VIA Launches Tiny ARTiGO A1150 DIY PC Building Kit

On Tuesday VIA said that it has launched the ARTiGO A1150, a fully-featured yet super-small DIY PC kit packing VIA's Eden X2 dual-core processor, HDMI connectivity and native 64-bit computing in a palm-sized chassis. VIA is also offering additional modules like 802.11 b/g/n connectivity and an SD card reader to make this a great choice for compact computing in small, tight spaces.

"VIA redefines dual core low power compact computing, bringing all the features of a regular desktop PC into a form factor that needs to be seen to be believed," said Epan Wu, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "VIA has a long history in creating leading edge form factor systems, and the VIA ARTiGO A1150 pushes the bounds for ultra-compact desktop computing."

Measuring just 5.7 x 3.9 x 2-inches, the kit features a VGA port, an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port and two USB ports on the back. The faceplate contains three jacks for audio, two USB ports and a mini-USB port. VIA reports that the dual-core processor, clocked at 1 GHz, is joined by its VIA VX900H media system processor which supports H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2/4 at screen resolutions of up to 1080p.

As of this writing, the product isn't available on VIA's website, so pricing and actual availability of the kit and its additional modules is unknown. However, in the meantime, check out VIA's demo below:

  • kilo_17
    I bet this thing pushes $300. I'd love to have one, but no way I'd buy it at that price.
    Reply
  • sinfulpotato
    Interesting. HTPC maybe? The lack of DVD drive displeases me.
    Reply
  • Titanius
    If they price it at $99.99 I would buy one...or more.
    Reply
  • mavroxur
    sinfulpotatoInteresting. HTPC maybe? The lack of DVD drive displeases me.

    So use a USB slimline drive. Solved.
    Reply
  • LuckyDucky7
    First, whatever price it happens to be, this machine is unusable as sold as are all barebones kits.

    You need to buy RAM, and either a 2.5" SATA hard drive or SSD or the SD card module to get this thing working.

    But if it's less than 150 consider it sold, because I could use a mini-machine or three.
    Reply
  • ivyanev
    If cheap enough nobody will change their regular tv-s for "smart tv".Well a remote will be appreciated ;)
    Reply
  • cybr
    Yawn. Cellphones have more power.
    Reply
  • loomis86
    nice computer...but someone needs to tell the kiddie chassis is pronounced "chassie".
    Reply
  • GreaseMonkey_62
    It would make an interesting HTPC build especially if you already have a DVD or Blu-Ray player and just want to display internet content onto your TV.
    Reply
  • ta152h
    This item is priced at $265.00 and will be available the middle of December.

    It comes with no memory, and no hard disk (and not surprisingly, no operating system). If you want wireless, that's extra.

    It's kind of expensive for what it is, but, it's also very cool, so might be worth it.
    Reply