November 10th, 2007
$60 Via motherboard and C7-D 1.5 GHz CPU bundles OS and Google apps
DailyTech is reporting that Via is selling the PC2500E development motherboard and Via C7 CPU bundled with “gOS” for $60.
The cost for the VIA PC2500E mainboard and the CPU is $59.99. That isn’t really a full fledged computer since you will need to add a hard drive, case, PSU and RAM, which will add more expense. The mainboard has VIA 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, onboard Realtek ALC655 6-channel audio, two PATA connectors, two SATA connectors, a VGA connection and four USB ports. The board also features a parallel port and a serial port. The board dimensions are 190mm x 228mm.
While “gOS” is not officially affiliated with Google, it’s advertised as an “alternative OS with Google apps and other Web 2.0 apps for the masses”. But whether you intend to use gOS or not, the hardware just seems too good to pass up if you’re building a small appliance. The PC2500E seems to be Via’s answer to Intel’s low-cost $70 D201GLY and D201GLY2 motherboard and CPU. Just add memory, hard drive, power supply, and a chassis and you have yourself a cheap x86 appliance for running a storage box or server. I’m definitely looking forward to reviewing this product.
George Ou is Technical Director of ZDNet. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
