Avalue Technlogy has announced a pair of fanless touchpanel computers that run Linux. The 10.4-inch LPC-1001 and 12.1-inch LPC-1201 have Via Eden processors, CompactFlash storage, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, VGA outputs, and optional 2.5-inch hard disk drives, says Avalue.

(Click here for a larger view of Avalue's LPC-1201)

Avalue's LPC-1001 and LPC-1201 are identical except for the size of their resistive touchscreen displays, 10.4 and 12.1 inches, respectively. Either way, they have 800 x 600 pixel resolution, which makes them arguably less than ideal for productivity applications, but well-suited to industrial or home automation applications. Both devices do have VGA ports for external monitors, which, according to Avalue, can pack up to 2048 x 1536 pixels.

According to Avalue, the LPC-1xxx devices run fanlessly, and are offered with Via Eden processors clocked at 500MHz or 1GHz, or a Via Eden ULV clocked at 1.6GHz. The latter is said to have a TDP of eight Watts, approximately the maximum generally considered compatible with fanless cooling.

As is typical for computers using these Via processors, the panel PCs also employ Via's CX700M integrated northbridge/southbridge. This chipset provides the devices with their graphics capabilities, and supports up to 1GB of DDR2 RAM via a single 200-pin SODIMM slot.

Avalue APC 1201 ports

Found alongside the ports at the bottom of each panel is a Type I/II CompactFlash slot, which could readily be used for installation of Linux. Avalue says the panel PCs also have internal 44-pin IDE headers and room for 2.5-inch hard disk drives. In addition, there's a Mini PCI slot.

Avalue APC-1xxx ports
(Click to enlarge)

Also included, and accessible at the bottom of each device, are dual gigabit Ethernet ports, a PS/2 keyboard/mouse connector, an amplified audio output, and an RS232 serial port. The second LAN port uses the PS/2 connector, in conjunction with a special adapter cable (see illustration above).

Finally, the LPC-1xxx panel PCs can operate between -10 and 60 deg. C (14 to 140 deg. F), Avalue says. Their front panels are said to the IP-65 standard, which prevents possible damage from water or dust intrusion. The top and bottom of the computers themselves have cooling holes, however.

Avalue touts the LPC-1xxx PCs' "innovative Z-type arming bracket," which allows the devices to be wall-mounted or to be stood on a surface (as illustrated in our picture, above). In the latter mode, operating angle is adjustable, the company says.

Features and specifications cited by Avalue for the LPC-1001 and LPC-1201 include:Processor -- Via Eden clocked at 500MHz or 1GHz, or Via Eden ULV clocked at 1.6GHz
Memory -- Up to 1GB of DDR2 RAM
Display:10.4-inch touchscreen with 230-nit brightness rating and 800 x 600 resolution (LPC-1201)
12.1-inch touchscreen with 400-nit brightness rating and 800 x 600 resolution (LPC-1001)Networking -- 2 gigabit Ethernet ports
Other I/O:1 x VGA
1 x RS232
2 x USB 2.0
Audio output (3.5mm jack, with 2.5 Watt per channel amplification)
1 x SATAExpansion -- Mini PCI slot
Power input -- 12VDC
Operating temperature:LPC-1001 -- -10 to 40 deg. C (32 to 104 deg. F)
LPC-1201 -- -10 to 60 deg. C (14 to 140 deg. F)Dimensions:LPC-1001 -- 10.2 x 7.4 x 1.45 inches (259 x 188 x 37mm)
LPC-1201 -- 11.14 x 8.75 x 1.73 inches (283 x 222 x 44mm)In addition to running Linux, the LPC-1xxx panel PCs are said to run Windows CE 5.0, Windows CE 6.0, and Windows XP Embedded.

Avalue did not provide pricing or availability information for the LPC-1001 or LPC-1201. More information may appear on the company's website, here.


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