Brian's Brain

This blog post references my article 'Double take: Reassessing x86 CPUs in embedded-system applications' in EDN's April 27, 2006 edition.

As mentioned in the print article, my initial plan was to extend my early-2004 article series' mini-ITX board format focus into this article, but the vendors I contacted didn't at the time have enough Intel dual-core CPUs in inventory to enable them to ship me boards. Nonetheless, mini-ITX remains an intriguing form factor for embedded applications, and the appropriately named mini-itx.com website is a good jumping-off point for your research. Epiacenter.com is also highly recommended.

I also mentioned in the print article that the Dell Latitude D820 contained a TPM chip. This Slashdot discussion thread debates the pros and cons of Trusted Platform Modules.

Lenova recently sent me an X60 Thinkpad review unit, based on a Core Duo processor. I haven't yet run it through my SiSoftware Sandra and BAPCo SYSmark benchmark suites, but until I do you can content yourself with this thorough Ars Technica review. Based on my initial test-drive of the X60, I have to agree with Wayne Lau; there's a lot to like. I only wish it came in a widescreen version.

Switching focus to single-core CPUs, Slashdot comments on a Tech Report comparison between Intel's Pentium M760 and AMD's Turion ML-44, while this followup Slashdot thread discusses putting the Turion 64 in a desktop PC. Stay tuned for dual-core Turions to launch 'soon'; I previewed them at an off-site AMD briefing during the spring Intel Developer Forum.

Here's are some other interesting and relevant Slashdot posts:
Intel Unveils New Chips to Battle AMD
Intel's Conroe Previewed and Benchmarked
Power Consumption and the Modern Geek
Intel Ships Core Duo-based Xeon
Dual-core Systems Necessary for Business Users?
Core Duo - Intel's Best CPU? (with additional commentary from Ars Technica)

Last but not least, here's some Via-tailored reading for you, from my voluminous email and RSS archive:
Sneak Preview of VIA's next-gen mini-ITX mobo
Solid-State Mini-ITX Linux Recording Studio HOWTO
CEO of Centaur Discusses x86 Strategy and Linux
Telly MC2100, a Linux-based PVR/Media Center
Building a Super Tiny Home Server
Mini Motherboard Leaves Tiny Impression
Via Now Shipping Dual-Processor Mini-ITX Board
VIA Epia SP 13000 Review
Hackers fail to break into VIA's StrongBox
The Mini-ITX Project Revisited
Experiences w/ Software RAID 5 Under Linux?, and the followup Cross Platform, Low Powered Home Servers w/ RAID?
Myth TV + Multiple Video Arcade = Anime for All
The World's Tiniest Power Supply Unit
VIA VT310-DP Mini-ITX review
Via Launches New Line of Mini-ITX Boards
EPIA-N8000E Review (with commentary by Slashdot)
The Mini-ITX Linux PVR Project
EPIA EN15000 Review