AMD debuts low-cost Net device

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Advanced Micro Devices on Thursday formally announced a low-cost Internet device targeted at emerging markets.

As reported earlier, AMD's Personal Internet Communicator is designed to provide Net connectivity and Windows-based computing for consumers in emerging economies. It features functions such as browser, e-mail, word processing and the ability to view images and multimedia files. It is a sealed device, operates without a fan and can only be upgraded by the service provider, reducing the risk of human error, AMD said.

AMD said the device will be marketed by the Tata Group in five Indian cities, while CRC will work with distributors in Mexico to offer it with educational software. Cable & Wireless is deploying the device for disaster relief work in the Caribbean. AMD said it is talking with telecommunications companies and government organizations in other regions as well. The device will sell for $185 with a keyboard, mouse and preinstalled software, while one with a monitor will cost $249, the company said.

News source: C|Net News.com

What's New in This Release:

· - New TIF save option: Save all pages from original image
· - New batch option: Apply changes to all image pages (if TIF saving)
· - New TIF option: Edit multipage TIF (Menu: View->Multipage images)
· - Option to sort thumbnails using EXIF date (Thumbnails menu)
· - Option to sort thumbnails using image width/height (Thumbnails menu)
· - New image menu: Custom Rotation (Fine rotation)
· - New JPG Transformation dialog option: Auto rotate (according to EXIF info)
· - Option to show full file path in the title bar (Properties->Misc 1)
· - New HTML dialog option: Choose folder with templates (for changed templates)
· - Option to paste Text from Clipboard as image
· - Several PlugIns are changed/updated, please install the newest versions
· - Some minor bugs/features fixed/added (crop, MS PNG bug, print dialog)

#1 Bling3k12 on 28 Oct 2004 - 18:56

I saw this on Engadget earlier... it's pretty nifty for those who just want to send e-mail and lightly browse the internet, such as older people.

(2 replies) #2 MyServerGuy on 28 Oct 2004 - 18:56

Now this is just what the world needed... and as usual, AMD is leading the way to a brighter future while Intel intends to keep taking w/o giving... buncha dumb@sses...

#2.1 pogz on 28 Oct 2004 - 22:45

are you serious, or just posting flamebait?

#2.2 nookadum on 29 Oct 2004 - 13:22

Nah, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

#3 MR_Candyman on 28 Oct 2004 - 19:19

hehe...it's so cute looking!

I want one to run for strictly downloading and uploading files...

#4 beardly on 28 Oct 2004 - 19:45

This would be perfect for my grandparents who are wanting to get a computer just for email. Building a computer for them is really easy, but it would be a pain for them to have to hook up the computer when they go down south for the winter and back up north for summer.

#5 linux-gamer on 28 Oct 2004 - 20:06

i feel a little odd saying this,

but...I want one!

(1 reply) #6 beardly on 28 Oct 2004 - 20:16

Are these going to be sold in the US at all? I could see them doing really well in the US for people who need just email.

#6.1 Blips on 29 Oct 2004 - 07:33

It doesn't appear that these will be marketed outside of places considered "emerging markets". I'm not sure what logic is behind that, because I would think they'd get a huge market for those in developed nations. Heck, I'd buy one just to have an extra PC around the house!

#7 NinjaMonkey82 on 28 Oct 2004 - 20:26

How is this any different than the dozens of internet appliances that failed miserably in the late 90's?

While I think they are a pretty good idea for certain people, they just don't seem to catch on.

#8 linux-gamer on 28 Oct 2004 - 20:58

I don't know, you could upgrade the harddrive from 10gb to like 120, and you've got a mini server

#9 nmeu on 28 Oct 2004 - 23:00

i want to hack one

#10 tiwaris on 28 Oct 2004 - 23:26

I would like to have a peak at it.

(2 replies) #11 mrp04 on 29 Oct 2004 - 00:32

the processor consumes 1 watt of power and doesnt need a fan!?!? WOW, must be kinda on the bad side huh?

#11.1 MR_Candyman on 29 Oct 2004 - 06:06

how so? Just because it's not a power hog doesn't mean it's a piece of crap. There have been tons of technological advances in the last decade or so

#11.2 Billprozac on 29 Oct 2004 - 18:50

It is an internet machine not a gaming machine. Take a look at the micro atx computers. There are low end sbc's running pIII 700 chips or equivelant that would be great for surfing.

#12 habtro on 29 Oct 2004 - 05:34

wow... cheap....

(2 replies) #13 Randall_Lind on 29 Oct 2004 - 14:16

How can you run any cpu without a fan? AthlonXP is 50-55C full load and that's with a fan.

are they useing heatpipes or something else to cool down the cpu?

#13.1 MR_Candyman on 29 Oct 2004 - 16:52

It's not going to be as fast as the Athlon XP's. Over time better technologies have come out, reducing the amount of heat produce, if you use these technologies with a relatively slow chip (by today's standards) then it will not generate much heat at all. This will still have a heatsink, but it will be passively cooled, meaning no fans

#13.2 lare2 on 29 Oct 2004 - 19:53

comapring an AthlonXP with this one, that's funny. with 1 watt, your cell phone produce more heat than this chip, and you don't have a fan hanging on you cell phone right ?

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