fit-PC Slim Linux Review

Great little product. I basically wiped the default install and installed Ubuntu server on this to use as a home server / external server for various projects I work on. It is more than adequate for this purpose. Also works great as a internet radio server, and as an endpoint for a SOCKS firewall (for, say, getting around work firewalls). From my experiments, it does not appear to have enough power to stream video from sites like Hulu and display them (though you can stream THROUGH it to another computer just fine), nor is it able to stream Pandora (mainly because Pandora's flash player uses a ridiculous amount of system resources). I haven't really used it to server locally stored media, but I suspect it would work quite a bit better. If you actually want to sit at a screen and use it, you won't be blown away by the speed by any means, but it is adequate for simple tasks (simple web browsing, document editing, etc..) . Love that it is absolutely silent, and literally peaks out at 7 watts power consumption even under *heavy* load (code compilation).

I've read a lot of reviews on other sites for this that compare to systems like the EeeBox and note that it is underpowered. I think this is absolutely true, depending on what you want to use this for. The *real* benefit of this system, in my viewpoint, is that it gives you a great always on computer for a headless home server or for simple online tasks for less power than your regular computer probably uses when it is completely off. Systems like the Eeebox, by contrast, use about as much power as a laptop, which isn't huge by any means, but also isn't anything special.

So, in summary, if you want a little machine you can leave running in the corner for home automation, home server, or very simple quick document writing or web browsing type of tasks that makes no noise at all and uses practically no power, this may be good for you. By contrast, if you want to do anything that is even remotely processor intensive (like *displaying* streaming video as opposed to just serving as a pass-through for the data or a storage point for the data), then you probably should look into something more powerful.

Note, as of this writing, only the Windows XP wireless network card driver allows you to run this device as a wireless access point. I'm sure the linux side is working on it.

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Product Description:
fit-PC Slim is the smallest, most power efficient PC available.
fit-PC Slim Linux is an out-of-the-box Linux PC ideal as an always-on server. fit-PC Slim is pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux and Gentoo in dual-boot mode.

Specifications:
CPU: AMD Geode LX800 500MHz
Chipset: AMD CS5536
Display: Integrated Geode LX display controller up to 1920x1440
Memory: 512MB DDR 333MHz soldered on-board
Hard disk: Upgradeable 60GB IDE 2.5"
Ports:
RJ45 Ethernet port 100Mbps
WiFi b/g 54Mbps
3 x USB 2.0 HiSpeed 480Mbps
mini RS-232 (Rx,Tx)
VGA DB15
Stereo line-out audio (headphones)
Stereo line-in audio / Mic
Mechanical and environmental:
Splash and dust resistant enclosure
Material: Anodized aluminum body with PC/ABS panels
Size: 4" x 4.3" x 1.2" (100x110x30mm)
Weight: 0.9 lb (380g)
Operating temperature: 0 - 45C
Power: 12V single supply
Power consumption: 4-6W

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