AMOS-3001: An Industrial PC for Digital Signage, Thin Clients?

VIA is releasing a new offering called the AMOS-3001. Is it an industrial PC, or is it more? It’s designed to take a beating in extreme temperatures, but it’s a bit more nifty than that. Here’s the scoop on something VARs might want to keep there eyes on.

Fan-less, strong, tiny. These are just some of the features VIA is using to describe the little box of joy they’ve produced. And that’s exactly what they’re shooting for. You might not have heard about VIA, but they’re a computer company with their eyes on the tiniest prize possible. Their motto is “Small is Beautiful” and they seem to do it well.

The computer pictured is packing the following specs:

You can get it with Windows XP for Embedded Systems, Linux or Windows CE. Storage is provided via a 44-pin IDE interface, and has the ability to support a 2.5 inch SATA drive. Of course, there’s gigabit ethernet, HD audio, USB 2.0 and a few programable COM ports. LED lights for activity, of course.

Considering all this power, it’s a little monster. You can actually churn out 1080p video on this thing. DVI out is supported via an HDMI out (different configuration than pictured) which means that this could potentially be used for digital signage. Windows or Linux on this little guy could make it the perfect thin-client for a swath of public kiosks, or even a company with huge cube farms and a tight budget. Healthcare could increase space in already cramped rooms or desks. Retail POS machines no longer need to be bulky.

There’s no pricing information as of yet, and their site doesn’t seem to sell product directly, but we’ll be reaching out to them to get more information. In the meantime, just think of the little places you could put this guy. I’m making a prediction right here, right now: it’s only a matter of time before TVs are integrated standard with a HTPC like the one you see above.