When Atom just won't do
Sheffield-based VeryPC has announced a dual-core, ultra-small and highly-efficient media centre PC called Fulwood.
Fulwood, named after a suburb of Sheffield - we kid you not - promises to be over four times faster than Intel Atom-based systems (we're guessing single-core 1.6GHz Atom N270 chips), whilst consuming almost half as much energy.
So what exactly is it that's powering this Mac Mini-size system? Well, it's another Intel chip - namely the P9500, a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo mobile processor that forms part of Intel's Centrino 2 platform.
That 2.53GHz dual-core processor is joined by 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard-disk drive, onboard Intel x4500HD graphics, and a built-in DVD-RW optical drive. Turn around to the back, and there's plenty of useful connectivity options - including DVI out, Gigabit Ethernet, four USB ports, surround-sound audio (including S/PDIF) and eSATA, too.
Those of you who're thinking this'll make for an ideal HTPC solution will be happy to hear that an internal digital/hybrid TV tuner is available as an additional option, as is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
VeryPC states that Fulwood will consume up to 19 watts of power when idle, and only 2 watts in sleep mode. Those figures will make Fulwood one of the first PCs to be seen on the new European Energy Star List and the Energy Saving Trust's Recommended List, it adds.
It's a mighty promising box, but there's a little big catch. Prices start at £868 and rise to £1,104.50 with all available options.
Official press release: VeryPC's 16W Fulwood 75% more efficient than Energy Star (and 4x faster than Atom)
