Shuttle KPC K-4500 - A Compact PC with Price to fit your Budget

Written By Chouhab on jeudi 15 janvier 2009 | 06:15

By Matt Ryan

As technology increases, PC's are becoming smaller, yet more functional. The Shuttle KPC K-4500 is no exception. This compact PC offers an unobtrusive appearance, functionality that allows for day-to-day use, or even as a media center, at a fraction of the cost of other PC's.

This compact model only measures in at 7.5 x 6.7 x 11 inches, making it a perfect fit for nearly any atmosphere. The smaller a PC gets, the less room you usually have to manipulate the internal workings. However, the Shuttle KPC K-4500 took this into consideration when designing this model. The interior room is plenty roomy enough to access internal components. The free ATA-100 port, PCI slot, and SATA-300 port are easily accessible making upgrades and modifications a breeze. Unlike many desktops today, there are no ports on the front of the machine, instead the 4 USB 2.0, parallel, and serial ports are all available on the back of the machine.

Regardless of its size, the KPC K-4500 still has a decent set of working parts, which include a 1.8GHz Intel Celeron D 439 CPU, 512MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, 224MB (shared) Intel GMA 950 graphics, 80GB, 7,200rpm hard drive, WiFi, and uses Foresight Linux as an operating system. This PC comes ready to use right out-of-the-box; however, codec files will need to be installed prior to running any audio or video files.

The standard system comes with Foresight Linux as the operating system, typically running around $230. When the KPC K-4500 is ordered, with the operating system, you will also get messenger (Pidgin), web browser (Firefox), photo organization (F-Spot), desktop effects (Compiz), music (Banshee), and movie (Totem) player applications. The system is also available with no operating system, also known as barebones, for around $199. Purchasing the system barebones gives you the flexibility of operating systems and allows you to do as you wish with it.

Unfortunately there are a few missing pieces to the K-4500. There is not an optical drive, no digital video or audio outputs, nor does the system ship with a keyboard and mouse. These may be minor issues; however, in order to install additional software / applications, you will need to use an external drive. The option of installing an optical drive is null-in-void, as the internal drive bays are not accessible from the outside.

You will need an external drive to install any additional software. All software must be compatible with Foresight Linux in order for it to be functional; this means you may have to do extensive research in order to find what you're looking for.

If you are fairly computer friendly, know your way around a computer, and are fairly knowledgeable of Linux platforms, this low priced PC would be a great addition to your home network.

As for the rest of the world, those who are a bit less comfortable with computers, this unit is a good option if you have access to an individual whom is willing to give you free tech support. Or if you're willing to use the unit as is. If this is the case, this is a great bargain and shouldn't be passed up.

About the Author:

0 commentaires: