It has a USB/serial console access for emergencies I guess but most of the time I'd access it as I do my current server, via SSH in one or more xterm sessions from my Mac or other laptop.  No need for graphics support at all.

The plug has a slot for a SDHC memory card, ie up to 32GB.

I need something like 100GB+ storage, which I could do with a slowish external power-efficient hard disc or solid-state mass storage, which would have to be have a very power-efficient sleep mode.  I would expect to cache frequently-accessed on the SDHC.

Unless I put in a USB hub (or put in some clever Ethernet based stuff for example) then I can't get at my current digital inputs of off-grid solar system battery state-of-charge and nor could I run my X-10 automation stuff.  The former would be more of a shame than the latter.

In the end I may end up with something more like this which exposes more direct I/O:

http://www.marvell.com/products/embedded_processors/developer/kirkwood/openrd.jsp

In any case there is real hope that it could be run 24x7 throughout the year from my 120Wp 12V.40Ah off-grid system that powers my office lighting.

The ADSL modem would remain on-grid for the time being.

Rgds

And caching the frequently used stuff on a memory card to reduce the need for disc spinups yet further seems to work.

Basically I hope that getting away from the x86 to ARM will more than halve my consumption with a bit more careful trimming of my main applications, but I'll have to be very careful with the peripherals.

Rgds

Yes, indeed, and ideal would be to piggyback it all onto my ADSL router I think since that is going to be the most power-hungry part when I've done.

But I need (I think) at least 512MB main memory and preferably more, and at least 1GHz CPU when operating at maximum speed.

Rgds

Always a tradeoff somewhere... :(

First: Program, out on the web there is a program called XPlite, just google it, download it and give that a try.
Our company uses it to dump the 100% garbage built in XP, which also makes it safer and harder to hack, before sending the laptops out into the world. Its a stable program, been around for a few years now, if it's what you like it can be purchased, which gives even more abilites plus support.
I don't own stock in this company(wish I did), just know how well it works and have two IBM 380Zs running the 98lite on 64mb CFs which includes a wired PCMICA nic. sitting 3 feet behind me.
The cards were in the trash pile :()

Other item is pretty easy to find for around 12USD, turns the old CF cards in HDs.
Once your XP is pared down to size, use the CF, load your XP onto it and off you go.

THIS is what our company is doing with the older Dell SF desktops that are in our Cafe's for lunch time surfing.

Less heat, no HD to fail and makes ghosting them out 100x easier.

Hope this helps;
Bruce S

I'm hoping that a switch to another well-supported but non-x86 architecture and form factor is big enough of a step-change to help other people do it overcome their worries to try it too, and at ~£100 all-in, it's truly cheap and capable enough for some people to be able to run their Web sites, etc, at home or whatever on a fraction of what co-lo might cost and consume.

So, this is an 'educational' project for me (and anyone who reads my write-ups)!

Having said all that, if Intel continues its good work on x86 energy efficiency then I have no fundamental objection to using a machine like yours.

My target is to have the whole schmole including DSL connectivity on <10W within a year or two, and at least the computing part able to run off my 40Ah 12V off-grid PV system battery for at least 24h.  This is just an experimental step on the way there.

Rgds

It's still a tad slow though acceptable for my purposes, and various tuning and other services need to go in, but it lives!  And entirely solar powered off-grid, with my meter saying 3.1W.  B^>

Rgds

Damon

(I had to switch back to mains for a day or so to let the battery recover.)

I added another 12Wp (~10%) to my off-grid panels, switched to a more-efficient DC-to-DC converter, and tuned various parts of the software again to further reduce consumption and 'idle' more when the battery is low.

All in, including the converter, consumption is usually under 4W (difficult to tell exactly given the granularity of my power meter in 100mA increments).

Rgds

Reality sure bites doesn't it! Between pie in the sky industry ratings and low sun days solar can be downright disappointing. However, when it works it just works which is good.

Tom

Ignarus can exsisto rememdium. Sardus est forever