Chromebooks a tad too mobile for you? Sensing the market is eventually ready for Google’s web-based OS, Xi3 decided to ship the ChromiumPC, an updated version of the modular, Chrome-based desktop it trotted out as an idea last year. The pc (also called the 5 Series) has a processor module and two I/O ones — a design whose promise is that installing a special operating system must be as easy as swapping out that first board. And, cheekily, the corporate expects it to head on sale July 4th, an afternoon when Chromium owners can “declare their independence from the built-in obsolescence of different computers.” Got that, folks? Your mature operating system and native storage are useless. No word yet on pricing, so here’s hoping Chrome isn’t a moot point or anything by the point we discover out. Full PR after the break.
Xi3 Corporation Announces Its ChromiumPC Modular Computer – the World’s First Desktop Computer Running Google’s Chrome Operating System
Based upon the patented Xi3 Computer Architecture, the ChromiumPC computer is a cube-like, small form factor, low-power (20Watts) dual-core modular computer that may be adapted to run other operating systems or to accomplish specialized functions. Xi3 Corp. was developing the ChromiumPC since 2009. Pricing may be disclosed later this year, with General Availability expected within the second 1/2 2011.
SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Xi3® Corporation today announced its ChromiumPC™ modular computer, the world’s first desktop computer designed to run Google’s Chrome operating system.
“Based upon feedback and interest from our initial proof-of-concept and evaluation customers, we’ve already begun developing new Primary and Secondary I/O Modules”
First disclosed by Xi3 Corp. in 2009, the ChromiumPC is a version of the company’s Xi3 Modular Computer™ which was formally unveiled in 2010 and named by the shopper Electronics Association as an Innovations Award Winner inside the Computer Hardware category for the 2011 International CES trade event.
“The Xi3 Computer Architecture is designed to support any x86-based operating system, including Windows, Linux, Unix, and other open source-based operating systems,” said Jason A. Sullivan, president and CEO of Xi3 Corp. “Although we’ve been promoting, discussing and dealing on modular computers for a while, we feel the market is now ready for a desktop computer with a cloud-based operating system just like the one offered by Google. If someone chooses to change their ChromiumPC to run yet another operating system, it’s as easy as swapping out one of the vital three boards contained in the computer.
“Historically, nearly all of operating systems was installed and run locally on computers. But as technology has advanced and folk are getting increasingly pleased with using Web-based applications and storing data clear of their computer, specifically ‘in the cloud,’ it only is smart that operating systems turns into cloud-based. Actually, we predict that through the years we’ll see many operating systems which are wire-bound and require the pc to be connected to the web to run, and we will be able to likely support these new operating systems in addition.”
Modularity Explained for the ChromiumPC and Xi3 Modular Computer
Each Xi3 Modular Computer, including the ChromiumPC, is housed in an aluminum chassis that holds three small but interconnected boards (or modules), namely
The Processor Module™,
The principle I/O Module™, and
The Secondary I/O Module™.Taken in concert these three modules form the premise of what have been the classic motherboard, with the Processor Module housing the microprocessor and RAM, the first I/O Module typically housing the vast majority of the external communications ports, and the Secondary I/O Module typically housing Ethernet, video and tool connections.
Unlike traditional computers, however, the Xi3 Computer Architecture makes it possible to alter the so-called personality and/or functionality of an Xi3 Modular Computer, including the ChromiumPC. This is often done in eight easy steps:
1. Power down and disconnect the Modular Computer from all external connections
2. Remove the four screws from one of the most honeycomb-shaped and chrome-plated sideplates
3. Remove the sideplate from the Modular Computer chassis
4. Slide the 3 interconnected modules out of the chassis
5. Remove some of the I/O Modules and replace it with a brand new I/O Module
6. Reinsert the 3 interconnected modules back throughout the chassis
7. Reattach the sideplate to the chassis
8. Reconnect all external connections and gear-up the Modular Computer“Based upon feedback and interest from our initial proof-of-concept and evaluation customers, we have got already begun developing new Primary and Secondary I/O Modules,” Sullivan explained. “We even have partners starting to develop their very own proprietary I/O Modules besides. We predict to have the 1st of our new I/O Modules available in this summer, each of with the intention to work with the ChromiumPC, in addition to Xi3 Modular Computers that run other operating systems.”
The ChromiumPC may be powered by a dual- or single-core 64-bit, x86-based processor, housed in a chassis measuring 4.0- x 3.656- x 3.656-inches and available in multiple colors, including a chrome-plated chassis. ChromiumPC pricing may be announced later this year, with additional specifications announced at the moment. General availability for the ChromiumPC is anticipated inside the second 1/2 2011.
General Availability of the Xi3 Modular Computer Slated for the 4th of July
“Given today’s announcement about our plans for the ChromiumPC, we felt it important to also let our friends know that formal sales of the Xi3 Modular Computer will begin on July 4, 2011,” Sullivan said. “Because the Xi3 Computer Architecture allows owners of the Xi3 Modular Computer to declare their independence from the built-in obsolescence of alternative computers, we felt that American Independence Day could be an ideal day to start selling the 5 Series model of the Xi3 Modular Computer.”
More information about the final Availability of the Xi3 Modular Computer (5 Series model) should be available before the 4th of July.
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