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Computers

CompuLab introduces its smallest, most energy efficient mini-PC to date

By Paul Ridden
January 24, 2011
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CompuLab has announced a new miniature computer powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 2 processing platform that's said to be its smallest, most energy efficient model to date
The Trim-Slice offers storage expansion via full-size and micro SD media slots
The rear of the Trim-Slice miniature PC, showing Gigabit Ethernet port and S/PDIF audio out
CompuLab has announced a new miniature computer powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 2 processing platform that's said to be its smallest, most energy efficient model to date
The fanless mini-PC benefits from a rugged all-metal case, SSD storage and a host of I/O ports
View gallery - 4 images

Israel's CompuLab, makers of the fit-PC range of energy efficient mini-PCs, has announced a new miniature computer powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 2 processing platform. The Trim-Slice computer is said to offer the rich multimedia capabilities and user experience of a full-size PC at only a fraction of the power draw. It benefits from a fanless design, Wireless-N connectivity, solid state memory and expansion via both a full size and a micro SD card slots.

The 5.1 x 3.7 x 0.6-inch (130 x 95 x 15mm) Trim-Slice is the company's smallest and most energy efficient model to date, having an average operational draw of just 3W. Within the rugged all-metal, nickel-plated housing beats the Tegra 2 heart, where a 1GHz Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor and an ultra low power, high definition GeForce graphics unit sit together on the same chip. Supporting players include 1GB DDR2 memory and 64GB of solid state storage, with expansion possible via the duo of media card slots.

The Trim-Slice offers storage expansion via full-size and micro SD media slots

Physical connectivity comes in the form of a foursome of USB 2.0 ports, a USB device port and an RS232 Serial port, as well as HDMI-out and dual head DVI. Getting online is made possible with Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11n wireless connectivity. In addition to line-in and stereo line-out jacks, the Trim-Slice also has 5.1 channel digital audio output capabilities courtesy of S/PDIF out.

CompuLab sees its high performance, low-power Trim-Slice unit being used to power infotainment systems, digital signage and IPTV, or as a gaming device or desktop PC replacement. There's also mention of the company offering more than one operating system working "out-of-the-box," but what will actually be running the show hasn't yet been announced.

Availability is expected to be some time in April, with final pricing yet to be decided. CompuLab's Irad Stavi says that it's likely to be "higher than a streamer, but lower than a tablet."

Trim-Slice will be available in several configurations, and will also be offered to OEMs for possible re-branding.

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ComputersRuggedNVIDIAComputersWi-FiLow powerMini-PCEnergy Efficient
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Paul Ridden
While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before hopping over to France for 10 years, where he started work for New Atlas in 2009. Now back in his native Blighty, he serves as Managing Editor in Europe.
9 comments
kalqlate
Nice, but, other than possibly running Windows 7, what\'s the advantage of this over the latest smartphones, netbooks, and tablets that are also Tegra 2 based?
Australian
Awesome! Now for a Mythbuntu load and XBMC front-end :) I look forward to when I can buy this off the shelf. Great tech, great concept, great engineering. Keep up the good work!
Gabriel Jones
I live in Bolivia... we use solar energy... It would be great for the students at my school. That along with a LED backlit monitor that uses 15w would be awesome.
Facebook User
Where\'s the video out port?
Daryl Sonnier
HDMI
Kevin Lee
well i use my laptop for entertainment. THis tiny laptop will have a tiny screen (bad for movies,reading stuff,watever),games - unthinkable because of the low power supply and tiny screen. if you want something like this that cant do what a large laptop could, then you might as well get an ipod or a ipad. Ipad screen would probably be around the same size and would cost A LOT less
Facebook User
kalqlate and Kevin: It\'s the size of a laptop or smartphone, but it doesn\'t have a tiny, built-in screen. What\'s the advantage? WIDE SCREEN HI DEF GRAPHICS, on any monster-sized monitor you want.
If they release it with Ubuntu or some other user-friendly Linux, I\'m so there.
John Hogan
This kind of part will get so cheap that it will be a standard feature of TVs - you\'ll get a computer thrown in as part of the deal. They\'re half way there already. I can plug my asus netbook into my 1080 panel already and while not a fire ball, it runs fine for desktop use.
kalqlate
@Facebook User - You did not state any advantage of this over the recent crop of Tegra 2-based smartphones; nearly all of them come with HDMI OUT. The question then is, why buy two devices when the more capable one (the smartphone) can do all of the video wizardry you speak of in an as small or smaller package?
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