01.jpg (19.42 KB. 530x298 - viewed 2 times.)Applications developers looking for a low power, small form factor computing
solution that won't break the bank will no doubt appreciate the DreamPlug from Globalscale Technologies. Expanding on the company's GuruPlug system, the
new low-profile plug computer is powered by a Marvell processor, has half a
gigabyte of DDR2 RAM and a generous helping of onboard micro-SD flash
memory to store the Linux kernal and root system files. Physical connectivity
and expansion options include USB, eSATA, JTAG and UART and the unit also
has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless capabilities.
Unlike the similarly compact Jack PC, the 4.3 x 2.73 x 1.9-inch (110 x 69.5 x
48.5mm) DreamPlug doesn't offer onboard graphics. This always-on computing
solution would therefore most likely find itself being used for such things as
high-end audio systems or media servers, home and industrial automation,
network storage and monitoring and security/surveillance systems.
02.jpg (25.73 KB. 530x298 - viewed 2 times.)A Marvell Sheeva single-core 1.2GHz CPU should provide ample processing
power for such applications and an optional JTAG unit gives developers the
debugging and programming access they need. Connectivity takes the form
of a couple of Gigabit Ethernet ports, an eSATA port, a couple of USB 2.0
ports, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR.
Both analog and digital audio output are on offer, with S/PDIF audio out
taking care of the digital and analog being provided by stereo headphone and
mic jacks. There's a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter and the audio playback
and recording enjoys a sampling rate of 48K/44.1KHz.
The DreamPlug is far from power hungry, having a draw of under 5W – which
is not quite as energy efficientas the Plug PC or the Trim-Slice but it's still
pretty impressive.
The DreamPlug Development Kit is priced at US$149, or US$178 with the
Guru JTAG unit included.
