Axiomtek has announced a "cost-effective, ultra-lowpower" mini-ITX motherboard it says is aimed at industrial, automation, and embedded applications. The SBC86822 has 600MHz or 1GHz Intel Celeron M processors, PCI expansion, eight USB ports, two gigabit Ethernet ports, and support for dual monitors.

Swiss board vendor Digital-Logic has announced a Celeron M or Pentium M based processor module small enough for use on PC/104-format carrier boards. The MSM855 is based on an Intel 855GME chipset, and targets Linux-based navigation, telecommunications, network edge, medical and measurement, aerospace, automotive, and internet terminal equipment.

A British startup called AlertMe.com has introduced a remotely managed security system that runs off a Linux-driven Hub. The AlertMe Hub tracks various sensors via Zigbee, and then reports back to AlertMe.com's servers, which in turn relay alarm events to the customer via SMS or email.

In the glorious race to the bottom, another contender has emerged to take on the Asus hit that is the tiny Linux-powered Eee PC. Taiwanese manufactuerer EliteGroup Computer Systems (ECS) has unveiled its G10IL ultraportable, which will feature Intel's new Atom processors and either an 8.9- or 10.2-inch screen.

Aaeon has introduced a fanless, Linux-compatible computer that runs Intel Celeron CPUs. The Boxer AEC-6905 is designed for vehicle mounting, has PCI and PC/104-Plus expansion, CompactFlash storage, and operates on DC power from 9-30 volts, Aaeon says.

HP is planning to launch Linux-based desktop PCs and laptops in select countries in Q2, following a partnership with Novell.

The low-cost system uses minimalist hardware and a free distribution of Linux to cut back on cost, but not quite to the $99 originally expected.

Karlsruhe, Germany based Emtrion has launched a processor module based on a 400MHz SuperH processor, and targeting battery-powered and/or highly integrated devices in harsh industrial environments. The HiCO.SH7780 is available with a choice of baseboards, and can also be customized for specific requirements, Emtrion said.

Everybody and their third cousin twice removed seems to be jumping into the low cost subnotebook field these days. The latest entry is Norhtec's Gecko Laptop. The laptop will reportedly cost less than $300, and will sport a 1GHz VIA processor and Linpux Linux Lite, a custom distro designed for devices with small screens.

"Many manufacturers are using proprietary systems. Linux is the newcomer. It has not been around long enough. It needs a large shift for the auto industry to more openly accept Linux in these areas," Peter Schulmeyer, director of strategy and microcontroller solutions for Freescale Semiconductor.

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