Thanks to individuals developers, we’ve been able to get Linux distributions based on Ubuntu, or Debian run on HDMI TV dongles for about a year, but nearly all of them just come with Android and that’s it. The only two exceptions I can think of are PengPod Pengstick and FXI Technologies Cotton Candy, where actively work on Ubuntu support, and provide images to boot from microSD. But now, Devon IT has developed a mini PC, called Ceptor powered by Freescale i.MX 6Dual processor with 1GB RAM, and up to 32GB Flash. It runs Linux-based ZeTOS operating system, and is destined at creating virtual desktop solutions for the enterprise.
The casing just looks like HiaPad Hi802 or Zealz GK802 , but the internal specifications are slightly different:
- SoC – Freescale i.MX 6Dual @ 1 GHz + Vivance GC2000 GPU
- System Memory – 512MB or 1GB DDR3
- Storage – up to 32GB eMMC flash
- Video Output – HDMI (1080p)
- Connectivity:
- Wifi – 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- USB – 1x OTG port +1x USB Host port
- Misc – Reset button, and power/WiFi status LED
- Power – 5V DC input jack
- Dimensions – 111 x 39 x 16 mm
The device runs ZeTOS, a Linux-based operating systems for zero client terminals. In thin client jargon, zero client are similar to thin clients, but usually less powerful, and some may have specialized SoCs to handle visualization protocols. Ceptor boots from ZetOS which then download Linux-based DeTOS operating system from the Cloud.
Linuxgizmos reports Ceptor should ship in July for under $99. The price includes a year of software support and maintenance. The device will still work after one year, but a charge will be levied for upgrades and phone support. There’s currently no related page on Devon IT website, but you can ask more information on Ceptor.
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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You mentioned Zealz GK802, but it also officially supports Linux. I have it running their Linux at home.
@Patola
I agree Linux can run on GK802/Hi802, as I’ve written often enough in this blog, including this very morning.
However, I disagree with the “official” part. First, nobody sells Zealz GK802 pre-loaded with Ubuntu. You can indeed install Ubuntu or Debian, but you have to buy GK802 with Android, open the device, flash a community (and not official) image, put the microSD inside.
It’s true Richtechie, the company behind the dongle design, did release a Linux image, but it did not have hardware acceleration, had many bugs, and it would not even boot on mine. We only got proper Ubuntu running on the device thanks to the community, mainly jasbir, rz2k, and James Laird.
@cnxsoft
I thought it was an official image. I bought the device based on that, the promise of Linux support. Thanks for the correction, and of course, many thanks to these community members that buit the image.
So it’s great they offer support, hopefully including software upgrades etc..
But you mention that it has an advantage over the GK802 that you have to crack open, Does this one run linux off a normal SD card instead of the internal SD like the GK802?
Also Linux is great, but any Android support? Just community I guess / turned tables?
@Sean C
If the specs are correct (They are from linuxgizmos, there’s nothing on Devon site), Ceptor does not have an internal SD card, but a eMMC flash instead, so it runs Linux from there.
This device is a bit different from most other mini PCs which target consumers, as this one targets business consumers. It’s used as a thin client to connect to a large server, and you can login into the host OS, probably Windows.
So it’s a Linux stick used to access Windows.
The company also said there would be Android support at a later stage.
@cnxsoft
It is based off of the sabresd with a wl2xxx sdio wireless. the fsl manufacture tool can rewrite the emmc with some effort. just sayin…
It’s available now, still $99, and will only ship in the U.S.: http://www.devonit.com/hardware/ceptor/overview
hi dear.
i,m mehrnoosh ghiasi , i want a mini PC for my project testing. this mini PC should has this specifications:
1 – secure boot ( freescale chipset has it)
2 – cortex a8 or cortex a9
3 – RTC backup
4 – Arm Trusted zone
5- size : about 5*6 (Approximately)
can you inset a mini pc of your products with this specifications ?
if this minipc answer to my project , i have 5000 order.
already i wanted ordered from this mini PC that on the link below, but it was out of stock, and it did not produce from it’s factory.
https://www.miniand.com/products/GK802%20Android%20Mini%20PC
please answer me , i hope we can work together.. tanx
@mehrnoosh ghiasi
Answer: I don’t sell anything.