Originally Posted by
ScottC
Here is something that might be interesting for MJ users:
http://shop2.frys.com/product/559502...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
This machine will still need memory, an HDD and a CPU, but you should be able to get the entire rig setup for under $150. It is small, quiet and the perfect kind of machine for a MJ server. Of course, at the same time you could turn it into a nice NAS
This is interesting, but it won't work for an MJ -- it's Linux box. Of course, if you have an old copy of XP sitting around it would work. I had to search to find out the specs. Here the key specs:
Processor: Intel Celeron 430 (1.8GHz)
Memory: 512KB
Storage: 80GB hard drive
Optical Drives: None
Monitor: None
Graphics: Integrated Intel GMA 950
Operating System: Foresight Linux
Additional specifications:
Form Factor: Small Form Factor
Processor Interface: Socket 775
Processors Supported: Intel Core 2 Duo
Intel Celeron D 4XX
Intel Pentium Dual Core
Front Side Bus: 533MHz FSB
800MHz FSB
1066MHz FSB
1333MHz FSB
Northbridge: Intel 945GC
Southbridge: Intel ICH7
Number of Slots: 2
Number of Pins: 240-Pin
Maximum Memory Supported: 2GB
Memory Supported: Dual Channel Supported
DDR2 533
DDR2 667
Max. Memory Supported Per Slot: 1GB
Channels: 6-Channel
Audio Chipset: Realtek ALC662
Video Chipset: Intel GMA 950
Video Memory: 224MB Share Memory
Rending Ability: Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) 3.0
Supported Devices: 2
Hard Drive Types: ATA/100
USB Version: 2.0
USB Data Transfer Rates: 480Mbps
LAN Type: 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit
Port Type: RJ-45
PS/2 Keyboard Connectors: 1
PS/2 Mouse Connectors: 1
Serial Communication Ports: 1
Parallel Ports: 1
USB Ports: 4
LAN Ports: 1
Audio Out Jacks: 1
Line In Jacks: 1
Microphone Jacks: 1
IDE Headers: 1
Serial ATA Headers: 2
VGA Ports: 1
PCI Slots: 1 - PCI
Length: 11.00 in. (28.0 cm)
Width: 7.50 in. (19.05 cm)
Height: 6.700 in. (17.0 cm)
Total Output Power: 100 Watts
It has the capability of being expanded to 2 gigabytes and, of course, with 4 USB ports, you plug in USB drives and other devices. It doesn't make a good NAS, however, because of the 480 mbps limitation of the USB 2.0 ports, though that wouldn't be an issue if you can replace the internal drive. It's nice that it has a gigabit NIC, though. Also, note the power draw -- 100 watts, as configured, which is 3 times more than a true thin client.
I think the bottom line for this device is this: if you want what is essentially a Linux thin client, this thing is quite a bargain, even without the rebate. If you're trying to match the capabilities of, for example, a t5730 (which is an XPe-based thin client from HP), you'll wind up with a considerably more powerful machine (that uses more power) for less than the cost of a new t5730, even after buying an OEM copy of XP and expanding the memory beyond 512k (the t5730 comes with 512k or 1 gig of RAM). However, if you're looking for a MagicJack server that can also serve (simultaneously) as a NAS, ftp server, VNC server/portal, etc., you're probably better off with a used t5720 from eBay.
Still, for $49 after rebate I'm tempted to pick up one of these things if for no other reason than to have a little Linux box to play with -- with about $50 for a couple of gig of RAM, this could be a fun machine to play with.