Sustainable IT | Ted Samson » Via packs power into teeny green Artigo PC kit

December 10, 2007 | Comments: (0)

Via packs power into teeny green Artigo PC kit

TAGS: PCs, Via

IDG's Sumner Lemon reported today on Via's minute do-it-yourself computer kit, called Artigo. It's indeed a wee package, measuring 5.9 inches by 4.3 inches by 1.8 inches and weighing in at under 1.2 pounds. Via says Artigo PC enthusiasts could use the kit to build a fully functional x86 system that fits in the palm of your hand.

Beyond the sheer "wow" factor of such a powerful system in a diminutive body, the Artigo is a fine example of how PCs can become greener. For one thing, it's got a remarkably lower power draw: According to Via, a complete system would consume around 15 watts in idle, while the mainboard itself consumes a maximum of only 20 watts under full load.

Moreover, a tiny system like this requires fewer materials, which means less waste. That's a double green whammy.

In terms of specs, the system is powered by the 1GHz Via C7 processor, according to Via, and supports up to 1GB of DDR2 533 SO-DIMM system memory. The Via EPIA PX mainboard is based on the single-chip Via VX700 system media processor, and packs a Via UniChrome Pro II IGP 3D/2D graphics core, MPEG-2/-4, and WMV9 hardware decoding acceleration and display flexibility. There's also onboard Via VT1708A HD audio codec.

Moreover, the machine delivers broadband networking through its 10/100 Fast Ethernet port. The VGA port in the rear of the system supports all regular monitors.

The Via Artigo Builder Kit will be available starting Dec. 14 -- just in time to get one last green-hued stocking-stuffer. Recommended retail price is $300.

Ted Samson is a senior analyst at InfoWorld and writer of the Sustainable IT blog. Subscribe to his free weekly Green Tech newsletter.

Posted by Ted Samson on December 10, 2007 12:48 PM

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