14 DAY TRIAL // System76 is working on a mini-PC based on the Intel NUC platform that promises to be the most powerful system of its kind, especially in terms of size. To top it all off, it's powered by Ubuntu.
System76 is a hardware vendor that sells PCs and laptops powered by the Ubuntu operating systems. They usually build PCs that span the spectrum, meaning that you will find low-end and high-end products that will suit everyone. This new mini-PC that they are planning to release is called Meerkat Ubuntu and it's almost a full-fledged desktop PC.
When people hear about mini-PCs, they usually assume that they're powered by an ARM processor or an X86 one that requires very little power. Also, they don't have any expectations regarding memory or storage. System76 defeats this preconception by pushing this format to the limit and it comes with a better hardware configuration than that of PCs ten times its size.
Meerkat Ubuntu is not out yet
The guys from System76 are just teasing the new system and they are not saying too much about it. We do know that it's based on the Intel NUC platform (Next unit of computing) and has some big specs.
"Coming soon! The Meerkat Ubuntu desktop! Engineering is complete. We're working on retail packaging as well as imaging and distribution setup. Tentatively scheduled for release March 19th, the Meerkat will feature Intel 5th Generation processors, up to 2 TB of storage and 16 GB of memory packed in a 4" x 4" package. Pricing is to be determined," said System76 on Google+.
It was also revealed that it will come with two CPU options, i3-5010U and i5-5250U, and it will use M.2 SATA SSDs. Even if they don't know the exact price, it's estimated that it will cost somewhere around $500 (€450).
We will provide more information once it becomes available.