Wired - The incredible shrinking computer is about to reach a lower limit in size, with a new computer that's contained entirely within a wall-wart. Any smaller than this, and the computer would disappear inside the electrical outlet.
Called plug computers, Marvell's new gadgets will resemble cellphone chargers but pack a hefty punch.
Plug computers would draw just about 5W of power, come with a 1.2-GHz CPU, a USB port and internet connectivity. They won't have a display, but the devices can be used as a home server or a network attached storage for vacation photos and music downloads.
The wall-wart form factor allows companies and consumers to get a low-cost computing system, says Marvell. As a plus, the unassuming-looking plugs would likely remain plugged in long after thieves cleared out other, more valuable-looking electronics.
The plug computer will be based on Marvell's SheevaPlug platform, which has an embedded 1.2-GHz CPU. It would also come with 512 MB of flash memory and and 512 MB of DRAM. The device would connect to the home network by ethernet and have a USB 2.0 port.
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