This is the Linutop 3, a small form factor PC running Linux.  Linutop promote these PCs for various usages; kiosks, digital signage, standalone usage, but we think these PCs also work well in a couple of other scenarios too; as fanless PCs, they can serve well in bedrooms, or in the lounge to act as a quiet PC for various internet tasks.

The Linutop 3 has a Via C7 1GHz processor (compared to the Geode 500MHz in the Linutop 2), and features 1GB DDR2 RAM (up from 512KB) and 2GB of Flash (up from 1GB).

In fact, we’ve had a Linutop 2 in for review for some while, and really accpreciate the additional effort Linutop has taken with the OS; as well as providing a customised Ubuntu install (based on Ubunto v8.04), it also features additional controls, such as locking the whole OS so nothing is preserved between boots (very useful for kiosk environments).  On top of that, Linutop update their OS image every few months, incorporating the latest software updates into the core Flash image, allowing valuable space that the software updates take up to be reclaimed.  You can also backup to a USB key, or boot and restore the device from a key (providing a nice easy upgrade path when they release the new OS images, although you do lose all data).

Within that OS image, Linutop include Firefox (with Flash support), OpenOffice, VLC Media Player, and even Pidgin Instant Messaging.

The Linutop 3 is larger than the Linutop 2 (9.3 x 9.3 x 2.2 inches, compared to 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.4), is a little heavier, and now draws 20 Watts instead of a more average 8 Watts from the Linutop 2.  This low power consumption makes these devices very good for leaving permanently on all the time, without the normal overhead of a full PC.  However, these devices will never compete on speed of tasks, so be prepared for a slightly slower experience.

In other areas, the Linutop 3 offers DVI support and a higher resolution that than the Linutop 2 (now 1920 x 1080), more USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet (up from Fast Ethernet), and an internal PCIe expansion option.

Our biggest issue with the Linutop 2 is the difficulty in getting BBC iPlayer working on the device, which would make it a lot more useful…

The Linutop 3 sells for €340, and the Linutop 2 is still available at €280 (both require an additional €28 for delivery) direct from the manufacturer here.  By the way, if you think the Linutop 2 is the same as other manufacturer’s devices in the same form factor (eg the Viglen unit), think again; the Linutop 2 is a higher spec device, both in terms of memory, flash and processor.

We’ve covered Linutop before when it was first released, but Linutop have released a new device, Linutop 2.4, and we decided to look further…

The pint-sized, open source Linux PC is designed to run silently and is highly energy efficient (8W/12V-3,3A).  Due to its small size and low maintenance requirements, and although Linutop state “the Linutop 2.4 is the ideal solution for internet kiosks, network monitoring and digital displays” we think the device would also be welcome in bedrooms and even lounges as a media device, or to act as a PC connection to other energy efficient solutions and even energy monitoring tools, such as the Current Cost devices.

The Linutop 2.4 simplifies remote connection setup with its innovative real-time remote management.  This makes it as easy as possible for IT managers and even office workers with limited IT knowledge to manage any PC via a network connection.  The small Linux PC can also be used as a thin client in order to connect to remote application on the network, which in turn minimises maintenance costs because the devices can be managed centrally.

If you fancy one in your lounge, but don’t want it on display, then the VESA mount adaptor maybe the solution for you, allowing you to hide the device behind a monitor / TV…

New network management feature

The Linutop 2.4 enables USB backup that simplifies the duplication of the configuration on several devices.  “This approach makes it very simple to duplicate or update the configuration of the device.  Users can save the setup of the Linutop 2.4 on a USB stick and easily copy it on an unlimited number of devices,” explains Frederic Baille, CEO and co-founder of Linutop.

The Linutop 2.4 also includes a new network management feature that simplifies the use of WiFi USB antennas.  The small Linux PC now automatically reconnects to wireless networks after any unforeseen drops in the network connection.

Constant growth in the UK

For Frederic Baille, the Linutop 2.4 is an ideal product for UK market: “UK businesses are hungry for small, compact and uncomplicated systems.  We launched Linutop in the UK in 2007, and have achieved double digit growth rates in under 12 months.  The telecoms, manufacturing and retail sectors have responded particularly well to this light-weight, cost-effective solution.  This is because we are always striving to make computing as simple and straightforward as possible – no muss, no fuss.”

About Linutop 2.4

Linutop is a small, Linux-based PC intended for accessing the Internet, displaying digital contents and performing standard office tasks.  The fact that it does not contain an internal hard disk means that it is completely silent, more compact, requires very little energy to run and is more robust than traditional hard drive based devices.  It comes with optimised software to access the Internet and digital content, including text, photos, music and video.

• Processor: AMD Geode LX800 (x86)
• Weight: 580 gr (20 oz)
• Power: <8W/12V-3,3A / AC adapter 110-240V~ 50/60Hz
• Size: 14 x 14 x 3.5 cm (5.5×5.5×1.38 in)
• RAM: 512 MB up to 1GB
• Storage: 1 GB Flash Memory (Internal)
• Network: 10/100baseT Ethernet (RJ-45)
• PXE Boot: Thin client use
• Audio: 1 in & 2 out 3mm jack
• Video:VGA output (SUB-D15), resolution 1920×1440 max, 2D Graphic Acceleration
• Extension: 4x USB 2.0 ports
• Anti-theft: Kensington Security Slot
• Miscs: Internal clock backup. Power on button. Strong Aluminum Case
• Warranty: 1 year (extensible to 3 years)

The Linutop 2.4 is available for direct purchase via resellers and at www.linutop.com priced at £280 + VAT.

The Linutop 2 has been announced by French mini PC vendor Linutop. It features a 500MHz Geode processor, 512Mb RAM and 1Gb of Flash. The Linutop 2 measures 5.5 x 1.4 x 5.5 inches (14 x 3.5 x 14 cm), and weighs 20 ounces, and takes about 8 Watts of power. The OS, that’s preinstalled, includes Firefox and OpenOffice by using a version of the Xubuntu LiveCD image in the Flash. One neat feature is the ability to mount it behind a monitor using the VESA mount (although this may be nothing more than a bit of folded steel with a few holes in the right place).

However, at the price of roughly £210, we feel the VIA ARTiGO we covered here, and available from Linitx.com may be better value, and more suitable as an every day small PC.

Specs from Linux Devices.