The PCS-8230 is a single-DIN sized PC running Intel’s 1.1GHz Z510 Atom mobile processor; it features a 1GB of RAM and three SDIO slots for expansion modules. Although as a stand-alone unit it doesn’t offer much, after connecting various devices one can enjoy TV shows, DVD movies, or music using an MP3 player. 

The new device demonstrates Intel Atom’s many usages; due to its low power consumption, many portable applications can use it without changing their power sources. Intel’s Atom processor uses an entirely new hafnium-based 45nm microarchitecture, and it is Intel's smallest and lowest power processor to date. Its specifications enable a new generation of powerful and energy-efficient products known as Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), as well as the manufacturing of UMPCs, netbooks, and subnotebooks. 

The SDIO slots, located on the front panel and on the inside, can be used to give PCS-8230 WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, or a DVB-T digital TV tuner. The storage is based on a 2.5-inch hard-drive with USB-attached SSD or an internal Compact Flash. An internal DC-to-DC converter lets the DCS-8230 run on anything from 6V DC to 24V DC and there’s also a rear panel mounted antenna socket that can either be used for boosting the WiFi or GPS signal. Six USB 2.0 ports are spread between the front and back panels and there are also six separate audio outputs for 5.1-channel surround sound. 

The system has a dual-display support (VGA and LVDS) and a fan-less design in order to make it quieter. Moreover, it is compatible with both Linux and Windows. It’s price is yet to be set. 

TFOT has also covered the UMPCs and motherboards exhibited at CeBIT 2008 and the Qosmio Quad Core HD processor designed by Toshiba and installed in Qosmio AV notebooks. Another related TFOT story is VIA’s EPIA PX5000EG Pico-ITX board, which features a 1-watt Eden ultra low power processor for embedded systems. 

For more information on Portwell’s PCS-8230, see the company’s website.