost forgot ― the
refrigerator sized, liquid nitrogen cooling system attached to the aluminum
wall this mighty mite is plugged into.
*Marvell Semiconductor* <http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS9634061300.html> is
shipping a hardware/software development kit suitable for always-on home
automation devices and service gateways. Resembling a “wall-wart” power
adapter, the SheevaPlug draws 5 Watts, comes with Linux, and boasts
completely open hardware and software designs, Marvell says.
In typical use, the SheevaPlug draws about as much power as a night-light.
Yet, with 512MB each of RAM and Flash, and a 1.2GHz CPU, the unobtrusive
device approaches the computing power found in the servers of only a decade
ago.
Furthermore, the platform is available in single quantities, and is priced
within reach of students, hobbyists, and tinkerers. Its hardware design is
completely open ― everything from schematics to Gerber files will be
available on a website, Marvell said. For those that do wish to build
products on the platform, volume pricing could fall to $50, Marvell expects.
[...]
Mukhopadhyay calls the SheevaPlug an “ideal platform for in-home service
delivery,” and adds that he is looking forward to seeing what kinds of
products and services are built on top of the device. He said, “We believe
that for the consumer and the service provider in the home, it’s the right
time for some disruptive application delivery. We believe that having a
completely open hardware platform will be key in letting people productize
it however they want.”
[...]
The tiny embedded PC also includes gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 ports.
Marvell did not release precise dimensions for the platform, but one early
product based on the design is listed as measuring 4.0 x 2.5 x 2.0 inches.
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