This new Kickstarter promises to bring the computing power of Windows to a new form factor, one that could mean the end of the PC tower.
The Neutron will be one of the smallest fully featured commercially available desktop computers upon its release. It is around the size of a hard drive, no taller than an iPhone, and will easily fit in a backpack.
However, this is not just another Raspberry Pi. The designers at Atom computing have installed full Windows 8.1 into this computer, which also boasts these specs:
- Intel Haswell i3/ i5 for Neutron Pro
- Intel HD 4400 Graphics / Iris 5000 for Neutron Pro
- Intel HD Audio
- 8 GB DDR3 memory / 16 GB for Neutron Pro
- mSATA SSD with 256 GB/ 480 GB for Neutron Pro
- Three monitor support, at 1080p or higher
- Mini HDMI
- Mini Displayport
- LAN
- Four USB 3.0 ports
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 802.11AC WiFi
- IR Receiver
Of course, this is all made possible thanks to Intel’s work in miniaturizing the most essential computer components. While they weren’t able to insert a graphics card with the power of, say, a GTX 900 in the device, it is powerful enough to handle most computing tasks, including running everything except the most graphics intensive of games. Atom even set up a demo showing a team member booting the PC in a matter of seconds to play League of Legends.
Of course, both AMD and Nvidia have worked on mobile graphics SOCs that can match what their large desktop cards can do, so if the Neutron becomes popular enough, they could conceivable design cards for this form factor as well.
Here and now, Atom needs the Neutron to be successful to popularize it, and hopefully enable a revolution in desktop computing. While Microsoft has yet to take notice of the project, go ahead and reserve yourself one of the pilot units here. You can also check out the video pitch below.
