Hercules eCAFE ARM Cortex A8 Netbooks running Linux

Hercules, a subsidiary of Guillemot Corporation,  announced two new eCAFÉ netbooks based on Freescale i.MX515 @ 800 Mhz (ARM Cortex A8)  that run a custom Linux distribution and feature a dipswitch for flipping to other user-loaded Linux or Android operating systems:

• eCAFÉ Slim HD – 229 USD:
  • LED screen: 10.1 inch, 1024*600, high brightness
  • Storage: 8Gb Flash (iNAND), extensible up to 72Gb
  • ARM Cortex^TM A8 Freescale^TM i.MX515 @ 800 MHz processor
  • RAM: 512 Mb
  • WiFi N technology
  • Battery: 2400 mAh (7.4V) for 4.5 hours’ battery life
  • Comfortable “chiclet” keyboard with flat, separate keys – 88% of a standard keyboard
  • 0.3MP webcam with built-in microphone
  • Connections: 3x USB, 1x Headset, 1x Microphone, 1x LAN RJ45, 1x DC-in 12V, 1x External card reader: SD/MMC/SDHC, 1x Internal card reader: SD/SDHC
  • DIP Switch
  • Weight: 1.9lbs / 0.86 kg

• eCAFÉ EX HD – 269 USD:
  • LED screen: 10.1 inch, 1024*600, high brightness
  • Storage: 16Gb extensible to 72Gb: 8Go Flash (iNAND) + 8Gb SDHC card
  • ARM Cortex^TM A8 Freescale^TM i.MX515 @ 800 MHz processor
  • RAM: 512 Mb
  • HDMI output
  • WiFi N technology
  • Battery: 6800 mAh (7.4V) for 13 hours + Comfortable “chiclet” keyboard with flat, separate keys – 88% of a standard keyboard
  • 0.3MP webcam with built-in microphone
  • Connections: 3x USB, 1x Headset, 1x Microphone, 1x LAN RJ45, 1x DC-in 12V, 1x External card reader: SD/MMC/SDHC, 1x Internal card reader: SD/SDHC
  • DIP Switch
  • Weight: 2.4lbs / 1.08 kg

Both devices are virtually identical, except the eCAFE EX HD features a larger battery allowing 13-hour usage versus 4.5 hours for the slim HD.

Both the Slim HD and EX HD run Linux-based Hercules eCafe Netbook Edition OS which has all features as a on a standard desktop computer, the company says. Hercules also supplies a hacker-friendly dipswitch that lets one switch to another user-loaded ARM Linux operating system, such has Android which is also support by i.MX515 target, although there is no touchscreen in the devices.

The software included the in the netbooks:

• Hercules eCAFÉ^TM Sync : to transfer and manage your files simply between the eCAFE and your computer
  • Transfer your files (music, videos, photos, documents, Internet favourites, etc.) between the eCAFÉ^TM (SDHC memory extension card) and your computer (PC or MAC).
  • Nothing could be simpler: use the USB cable supplied to connect the eCAFÉ^TM to your computer
  • Note: The eCAFE^TM Sync software may be downloaded from the www.ecafe.hercules.com site and is available for Windows XP, Vista, 7, MAC OS X and Linux
• Comprehensive OpenOffice.org desktop suite (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.) – compatible with Microsoft Office
• The Empathy instant messaging application compatible with Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo, AIM and Google Talk
• The Gwibber application covers all social networks: for permanent connection to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Identi.ca, Frienfeed, Digg, Google Buzz, Jaiku, etc.
• The Totem video player, compatible with essential formats (AVI, DIVX, MPEG2, MPEG4, Xvid, H.264, MKV, MOV, 3GP, MP4, etc.)
• Minitube (Youtube player): Create playlists, search for videos, download videos from the application
• Rhythmbox audio player and music management: compatible with essential audio formats (MP3, ogg, aac, wave); manages playlists, podcasts, webradio, iPod compatible, tag management, Internet information recovery (album covers, lyrics, etc.)
• Other applications for daily requirements: games, multimedia, communication, Internet browser (Firefox), etc.

The company also claims as dedicated online portal with forum, developers section, etc… It is not available for now, but a “community” section is reserved on http://ecafe.hercules.com for this purpose.

Although the processor runs at 800Mhz only, the devices are able to play 720p videos and (supposely) offer good multimedia performance thanks to the OpenGL 2D/3D graphics and the video accelerator of  i.MX515 processor.

The netbooks will be available for sale later this month in some countries.

Watch the teaser video below.

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