Hardkernel ODROID-U3 is a development board powered by Samsung Exynos 4412 quad core Cortex A9 processor that’s both small and cost effective at $59, not including required storage and shipping. An Israeli start-up named Imp Computer has now launched a mini PC of the same name, based on ODROID-U3 board, and running Lintux Ubuntu 14.04 with Cinnamon based Imp Desktop environment, and various pre-installed software packages like Chrome and Firefox web browsers, Kodi/XBMC, etc.., and somehow Microsoft Office with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are also listed, which does not seem right on an ARM Linux machine, but they are apparently using Microsoft Office Online to achieve this feast.
Imp computer specifications:
- SoC – Samsung Exynos 4412 Prime @ 1.7 Ghz with ARM Mali-400MP4 GPU @ 440MHz
- System Memory – 2GB @ 880MHz
- Storage – 8 or 16 GB internal storage (micro SD card)
- USB – 3x USB 2.0 Host ports, 1x USB 2.0 device for ADB/mass storage
- Connectivity – 10/100Mbps Ethernet (LAN9730)
- Video Output – micro HDMI
- Audio Output – 3.5mm audio jack, micro HDMI
- DC Power – 5V/2A
- Dimensions – 10.92 x 10.92 x 3.05 cm
The mini PC comes with a power adapter, a USB Wi-Fi dongle, and a mini HDMI to HDMI cable.
A wireless HDMI stick (DLNA, Airplay), and a wireless keyboard & trackpad are also available as options. One of the advantage of this device is that the software is fully open source, and it leverages the work done by Hardkernel and member of ODROID community for Ubuntu and Android support. Their solution appears to have brought several open source solutions together (Linux, ownCloud, XBMC, etc..) to make easier for the end-user.
The project is now on Indiegogo (fixed funding), where the developers aim to raise at least $100,000 for mass production. A $129 early bird pledge should get the 8GB storage version including required accessories such as power supply and cable, and once all 250 early bird perks are gone, it will go for $149. The premium edition version with 16GB storage is $199, which seems a steep markup for just 8GB storage extra, and maybe a better looking case (not so clear). Shipping is free to the US, and $15 to the rest of the world. Delivery is expected to be in March/April 2015.
You can also find some more details on Imp Computer website.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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This vid shows shows a little more about their campaign and the streaming / wireless functionality:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwRHxHKum9Q
The initial 10% is the hardest IMO and they are already there. I like how they have a comparison like the jolla tablet did against the mac mini and chromebox.
I think you can also use g-docs and maybe install LO. They also offer online backup/storage. MS office online/one drive is pretty good for normal use and is easier to share / view / collab on docs without messy incompatibilities or the other end having to have installed more than a browser.
I think going with Cinnamon is good, is modern, lighter than unity and more customizable.
Good to see Odroid boards used in more 3rd party products. Hopefully it will help make them more mainstream.
Hm. If it is an Israeli company why would they offer free shipping to US and not e.g. to Europe or even Israel.