AOpen's new mini PC series will be available in Japan, China, Europe, and the US through regional distributors early November. The device is based on Intel?s mobile processors and 915 chipset. Codenamed MP915-C, the 6.5-inch, square metallic miniPC has a slot-load CD drive and a power button in the front, along with two USB ports, one 1394 and speaker out/mic in the back. It features the latest Intel Pentium M notebook processor, allowing near silent cooling without sacrificing performance. In addition, the miniPC boasts a DVI Connection, integrated Ethernet card and slot-loaded DVD-Burner. The product is built with mini-PCI 802.11 a/b/g wireless communication module and Bluetooth support.



The miniPC also provides DVI, S-Video, component, composite and YPbPr connectors so that it can be connected to HDTV, plasma display monitor. A user can turn the miniPC into the control hub of a digital home entertainment center.

At a $399 price point, the Linux version of the miniPC features the Linux-based operating system Linspire, which comes complete with major desktop applications, including OpenOffice.org; Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients; multimedia viewers; photo and music managers; calendaring tools; and more. Access to additional software and applications is available through Linspire's CNR ("click and run") Warehouse, a software library where users can download and install more than 2,000 Linux programs.

The miniPC will be available in the United States via AOpen's partners, early November, starting at just $399 for Linux-based version running Linspire and $499 for Windows XP-based computer for base configurations.

AOpen will also debut a high-end mini PC based on the Intel Viiv platform on January 6, 2006.