French mini-PC vendor Linutop announced a version of its Ubuntu 8.4-based Linux distribution on a USB key targeting Asus Eee PCs. The key (pictured) is based on its small-footprint Linutop 2.2 distro, which is designed for ultra-low-powered systems such as its own Linutop 2 mini-PC.

(Click for larger view of Linutop USB key for Asus Eee PCs)

Tailored specifically for the popular, Intel-Atom-based Asus Eee PC netbook, the Linutop 2.2 USB key for Eee PC incorporates version 2.2 of the distribution, which shipped in July, says Linutop. The distribution is based on Ubuntu 8.04, and supports the Eee PC 700 and 900 series models, says Linutop. These systems are much more powerful than the LX800-based AMD reference designs the distribution was originally created for.

Asus Eee PC 700-series "4G"
The Linutop USB key distribution for Eee PC is said to include:Backup/restore on key
external or internal use
600MB footprint on 1GB key
Firefox 3.0
Open Office 2.4
Ubuntu 8.04
Text editor
On-screen keyboard
GQ view picture viewer
Flash player
File manager
PDF viewer
Gaim 2.0 beta 3
Gcalctool 5.8.24
Xfce 4.4.1
VLC 0.8.6
RDP and VNC client
Linutop setup menu for languages and configurationIn February, Linutop shipped the Linutop 2 (pictured below), a new version of its computing appliance. The Linutop 2 is equipped with a 500MHz Geode processor, 512MB of RAM, and 1GB of flash, which stores the Linutop distribution. The Linutop models are touted as being suitable for either standalone PC or Linux terminal use, and the Linutop 2 is said to draw a bit less than 8 Watts.

Linutop 2


Asus is credited with touching off the netbook explosion with its Intel Celeron-based 700 series


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