Marvell Semiconductor 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.
Not sure about a wall socketable 8 quad-core processors with 1 TB of flash memory anytime soon, but point taken on Moores Law !
I’m struggling to see a good fit for the Marvel wall socket platform. Seems like traditional netbook or nettop PC (which are quite small and cheap) provides a more flexible set utility and programability even if you need a cord to get to the wall outlet.
Actually, I would like this. I could get rid of my 200 Mhz Pentium Linux which I use as a file and mail server.
@#2: For those purposes you can already switch to something like Linksys NSLu2. I got my Asterisk telephony and file server from the ye’ olde 400 Mhz AMD machine to it and it works as a charm, drawing just few W of power.
This is also the example where these devices will go in the future. Not the main computing power in the home but serving some satellite function. Why? Because if we can have 8 core 1TB memory on a wall-wart, just imagine what will be possible to cram into the laptop or desktop format. And we will have stuff to do with that “unimaginable power” too, we just don’t know yet…
#2,
I could get rid of my 200 Mhz Pentium Linux
Dude, that is so last year.
I like.
I’ve had a similar idea in my fertile mind for a couple of years.
How about a combo computer and cable modem — one simple brick that delivers Internet to a flat-screen TV using a wireless keyboard.
(It would come free with an internet subscription.)
My impression is that market penetration for PCs is about as far as it is going to go. This could help.
#4 I don’t need anything faster to act as a file and mail server.
#2 Actually, I will check out this NSLu2. That way I can get the darn noisy server out of here. It is cheaper at $66 than this 100 dollar plug.
It’s Linux so it goes nowhere, just like every other time this has been tried, over the last 20 years.
Can’t wait to see M$ kill it by buying him out.
With a usb powered monitor and keyboard you could have a nice messaging system to put up in the house and garage for a couple of hundred bucks.
This looks like the device used to create the ‘pogoplug’ shown at CSS. Pogoplug serves as an interface between a usb device (such as a hard drive) and an internet router. The hard drive (photos, file, etc) can be accessed from the web. Check out the appliance at pogoplug.com
Tiny computers that amount to wall warts are going to be the future unless we need more power than they can provide but with net books being major sellers I’m thinking that compact is seriously in.
I mean I’ve used computers with stats like the better net books to run full blown MS Office with no problems. There are limits but for most people those limits don’t amount to much most of the time and the advantages are huge.
I’m thinking about 6 of them on a single power strip as a Rocks cluster.
8-How’s your overpriced apple computer treating you? Typical, nonsensical comment from an applehead regarding the superior (and free!) linux OS is always something obnoxious like your comment.
Having a central hub and just workstations for different places in the house would be ideal for a large number of computer users, those who don’t need a ton of processing power and who use the PC at home for web browsing, social networking, and email.
http://www.everythingusb.com/option-globesurfer-x1-3g-router-16107.html
I like this unit better..
It integrates ALL in one including your cellphone.
Can anyone say SERVER FARM, of P2’s??
can you see, IN THE WALL/hidden computer storage??
Add a USB/network HD and hide all your porn IN THE WALL..
14.
YEP, beowulf..
CHEAP..
ADD a wireless KB and mouse and you have the PERFECT KMART/WALMART/7-11/… MACHINE setup..