14 DAY TRIAL // Motherboard producer AOpen launched a new mini PC that has an astonishing resemblance to Apple's Mac Mini. It measures only 150x150x50 mm and has a volume of 1.1 liters. The system is based on the Intel 915 GM chipset.
Two models are available. The entry level one integrates an Intel Celeron M 1.4 GHz processor and is priced at US$609. The second one is built around an Intel Pentium M 1.7 GHz CPU and comes in at US$788.
Initially, the new mini PCs will be sold only in Taiwan, where AOpen made a distribution partnership with Synnex Technology International. For global distribution, which will begin in 2006, AOpen will use its established authorized resellers.
In Taiwan, the AOpen mini PC will be bundled with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, while for the US market the company signed a deal with Linspire to offer a Linux version of the system.
The AOpen mini PC is silent, thanks to its only one fan and 65W power source. It also features a 2.5" harddisk and a DVD-RW drive. Similar to the Mac mini, the AOpen system is equipped with wireless capabilities, supporting Bluetooth and the 802.11 a/b/g standards.