Unbelievable. TIQIT is showing its Matchbox PC at PC Expo this week. The name isn't merely a cute nickname thought up by Marketing but actually describes the size of this fully-featured personal computer.

Well, perhaps its closer to the truth to say that the Matchbox PC is about the size of two stacked decks of playing cards. But, that's quibbling when you consider the features (below) packed into a mere five cubic inches.

All this engineering would be a laboratory novelty if it was a hacked together prototype with proprietary software and wiring.

Fortunately, TIQIT built the whole thing on existing PC standards, meaning that Matchbox PC plugs into many of the devices you already own (keyboard, CompactFlash, etc) and can run Linux (pre-installed) or Windows 95.

Imagine the possibilities. For example, TIQIT suggests you tote a Matchbox PC along with your LCD projector for presentations. Or, how about using it as the ultimate, portable music library for your MP3 player?

Who knows? If the history of technology has shown anything, it is that new form factors create new applications and sometimes whole industries - think Sony Walkman. Now, think Walkman-sized PC.

TIQIT's Matchbox PC might just ignite the next digital wildfire fueled by undreamed of portable applications.

Matchbox PC Features:

- 66 MHz 486-SX (AMD Elan SC410)
- SVGA display (800x600x256 or 1024x768x16)
- CompactFlash 2 socket (w/ adapter supports IDE devices)
- 340 MB IBM Microdrive
- Power: runs on a Lithium-Ion camcorder battery
- 16 MB onboard flash memory
- Linux installed
- Dimensions: 2.75" x 1.97" x 0.95" (70 x 50 x 24 mm)
- Volume: 5 cu.in. (84 cc)
- Weight: 3.3 oz (93 g)
- Price: $1,495.00 (includes port expander)

Port Expander Features:

- PS/2 keyboard
- 2 RS-232 Serial Ports (COM1/COM2), both 16550A
- Parallel Port: EPP, ECP, bidirectional
- VGA connector
- Ethernet: 10BaseT (10 Mb/s twisted pair)
- 1.44MB floppy connector
- Dimensions: 79 x 70 x 18 mm

Copyright © 2006 Stephen Jones All rights reserved.