The fit pc (www.fit-pc.com) is an interesting device, because it is the same size as an nslu2, has an internal 2.5" sata bay, consumes 5w or so when idling (max 8w, if I remember correctly), but is essentially a standard 'intel pc', with 6usb, memory card slot, ethernet and dvi/hdmi video/ it's certainly not as cheap as many of the alternatives, but a good example of power-efficient pc design. It's basically a micro-sized netbook without the keyboard or lcd.
--- In nslu2-linux@yahoogroups.com, "oddballhero" <avaca@...> wrote:
>
> The only problem with the Dockstar as mentioned in the NSLU2-General forum is that it has been discontinued so it is in the same category now as the NSLU2. The other Seagate Alternatives are still around like the Go-flex net and home which can also be modified like the Dockstar and have some sata interfaces. Right now the Pogoplug V2 is on sale and works the same way as the Dockstar http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/676439-REG/Pogoplug_POGOE02_Multimedia_Sharing_Device.html . I just ordered one as a backup and my collection of Dockstars and Pogoplugs have been working continuosly without problems for a year now. I also ordered one of the atom systems from newegg that was mentioned in the original posts. Right now is an exciting time for small system users since we have so many choices. I am just waiting now to see what the actual reviews are for the Dreamplug before I buy one and probably will get an OpenRD-Ultimate in the future. Right now I have installed u-boot on one of my Dockstars to run a custom kernel I compiled. MWester in another post indicated being able to install SlugOS onto a sheevaplug and I will try some time to do the same thing on the pogoplug.
>
> --- In nslu2-linux@yahoogroups.com, "curiously_unique" <curiously_unique@> wrote:
> >
> > In fact, the Seagate Dockstar is considered an interesting alternative to the NSLU2. Low in electrical power consumption (5 to 8 watts, they say), small, fanless, and quite fast. Its hardware is compatible to the SheevaPlug, but it's built as a NAS device specifically. The original firmware is rather restricted, but the good thing is that this device can run a regular Linux distribution (compiled for the ARM platform) from USB memory stick or even completely from internal flash if it's small enough. A pre-compiled Debian distribution is available, also Ubuntu, and of course it runs Plugbox Linux (Arch Linux based, originally for Sheevaplug) as well, and even OpenWRT, if you like.
> >
> > Sounds like advertising, I guess. Probably I forgot about some downside: Unlike the NSLU2, the Dockstar's RTC is not equipped, so the device doesn't know what time it is. If you're not afraid to wield a soldering iron, this can be fixed, though. And it doesn't look quite as good as the NSLU2 if there is no hard disk attached to the docking port.
> >
> > But still, the Dockstar became hugely popular here in Germany - so popular that it's sold out almost everywhere, and the remaining few have at least tripled in price. Rumors say that Seagate initially considered the product a failure - which it pretty much was, with its original firmware - and sold it cheaply. Then some tech-savvy people realized the hardware's potential, and as a result, Seagate raised the price substantially.
> > I think there are still ways to get a cheap Dockstar in the US, though. If you decide to buy one, take care: Don't let it connect to the internet before you have gained access to it - otherwise the default root password will be lost.
> >
>
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