Intel preps tiny 'Next Unit of Computing' for October ship

 By Loyd Case, PCWorld    Sep 12, 2012 1:54 PM

Little type aspects are the new dark, and Apple wants in on the action. Lightweight systems such as Lenovo's ThinkCentre M92p complete a market between all-in-one PCs and conventional pc PCs. They take up little space and can be invisible away, yet still offer significant PC performance. Apple wants to force small type aspects even small, with its new ultra-compact type aspect.

Intel first previewed its "Next Device of Computing" or NUC in May 2012, though information were somewhat questionable. The company provided few information on storage space, specific CPU settings, or accessibility. Now Apple is lastly preparing the small panel for Oct deliveries. The 4-by-4-inch panel homes a cellular Primary i3 Ivy Link CPU and chipset on one side. The CPU contains Apple HD 4000 incorporated design, but using a cellular CPU decreases the power impact.

Tossing the panel over shows four complete spots. Two are conventional SO-DIMM electrical sockets for storage, one is an M-SATA port for including an SSD and the last is a mini-PCI port that can be used for anything, but would generally be used for a WiFi plus Wireless social media cards. Also involved will be three USB slots and an HDMI plug for movie outcome.

NUC is an Intel-developed program, with the goal of reducing a complete performance pc PC into as little a type aspect as possible. While it might seem to contest with Via's Pico ITX, the performance is considerably better than the Via Centaur CPU on those forums. The 4-by-4-inch structure was selected as the tiniest panel able to support an Apple Ivy Link CPU with assisting primary reasoning and development.

NUC is targeted at OEMs that may need the little type aspect for included programs as well as enthusiasts looking to build little computer systems into cards, would you techniques or little hosts. The devoted movie prevent inside Intel's HD 4000 GPU can manage two HD movie sources at complete shape rate. Apple isn't planning on selling complete techniques, but will source a little situation and exterior energy for customers who want to research with building a system.

Intel will provide two forums, with the key difference being connection. One will include a Thunderbolt slot, while the other will have a wired Ethernet plug instead of Thunderbolt. Both will still have WiFi options, similar to those used in many notebooks, which will take up the only mini-PCI slot. OEMs can you can use the mini-PCI slot for other requirements if they don't need WiFi. Apple will also provide a framework just big enough for the panel plus an exterior energy with the models, so enthusiasts and OEMs can research with these little PCs. The situation itself is hardly bigger than the 4-by-4-inch panel, though the energy stone is an exterior unit. The cases will even have VESA installs, so can be connected easily to the supports of LCD shows or connected to the wall.

Since the small program is based around off-the-shelf Apple elements, the program will be capable of operating Windows or Linux system. A program with Thunderbolt could get connected to a small disk drive to act as a lightweight press or home hosting server.

Pricing isn't company yet, but complete sets are focused to be under $400 for a panel, case, and power. The two first NUC sets will be available in Oct.