The one on the left is an apple, the one on the right is a linux computer.
This little box contains a full blown Linux computer with a 300 MHz processor, 16MB of onboard flash memory, 64MB of SDRAM, and a 1GB CompactFlash card loaded with Red Hat Linux.
The outside of the cube hosts a USB port, which when connected to a hub will allow the connection of mouse and keyboard, a VGA port for connecting a monitor, an Ethernet port for internet access, RS232 port, and mic and speaker plugs. There is also a Space Wire port which is a standard connector for ESA, NASA and JAXA equipment.
What makes it particularly interesting for me is its potential use in geophysics. It is inherently designed for connection to monitoring equipment and sensors. It requires only a 5V power supply and draws only 5W. It also comes with a GCC compiler so that software can be written for it. Geophysics field kit is becoming increasingly computer dependent and consequently a pain lugging car batteries, inverters and laptops around. Having this little puppy might make things just a touch easier.
Not available just yet, and will cost ~£1,500 when it is, but its potential is huge. I think I may just have seen the future.
Source: Problog
