14 DAY TRIAL // Axiomtek has officially introduced a motherboard that is so small and has such a layout that one might be tempted to think it is really a storage device of some sort at first glance, at least when the cooling cover is installed.
There was a time when motherboards were thick, large and blocky things that dwelt in equally blocky and aesthetically challenged plastic cases. Now, though, they can be so small that they are mistaken for other things.
Axiomtek's PICO822 is a perfect example, being a very compact Pico-ITX motherboard, or really a Pico-ITX SBC (single-board computer).
Which is another term for a miniature PC that lacks a case and storage space, but comes with everything else already integrated.
Speaking of which, the newcomer relies on a low power Intel Atom processor E620T (600 MHz) and an E680T (1.6 GHz).
1 GB of DDR2-800 memory backs the two up, while a SATA SSD can be added to the mix via the 3 Gbps SATA connector.
Speaking of connectors, Axiomtek included one Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 2.0 connectors, a client USB 2.0 port, and two RS-232 COM ports.
These, along with SDVO, PCIe, UART and SMBus, are brought to the equation by the SBC's expansion interface which, in turn, is made part of the whole through the central chipset.
As for graphics, the Intel GMA 600 should be good enough for VGA and 18/24-bit single channel LVDS in dual view.
Add to that support for watchdog timer and hardware monitoring features, and Axiomtek's PICO822 should do well in its intended fields: embedded computing (the fanless design will help a lot), digital signage, kiosks, portable devices, in-flight entertainment systems, medical imaging, etc.
"The optimized PICO822 is a great choice for customers who need an embedded board with fanless design, flexible configuration, rich I/O, low power consumption and extreme small form factor," said Michelle Mi, PM of product planning division at Axiomtek.
"The thoughtful fanless design makes the platform more reliable yet stable, without dust or noise issues. Onboard 1 GB DDR2-800 system memory and optional SATA SSD provides anti-vibration requirements."
