linux hardware question for all

[mowgli]

hi, i am trying to build my own mac mini size PC that runs well with linux, and i'd like any advice/feedback anyone can provide on that.

basically i want to know brands/models of motherboards, chassis, and other components that you think will work well with linux with these goals in mind:

* must be super small, mac mini size mobo and chassis.
* plan to use ubuntu but open to other distros.
* suggestions w/ and w/o hard drives ok (these are to be clients in a LAN which can run LTSP if needed).
* must be pretty inexpensive (i can get small form factor PCs for US$150 which meet all my needs already but i prefer even smaller solution even if it costs a bit more).
* should have built in NIC, video, sound, usb ports.
* clients will run openoffice, firefox, perhaps a few other non taxing programs.

thats it! i welcome all suggestions, ideas, feedback, war stories, whatever!

thanx in advance.

[maczimus]

This might get you started....I may be doing this as well...

http://www.starryhope.com/articles/2009/atom-desktotp-ubuntu-windows7-mac-osx/

[stack]

If you are going to try building your own mini system, good luck. I have not been able to build one as cheap as you can buy one.

Take a look at logic supply.
I have seen this little guy before and almost bought one...
http://www.logicsupply.com/products/gs_l08

They advertise in Linux Journal all the time and seem to get good reviews. I guess it all depends on what you want to do with it as this wont be playing heavy games. However, they do have beefier systems at logic supply.


If you are set in building your own, look into the ION systems:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NVIDIA_ION (scroll to the bottom for nettop systems; there are a bunch listed).

The ION is going to have more processing power and combined with the Nvidia graphics cards, you will be able to play some serious gaming as well as watch 1080p videos easily.

Hope this helps!

Have fun!
~Stack~

[bboyer]

Stack, I think that deal is for the case and power supply only. Pico ITX boards are pretty pricey as well.

I've been looking to build a car computer -- some sort of media player that would use a small touch-screen and play through the stereo. I have plenty of power, a mount for the screen and room under one seat for the PC. Just need to find which mini ITX board has the features I need.

[bboyer]

Thanks for the link Stack -- found a *really* cool system that would definitely fit in the car. Check this out:

http://www.logicsupply.com/products/carx07p1