We shared word of Linux Mint’s new PC, the ‘MintBox’, with you a few weeks back. Today the product has been officially announced.
Two models of the MintBox are available: a basic version with less RAM and a slower CPU/GPU combo, and a faster ‘Pro’ model in a stylised case.
The Ubuntu-based spin have been working with computer manufacturer CompuLab since late last year to bring Linux Mint to market on a range of energy efficient and fanless devices.
MintBoxes
The devices are made and sold by computing outfit ‘Compulab‘ and are Mint branded versions of the company’s successful Fit-PC3 line.
Standard features across the two models includes:
- 250GB HDD
- 8x USB ports (4 front-facing, 4 rear facing)
- Dual-head display HDMI plus DisplayPort
- Digital audio
- Ethernet
- WiFi and Bluetooth (with dual antennas)
- 2 eSATA ports
With the differential features being: –
MintBox Basic
- APU G-T40N (1.0 GHz dual core + Radeon HD 6290
- 4GB RAM
- Flat metal case
MintBox Pro
- APU G-T56N (1.65 GHz dual core + Radeon HD 6320
- 8GB RAM
- Ribbed metal case
What’s In it For Mint?
Although the devices are Mint branded they are not Mint-made; Linux Mint only get a 10% cut from the sale of each device.
But that’s nothing to be sniffed at.
“We’re passionate about what we do and for our very first Mint device, we wanted something unique, something special and extraordinary,” says Linux Mint lead Clement Lefebvre in his announcement.
Whilst Mint is not the first Ubuntu-based OS to ship on hardware (remember gOS?) they do join the select handful of Linux distros to have ever done so.
Price
On to price.
The MintBox Basic will set you back a cool $476 (excluding shipping costs, import duty & VAT). The ribbed ‘Pro’ model comes in a bit higher at $549 (excluding shipping costs, import duty & VAT).
Compulab typically sell the devices direct to industry (hence their super-strong casings) so whilst the MintBox marks a change in target audience and availability, the price, comparatively, doesn’t.
More information, as well as order details, can be found on the Compulab website @ fit-pc.com/web/purchase/order-direct-mintbox/