IDF2012: Intel's 'next unit of computing' to launch October

In October, Intel will launch its ‘Next Unit of Computing’, or ‘NUC’ ultra-small form factor desktop board.

The system is built on a proprietary 10 x 10cm double-sided motherboard, which includes:
* Embedded third-generation (Ivy Bridge) Intel Core i3 processor
* Two SODIMM sockets supporting up to 16GB of RAM
* Two mini-PCI slots, one mSATA enabled for SSD storage and the other intended for a Wi-Fi or 3G card
* Three USB 2.0 ports
* Two HDMI ports
* A 1 GHz Ethernet port

The NUC is designed for usages such as digital signage, kiosks and displays. A second version, designed for home users, includes:
* One HDMI port instead of two
* One Thunderbolt port
* No Ethernet connector

As the motherboard uses a custom form factor for which no cases are currently available, Intel will bring two custom chassis to market – one for each of the board configurations as above. The company is also in talks with various unnamed PC chassis vendors.

Each board will be available standalone, or in a sales package including motherboard, chassis and external power supply. These will be available through Intel’s usual resellers, and is not a move by the company to sell direct-to-retail systems.

An Intel spokesperson told us the system was intended to be sold in a basic configuration (2GB RAM, 40-50GB SSD and 2GB RAM, no operating system) by system integrators from US$399.

The system will be available worldwide. New Zealand pricing information is not available at this time.

Harley Ogier is attending IDF 2012 as a guest of Intel.