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The M-9000 doesn't skimp on features, infact it carries more features than motherboards that are literally nearly 4x the size. Small does not mean limited in the case of the M-9000, take a look at the following feature set.
• Processor - VIA C3 933MHz EBGA Processor
• Chipset - VIA CLE266 North Bridge - VT8235 South Bridge
• System Memory - 1 DDR266 DIMM socket - Up to 1GB memory size
• VGA - Integrated VIA CastleRock AGP graphics with MPEG-2 decoder
• Expansion Slots - 1 PCI
• Onboard IDE - 2 X UltraDMA 133/100/66 Connector
• Onboard Floppy - 1 x FDD Connector
• Onboard LAN - VIA VT6103 10/100 Base-T Ethernet PHY
• Onboard Audio - VIA VT1616 6 channel AC'97 Codec
• Onboard TV Out - VIA VT1622 TV out
• Onboard 1394 - VIA VT6307S IEEE 1394 Firewire
• Form Factor - Mini-ITX (4 layer) - 17 cm x 17 cm
So we've got an embedded x86 compatible processor meaning you can run most common x86 compatible operating systems and applications such as Microsoft Windows and Linux and the feature set to have high connectivity with external devices.
You can really get a proper feel for this feature set and how it relates to the form factor with a look at the back panel layout.
EPIA M-9000 port layout
Firewire and extra USB port duties are handled by (thankfully) supplied connectors but everything else is present on the backplane, including 3 methods of display output, 9-pin DSUB, S-VHS and composite video. The length of the backplane also gives you an idea of the size of the EPIA since there is no more PCB past the far edge of the backplane. You'll be able to see things better when I discuss the layout but the board really is tiny.
The bundle comes with driver CD, extra ports and a quite excellent manual that will easily get you started and up and running. Finally, it's nice to see the M-9000 up to date with VIA's latest southbridge part giving you good features and their redesigned PCI bus controller.
VT8235 makes a welcome appearance
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