Gigabyte's BRIX fall into place

Taiwan's Gigabyte has officially taken the wraps off its BRIX, a sits-on-your-palm PC that offers direct competition for Intel's Next Unit of Computing.

Gigabyte hasn't let world+dog know much more than was revealed when it first demonstrated the computers, but has offered up the table below to confirm the specs of the four machines in the range.

Gigabyte's not saying what the BRIX cost and doesn't seem to have them in the channel yet: the announcement of their release seems to be just that - we can't spot any on retailers' sites yet.

But it's hard to imagine one key section of the system-builder population, Linux users, getting too excited because after rummaging about on the site erected for BRIX we could find no Linux drivers. Windows 7 and 8 were both supported, in 32-and-64-bit varieties. Linux-lovers will have to look elsewhere, which may not be ideal given Gigabyte is pushing the computers as a "versatile DIY PC" that "doesn’t hold back in terms display and peripheral connectivity, or raw performance, and is ideal for compact HTPC builds, as a standard desktop in the home or office, or in commercial applications such as digital signage."

Gigabyte's new BRIX on-your-palm PC

That last application may be worthy of a little more consideration, as Intel also says it's one of the prime targets for its Next Unit of Computing devices. Digital signage has been with us for years, but has often been tied to moderately exotic hardware. Is a very small PC costing around $400 really going to catalyse the market? ®