Computers

CuBox-i mini computer goes up for pre-order

CuBox-i mini computer goes up for pre-order
SolidRun's new CuBox-i mini-computer
SolidRun's new CuBox-i mini-computer
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Graphic detailing the i.MX6 system-on-chip architecture
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Graphic detailing the i.MX6 system-on-chip architecture
All four members of the CuBox-i series measure just 2 x 2 x 2 inches
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All four members of the CuBox-i series measure just 2 x 2 x 2 inches
There's S/PDIF optical audio out to the side
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There's S/PDIF optical audio out to the side
The CuBox-i4Pro has two powered USB ports, HDMI 1.4 connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, a microSD slot, and micro-USB to RS-232 serial port connectivity
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The CuBox-i4Pro has two powered USB ports, HDMI 1.4 connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, a microSD slot, and micro-USB to RS-232 serial port connectivity
SolidRun's new CuBox-i mini-computer
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SolidRun's new CuBox-i mini-computer
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Israel's SolidRun has announced the second generation of its tiny fanless computer system, the CuBox-i. Available in red or black, the Series starts with the CuBox-i1, which is able to run Android Jelly Bean or Linux, and packs a 1 GHz processor, 3D graphics and 512 MB of RAM. Not too shabby for just under US$45.

All four members of the CuBox-i series measure just 2 x 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 x 5 cm), and are built around Freescale's i.MX6 system-on-chip architecture, featuring ARM Cortex A9 processor options. Suggested uses for the scalable computing cube include connecting the device to a TV to give it Android capabilities, using XBMC Media Center software to turn the CuBox-i into an entertainment hub, and rolling out the little computer in a server fed thin client setup ... or you could just use it as a teeny tiny desktop computer.

For the low starting price of $44.99, you'll get the entry level CuBox-i1 computer. This flavor features a 1 GHz single core processor, Vivante GC880 3D graphics with support for OpenGL and ES 1.1 and 2.0, and 512 MB of DDR3 system memory. It doesn't come with internal HDD or SSD storage, but there is a microSD interface for storage of the OS on a media card. Users can choose to run either Android 4.2.2 or one of the latest Linux distros, and it can also come pre-loaded with an open source SDK for application adaptability.

To the rear is a HDMI 1.4 interface, two powered USB 2.0 ports and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection. It comes with S/PDIF optical audio out and an IR receiver. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available for an extra $15. It will also cost you another $8 for a power adapter, though it is entirely possible that you may already have a compatible 5 V/2 A adapter kicking around somewhere. You'll need to provide your own monitor or TV, and IO peripherals, too.

The CuBox-i4Pro has two powered USB ports, HDMI 1.4 connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, a microSD slot, and micro-USB to RS-232 serial port connectivity
The CuBox-i4Pro has two powered USB ports, HDMI 1.4 connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, a microSD slot, and micro-USB to RS-232 serial port connectivity

The specs improve as you move through the remaining models in the range until you reach the top dog, the CuBox i4Pro. Priced at $119.99, SolidRun has packed a good deal more computing power into this 2-inch cube. It features a 1 GHz quad core processor, Vivante GC2000 3D graphics with support for OpenGL, ES 1.1 and 2.0, and OpenCL 1.1E, and 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. Like the rest of the Series, the computer's OS is run from a microSD card, but there's also an eSATA II 3 Gbps interface for connecting external drives.

Micro-USB to RS-232 serial port connectivity joins the HDMI 1.4 and two powered USB 2.0 ports, and S/PDIF optical audio out. There's Gigabit Ethernet (although a maximum bandwidth of 470 Mbps is available due to limitations of the chip), a built-in Real Time Clock with battery backup, and an IR receiver and transmitter. 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are included, though you'll still need to pay extra for a power adapter to be supplied with the unit.

The CuBox-i Series computers are available for pre-order now, with worldwide shipping due to start by the end of November.

The video below shows the company's Rabeeh Khoury introducing the CuBox-i computers.

Source: SolidRun

CuBox-i Mini Computer for XBMC player, Android TV Box and Linux

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6 comments
6 comments
Kris Lee
This is very cool product, just the gigabit limitation is very lame from the Freescale side.
Still as there is eSATA connection, this tiny computer could be used as a real one.
Ben O'Brien
I have been to their website and am interested in the maximum performance of each of these in real world tests such as playing the same file at 1080p on a big screen and seeing the frame rates and such.
Atul Malhotra
I am sold on Nvidia Ion 2 for a long time
http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://static.trustedreviews.com/94/d4e7b9/1aaf/10072-nvidiaion2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/Nvidia-ION-hitting-Desktops-Q2&h=392&w=600&sz=135&tbnid=uGnd312EtNeN5M:&tbnh=82&tbnw=126&zoom=1&usg=__lwsRpABYNKPS2tONmAVob7y021A=&docid=9h-VUMYuOySfRM&sa=X&ei=HzBDUu28EsOmrAfM6oDwBQ&ved=0CFMQ9QEwBg
Gimme a Windows XP capable MotherBoard with 512 MB RAM and all ports, I am in !
Nathaneal Blemings
This seems impressive, good specs on both models, but especialy the 120 model. And thats not including the fact of how small it is, giving it special uses. I think this would be good to use for a car computer. Seems like they've priced it in a way where, its cheap... but some of the accesories are overpriced. 8$ for a power cord seems abit steep, maby not.
LauraC
My friend has a CuBox-i4pro, runs her entire home entertainment system from it. it's amazing - takes up no space, looks really cute, and best of all she doesn't need her laptop anymore. No, actually, really best of all is not having that laptop fan noise all the time, while you're watching something. I'm in the market now for SolidRun's other product - the HummingBoard. Would love to hear if anyone has tried one.
paulpet
i got the cuboxi-i4pro as multimediaplayer (kodi) at home. it runs great - 1080p 20-30gb mkv files without any issues. i use the hummingboard for my dvbs2 usb receiver, to set up a local tv stream server via ethernet... much more faster than on the rpi