July 30, 2004Ultra-thin "panel PC" powered by EthernetAt less than 1 inch thick, the POET6000, which runs Windows XP Embedded, is ideal for wall mounting,
(Click here for larger image) The device is based on a 300MHz Geode GX1 processor with 256MB of SDRAM plus a 512MB CompactFlash card for solid-state disk storage. It comes with Windows XP Embedded preinstalled in the CompactFlash card. The 250MB OS image is said to include the most common parts of XP Embedded, making it relatively easy to load application files. DSP Design says the panel's high brightness 6.4-inch LCD ensures good screen visibility in bright lighting conditions, and the wide viewing angle (160+ degrees) enables users to see it when approaching it from the side. A resistive touchscreen is standard. I/O ports include the necessary 10/100 Mbit Ethernet and two USB host ports for connecting peripherals such as keyboard or mouse. The POET6000 is fully compliant with the PoE standard operating as a "type 3" device and consuming less than 13W when running at full power, according to the company. The low power consumption means fanless operation and with no rotating disks, the unit is totally silent and does not contribute to background noise. Further details on the POET6000 Panel PC can be obtained from DSP Design's website. About Power Over Ethernet According to the PowerOverEthernet.com website, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is the first truly international standard for power distribution. A whitepaper published on the website notes that virtually all communication appliances require both data connectivity and a power supply. (For example, telephones are powered from the telephone exchange through the same twisted pair that carries the voice.) IEEE standard 802.3af, approved in June 2003, provides the ability to power smart devices over a twisted pair Ethernet cable -- hence, the term "Power Over Ethernet" (PoE). Some of the advantages claimed for PoE are: * Only one set of wires to bring to the appliance -- simplifies installation and saves PowerOverEthernet.com publishes news, articles, and other information regarding PoE and related products, and has published a PoE whitepaper which provides a brief summary and overview of the technology. The whitepaper is available for download, here (1MB PDF file). Ultra-thin "panel PC" powered by Ethernet |
DSP Designs has introduced what it claims is the first flat panel PC to use the recently adopted Power Over Ethernet (PoE) standard, IEEE 802.3af. At less than 1 inch thick, the POET6000, which runs Windows XP Embedded, is ideal for wall mounting, the company says.