Server Processor Vs. Desktop Processor

[NiHaoMike]

It's actually pretty cheap considering it's an enthusiast product.
The OMAP is actually much faster than the MHz rating would indicate. One TI presenter quoted that it is as fast as a 1.8GHz Core 2 Solo.

I just can't wait for a motherboard that has several OMAPs or equivalent so it will be useful for the more specialized uses I have.

[roflwaffle]

Originally Posted by Clev

My home server is a 1.7GHz Dell C640 laptop that draws 13 watts when idle.

I was using an old P-III based laptop that idled at ~18W I picked up for about $35 all told, but I wanted more in the way of ram since 128mb just wasn't cutting it. My C7 system was ~$100 all told w/ everything brand new less a recycled case/laptop hard disk, but it provides way more in terms of desktop performance and idles at ~26W.

[silicon_toad2000]

Originally Posted by NiHaoMike

I just can't wait for a motherboard that has several OMAPs or equivalent so it will be useful for the more specialized uses I have.

*cough* amiga *cough*

[Clev]

The spread of Android to tablets, GPS units, Netbooks and eventually desktops may be the turning point for this. If we can get off the Windows train, it opens a ton of options. OMAP running the machine, only firing up a hefty desktop CPU or GPU when necessary? A true energy-efficiency war among chipset makers? Won't happen while Wintel is still calling the shots.

[NiHaoMike]

Originally Posted by Clev

The spread of Android to tablets, GPS units, Netbooks and eventually desktops may be the turning point for this. If we can get off the Windows train, it opens a ton of options. OMAP running the machine, only firing up a hefty desktop CPU or GPU when necessary? A true energy-efficiency war among chipset makers? Won't happen while Wintel is still calling the shots.

Windows? You mean the DRM virus that loves to party with other viruses and spyware? I don't have that on any of my PCs.

So, I present the concept PC that is based on a 600MHz TI OMAP CPU. It is intended for common office work, web browsing, multimedia, and maybe light gaming. It can be built from off-the-shelf components, too.

(I omitted all the power connections since they would clutter the diagram.)

[dcb]

Nice, and a Ni hao ma to your friend there.

I would probably usb/cable up the battery operated bits, but looks pretty simple.

This $34 hub will apparently power the board and has ethernet built in:

https://specialcomp.com/beagleboard/order.htm

[NiHaoMike]

Good idea, but the USB power cable just used up a port on the hub for no good reason. And why is it so long?

I think the first prototype would have the motherboard, hard drive, USB hub, Bluetooth adapter, Ethernet adapter, and maybe even the amplifier in one box. A surplus 48v telecom power supply powers the amp, and DC/DC converters used to power the logic. It would be very easy to add battery backup as well.

[dcb]

Yah, I would probably be splicing the powercord rather than waste a usb port.

But there may be other low cost multi function accessories that enhance usability.

The above hub looks like it is on ebay from hongkong for $10 + $8 ship
MINI Fashion USB 2.0 3 Port HUB + Ethernet Adapter - eBay (item 320379884323 end time Dec-01-09 06:32:37 PST)

edit: or a combo hard disk/usb hub (with a bit more substantial power supply):
http://cgi.ebay.com/Just-Arrived-Har...item3ca6dd1be9