In the dwindling if over-crowded market of identikit desktop PCs it certainly helps if you can stand out from the crowd.
Does Diablotek’s (unimaginatively named) new “Keyboard PC” have what it takes to differentiate itself?
Based on the internal specs, the answer to that question would be a muddled, drawn-out “perhaps” to a more definite “no”.
Save for one thing: it runs Ubuntu.
The Keyboard PC is Exactly That
As pre-loaded Ubuntu PCs go, the new Keyboard PC U310 (to give the clacky-key computer its proper title) is far from the worst offering out there.
While the hardware specs won’t impress many, being more akin to low-end netbook fare circa 2011, they’re at the least competent for basic computing needs in 2012:
- Intel Atom D525 (dual-core @ 1.8GHz)
- Intel GMA3150 integrated graphics
- 2 GB DDR3 RAM
- 500 GB SATA HDD
Since the Intel Atom D525 is designed for netbooks and net-tops, this is effectively the latter – a net-top enclosed within a full-size keyboard with numpad.
Given there are powerful laptops out there cooped up under squishy keyboard membranes, would it hurt an OEM to dream a little bigger?
Anyway, this thing is relatively slim, which limits choices.
The Intel Atom D525 processor has a comparatively low-power draw of 13 TDW so unless you’re compiling a lot of complex code — which give the speed you won’t be — it shouldn’t get too hot.
The built-in fan is said to run quietly.
Preloaded with Ubuntu
Ubuntu is preinstalled on the Keyboard PC U310, which is fantastic to see. Which version? Eh, trying to find that info out from vendors is a little tricker. I’d have assumed Ubuntu 10.04 LTS, though the handful of Amazon reviews thing already (!?) has say its Ubuntu 11.04.
There’s no built-in CD/DVD drive — though the makers package in a CD full of drivers, amusingly — but with 3x USB 2.0 ports on the back of the device and one on the side it’s possible to connect an external CD/DVD drive (along with other things, like the bundled USB mouse).
As is evident from its name, this thing is just a keyboard with a computer inside. There’s no built-in display.
A VGA input is located on rear of so that you can connect it to a monitor you may have laying around — it does have its own pair of built in speakers, though!
Rounding out the specs on the U310 is an ethernet port (speed unspecified), a Kensington lock to thwart anyone stealing it, 3.5mm audio in for headphones/speakers and a 3.5mm audio in for a microphone. No Bluetooth, but there’s built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.
Where to buy the keyboard PC?
Although it lacks elegance and speed the Keyboard PC nonetheless looks to offer a convenient want to condense your computing workspace, and could be an ideal travel PC or “first computer” for someone – certainly those who value desk space more than performance!
Depending on where you shop, you can buy up the Keyboard PC for as little as $238.99 (Amazon) or as much as $399.99 (newegg). A bit of Googling may through up other retailers offering it so, if your interest is piqued, it’ll pay to shop around.
No word on a UK or European release, but never say never…
Is a keyboard PC your ideal desktop form factor? What sort of spec’s would a device like this need to tempt you to buy one? Let me know in the comments!
via Lilputing