Remember AMD's low-cost "Personal Internet Computer" devices that were supposed to be commercialized in developing regions of the world? They practically disappeared from the face of the Earth and AMD did not provide clear explanations. No need for further investigations, as Data Evolution is now ready to reintroduce the PIC concept on the market once again. The concept was renamed "decTOP" and is now able to run Windows CE 5.0 as well as Linux-based operating systems. It even comes bundled with a suite of basic software, has built-in dial-up and broadband networking and a 10GB hard drive. The package does not include keyboard, mouse or monitor.

AMD presented the Personal Internet Communicator (PIC) concept back in 2004, as part of its 50x15 program, which aims to provide 50 percent of the world's population with Internet access by 2015. However, AMD failed to generate "material revenue" from this concept, the company being forced to suddenly terminate the PIC project in late 2006.

Last month, Data Evolution, a specialist in "mobile data capture solutions," announced the acquisition of all the assets associated with the PIC project from AMD. The company previously released the Clio NXT and Cathena mobile computers, as related to its mobile data capture business. Data Evolution claims that the decTOP device, coupled with the embedded software, is intended for easy installation and setup, providing "virtually instantaneous access to the power of the global Internet." For this purpose, decTOP integrates both dial-up and broadband networking capability, and can easily adapt to diverse power sources around the world.

Key features and specifications for the new decTOP include:

- Processor -- AMD Geode GX processor; clock rate unspecified
- Memory -- 128 MB SDRAM; boot flash unspecified
- Mass storage -- internal 10GB 3.5-inch hard drive
- Networking:
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- Internal 56 Kbps ITU v.92 Fax/Modem
- 4 USB 1.1 ports (2 front, 2 rear)
- Video -- supports resolutions up to 1600x1200 at 85 Hz
- Sound -- AC'97 audio with stereo in/out jacks
- Dimensions -- 8.5 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches
- Weight -- approx. 3 pounds

Data Evolution did not disclose any information regarding pricing and availability for their decTOP, but the device is supposed to match AMD's former price-tag plans.