The SD-Omega MiniPC systems are housed in lightweight aluminum cases that measure 5.7-inches wide (up to 6.2-inches wide, in models equipped with cooling fins), 9.8-inches to 10-inches deep, and between 1.65 and 2.75 inches tall.
To put these sizes in perspective, the most common car stereo size is DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm), which measures 7.125 inches wide by 2.125 inches high. SD-Omega offers dozens of models that could theoretically fit into DIN-sized dashboard cut-outs, although its passively cooled models, including a “carPC” model, are actually slightly too tall, at 2.17 inches. The company does offer a non-passively cooled car PC model that would fit, though, a 1.7-inch tall model based on a Pentium M.
The SD-Omega MiniPCs are available with Pentium M, Pentium 4, and Pentium 3 processors. The Pentium M units appear to support 2.5-inch laptop hard drives, while the Pentium 4 units support 3.5-inch drives, with 2.5-inch conversion kits optionally available. The Pentium 3 units appear to accept thin (9mm) 2.5-inch drives.
The Pentium M models take up to 2GB of DDR266/333 DRAM, while the Pentium 4 models support up to 2GB of dual-channel DDR400/333/266 DRAM. The Pentium 3 models support up to 512MB of PC-133 DRAM.
Across these three main processor options, models are differentiated by I/O port options. These include:
PCMCIA slot
DVR (video in)
CompactFlash reader
Gigabit Ethernet (1 – 3)
S/PDIF digital audio out
802.11G WiFi
TV-out
4 x RS-232 ports
Fanless case models are also offered.
Other special models in SD-Omega’s line include a car PC, featuring a special power supply that delays PC startup after the ignition key is turned to give the engine a chance to crank over, and a four-channel multiplexing “standalongDVR” design that features front-panel pushbuttons for stop, play, fast-forward, etc.
Additional details are available at the SD-Omega website, www.sd-omega.com
