I'm using an Atom for one of my IRLP nodes (7962, CentOS 6.4) and file server. It is mini-itx (small), doesn't use much power (~10 watts) and lowers power (slows, not off) when the need is low. It has a SSD so there are no moving parts, including no fan (I keep it in the air path of the radio fan just because I can). Although the docs say it is limited to 4 GB it runs great on 8 GB. I minimize access to the SSD for improved longevity.
It is not screaming fast at 1.66 GHz, but could be adequate for your needs. However, you will find that most of your computer energy draw is from the display (Atom is CPU only). That can be significant. Turning the brightness down (easier at night) can save a lot. A small "I-3/5/7" CPU based laptop (because they conserve energy better) is likely the simplest complete package to purchase. They can be found cheaper than the Atom system I built (I needed a real parallel port). Perhaps use Linux (or Hackintosh to set up your OS since you already use a Mac). Failing that, Win7 is preferred over Win8, which is still developing (bleah!). Win7 is a mature and stable product. 73, Rick wa6nhc Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable On Aug 12, 2013, at 9:48 AM, "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[email protected]> wrote: > I love the Via C7 "Eden" processor, but unless you have one around to test, I > wouldn't buy one for this application without doing a lot of testing. > > Why? Floating Point performance is lousy, and I think that'll show with > fldigi and other digital mode software. > > Look to the Intel Atom CPUs for good floating point and a low-power processor. > > I use the C7 in routers and servers that don't do anything beyond integer > math. They're incredibly good. > > On 8/12/2013 7:00 AM, Richard Neese wrote: >> http://www.ewayco.com/ >> <http://www.ewayco.com/51-embedded-systems-100-PC-mini-ITX-low-cost/11-tk-800mhz-low-cost-pc-embedded-system.html> >> >> >> R.Neese KB3VGW >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:[email protected] >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
