When Puzzles Are Not Enough, Try Via's ARTiGO DIY Kit

Via unveiled today a brand new product that lets the user go beyond the classical, end-user computer experience. The new DIY kit allows enthusiasts to build their own compact personal computer, a nifty experience worth trying between accessing two URLs. The VIA ARTiGO Builder Kit is designed by the creators of the Pico-ITX form factor.

The VIA ARTiGO PC is a fully-featured personal computer that can be held in the open palm of a hand. It can do all the common things a computer takes care of in a working day. The whole computer weighs no more than 520 grams and measures 5cm x 11cm x 4cm, which is half the size of a normal CD/DVD-ROM drive. In fact, it can be installed inside a 5.25-inch spare bay in a regular desktop PC.

"We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the launch of the Pico-ITX boards from end-users and the embedded industry alike, so we are delighted to now make it easy for enthusiasts to build their own ultra small personal computer", said Daniel Wu, Assistant Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "The VIA ARTiGO Builder Kit truly leverages the remarkable energy efficiency and power-performance-size ratio of the Pico-ITX form factor, and further cements VIA's position as a leading innovator in the x86 space".

The VIA ARTiGO PC kit is comprised of a VIA EPIA PX10000 Pico-ITX board, chassis, power adapter and all essential accessories. The small kit can be easily turned into a Christmas present as well as into a complete and working PC ready to go. The computer is extremely power-saving, with an estimated power draw of almost 15 watts in idle mode and maximum 20 W at fully operational parameters.

The computer provides broadband access through a 10/100 Fast Ethernet port, while display connectivity is done via the VGA port that supports all the standard monitors. Keyboards and mice are also welcome, but since the PS/2 ports are missing, peripherals will be connected through the front USB ports only.