Ampro Computers today announced a family of complete, integrated, low cost Linux-based computer systems that enable embedded OEMs to rapidly deploy products to market.
Each Ampro ReadySystem includes a ReadyBoard single board computer, desktop or wall-mount enclosure, power supply, RAM and 40GB hard disk drive with a complete Linux distribution pre-installed. Processor options range from a 300MHz Via Eden ESP 3000 CPU to a 1.4GHz LV Intel Pentium M 738 (Dothan core) with 2MB of L2 cache.
“Ampro ReadySystem is a ideal solution for OEMs considering use of the embedded Linux operating system,” explained Paul Rosenfeld, chief technology officer of Ampro. “ReadySystem is a complete, off-the-shelf, Linux-based system solution. OEM customers need only add application software.”
The heart of every Ampro ReadySystem is a ReadyBoard single board computer. Ampro offers 12 ReadyBoard models across five major product families. ReadyBoard 550 (with Via Eden CPUs) and ReadyBoard 700 (with Intel Pentium III and Celeron CPUs) offer a full complement of I/O with up to 512MB of SDRAM. The new ReadyBoard 800 provides three processor options including the 600MHz ULV Celeron M, 1.1GHz LV Pentium M and 1.4GHz LV Pentium M 738 (Dothan core) with DDR PC2700 memory, USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet ports. The ReadyBoard 560 and ReadyBoard 710, also announced today, offer low cost, low power consumption CPUs (1GHz Via Eden ESP 10000 or Intel 650MHz Celeron respectively) with a complement of advanced I/O including four USB 2.0 ports, dual Ethernet (both 10/100BaseT and Gigabit Ethernet ports) and built-in high performance AGP 8x graphics with hardware MPEG2 and MPEG4 decode.
For each ReadySystem, the ReadyBoard SBC with 256MB RAM is installed in an Ampro ReadyBox enclosure. This 280mm x 200mm x 115mm chassis features a 150w ATX power supply and space to incorporate one or two PC/104, PC/104-Plus or PCI-104 expansion modules. Each ReadySystem also includes a 2.5 inch 40GB “removable” hard disk drive pre-loaded with a complete Linux distribution based on the 2.4 kernel.
The Ampro Linux distribution includes a full root file system, X-free graphics package, and GNU-based development tools. Drivers for all ReadyBoard I/O, including the video controller, are included and pre-installed. The system boots to a Linux command prompt at power-on. A version based on the 2.6 kernel will be available in Spring, 2005.
Ampro’s special embedded BIOS in each ReadyBoard SBC offers extended boot options, including booting from a USB device (such as a CD or floppy), and a Managed Boot Agent, enabling booting from an appropriately configured network server with PXE or DHCP support.
LinuxProNews offers both beginners and experienced Linux Pro’s tips, expert advice and the latest technology innovations that impact Linux.
