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May 2, 2012

Intel NUC Is a Hand-Sized PC with Laptop Performance




We may have a new product type on our hands, one that could ride the current of the rebounding but still weak worldwide economy. 

If nothing else, the Raspberry Pi credit-card-sized ARM computer has turned on the switch of that light bulb floating above IT players' heads. 

Intel, of all companies, has made a mini computer that, although not as small as the Raspberry Pi, comes close while packing the same performance as a mainstream laptop. 

Called NUC (Next Unit of Computing), the product has the size of a wireless router. 

Indeed, that small package (100 x 100 mm, under 4 x 4 inches) somehow crams together an Intel Core i3/i5 Sandy Bridge / Ivy Bridge dual-core mobile CPU (complete with HD 3000 / eventually 4000 graphics) and dual-channel DDR3 SO-DIMM memory. 

Not only that, but USB 3.0, two mini PCIe headers, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and HDMI with multi-channel HD audio exist as well, plus Thunderbolt, of all things. 

Strangely, we found no mention of storage anywhere, but that isn't too shocking, given that the target market is that of digital signage and kiosks. 

We are pretty sure people will be lobbying to see this in HTPCs too though. After all, Raspberry Pi started out as a tool for students that want to learn programming, but it got media coverage more for its other perks, like the ability to turn any TV into a SMART TV, all for $25. 

We can't tell for sure what will come of this new breed of miniature PC, but the marketing conditions might be perfect for it. The worldwide economy is still struggling, but not as badly as in 2008 and 2009. That means that, unlike back then, people do have some interest in new device ideas. Tablets would have never taken off otherwise. 

That said, if Intel manages to give its NUC a viable price, like $100 / 75.67 Euro, there isn't much reason for super-small systems to stay in limbo.




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