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Intel Ivy Bridge Compatible Keyboard PCs Spotted at Computex 2012

By Vijay Anand - on 8 Jun 2012, 1:21am

Intel Ivy Bridge Compatible Keyboard PCs Spotted at Computex 2012

Not only did Wibtek help to offer a standard platform for DIY AIO PC systems, they even took its key ingredient - thin Mini-ITX motherboards and Intel processors - to set a new standard for keyboard computers that can even run an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7 processor!

The keyboard is a little chunkier than you might like, but considering that a full fledged PC is running under those keys, it sounds impressive. This model is the KPC2 and it can take in up to a 45W TDP based LGA1155 processor running on its Intel H61 chipet thin Mini-ITX board.

If you remember, ASUS made an impressive engineering attempt in 2010 with their EeeKeyboard PC that was based on the Intel Atom N270 platform. It wasn’t really practical, but it did make everyone go wow with its slim keyboard dimensions and onboard touchscreen display.

What makes Wibtek’s attempt as interesting is its use of a standard thin Mini-ITX motherboard that makes it easier to evolve systems of this small size with certain parameters and specifications. You could even ‘upgrade’ the keyboard PC if its required, so long as the cooling capabilities of the keyboard PC isn’t exceeded by the choice of what’s stuffed inside (and the mounting options of the cooling solution). For now, the KPC2 keyboard PC is able to take in second or third generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors rated for up to 45W TDP on its Intel H61 motherboard platform. Obviously integrated graphics is the only choice, but memory support is variable with up to 16GB DDR3 support.

For less demanding needs like running a simple HTPC, you could even consider the KPC1-D2500 shown below. Based off the Intel Atom D2500 Cedar Trail CPU (with Intel GMA 3600 graphics engine) and Intel NM10 platform chipset, it has dual DIMM slots for 4GB of memory and a 2.5-inch storage drive.

If you don’t think you’ll need the power of an Intel Ivy Bridge processor, the KPC1-D2500 netbook-oriented platform could be sufficient for simple usage needs like running an internet terminal at home or for a basic HTPC.

For both the keyboard PCs seen, the left flank has the necessary connectivity ports, with more primary connections at the rear like video output and power input. The right flank of the system (or keyboard) has an optical drive.

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