FEB 26

It's been a while since we've had much to say about them, but low-power, tiny form-factor PCs are an EcoGeek staple. Some low-power PCs are designed as desktop replacements, with greater functionality, while others are designed for more specific tasks. The SheevaPlug is the latest example of a computing appliance that falls into the latter category.

Marvell's SheevaPlug uses less than five watts under normal operation, making it more practical and efficient for use in an always-on application. It is about the size of a large power adapter wall wart and is designed to be plugged directly into an outlet. "Unlike other embedded devices in the home, it contains a gigahertz class processor to offer PC class performance. This makes it a viable alternative to a PC for any software service." Marvell supports a number of Linux distributions for development with the SheevaPlug.

The SheevaPlug has a 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva™ CPU with 512MB of flash memory and 512MB of DDR2 memory. In addition to the power connection, it also has a Gigabit Ethernet port, as well as one USB and one Mini USB port, and a SDIO slot. That's not really suited to serve as a desktop replacement, but it makes for a power sipping appliance with strong processing power.

The SheevaPlug is already being used for online file server devices such as the forthcoming Cloud Engines, Inc. Pogpplug, which uses a SheevaPlug and the user's own external drive to provide a network connected, low-power file server that a user can access via a Web browser.

The SheevaPlug is also likely to make this level of computing more affordable. The developer kit from Marvell is only $99. As these devices get less expensive, other home-based applications for smart systems, including things like home automation and appliance controls, become more available.

Marvell

via: TreeHugger

Comments (4)

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written by Carl, February 26, 2009

A green always-on home PC is the right idea, but if you ask me this is the wrong product. It should act as a WiFi host and 4 port router, perhaps with power-save mode to shut off parts when not in use. The 5W (always-on?) is not that great. A normal linksys is 7W but could be

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why always on?
written by Scatter, February 27, 2009

given that you're not always using a pc or even always at home, why would you need an always on pc?

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written by bigspudd, February 28, 2009

my pc is on 24/7 with
dvr surveillance
home automation
sat tv
gaming
it runs at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it volts 90% of the time
killawatt meter says 110watts including 22" lcd

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nice to see it .
written by Infants Erin Ugg Boot, November 02, 2009

The SL viewer starts playing the mp3 file. This is essentially what happens when you open a webpage and it starts playing music.

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