$99 ARM PC, With Ubuntu or Android, For Business?

Written by The VAR Guy 1
July 15, 2013

The Utilite ARM-based PC with Ubuntu or Android sounds promising but can the $99 PC really carve a niche for itself in business settings like digital signage, Web-based terminals and more?

Compulab is launching a $99 ARM-based PC that runs Ubuntu or Google Android. At first glance, the Utilite PC looks like a cheap consumer device that won’t attract much channel partner attention. But take a closer look because at $99, this low-end system also offers potential business opportunities.

Indeed, Compulab says the Utilite PC — shipping in August 2013 — is ideal for “a variety of applications such as media player, IPTV, infotainment systems, digital signage, thin client and small-footprint desktop replacement.”

Admittedly, the digital signage market has been shifting to complete, integrated display/PC/network solutions. But Utilite could offer a point product option in the low-end market. Also, for business users who simply need web-based terminal access, Utilite could fill the void.

The Utilite offers the following tech specs:

CPU: Freescale i.MX6 single / dual / quad core Cortex-A9 MPCore, up to 1.2GHz
Memory: Up to 4GB DDR3-1066
Storage: mSATA SSD, up to 512GB Micro-SD SDXC, up to 128GB

While overall PC market sales continue to decline, Compu;ab continues to carve out a niche for itself with small, embedded computing products. Additional offerings include the Trim-Slice desktop computer and fit-PC.

Compulab has developed embedded computing products since 1992. The company is headquartered in Yokneam, Israel with offices in St. Petersburg, Fla.