Plug computer
File:SheevaPlug.JPG's SheevaPlug plug computer in action]]
A plug computer is a small-form-factor computer whose chassis contains the AC power plug, and thus plugs directly into the wall. Alternatively, the computer may resemble an AC adapter or a similarly small device. Plug computers are often configured for use in the home or office as compact computer.
Description
Plug computers consist of a high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip processor, with several I/O hardware ports (USB ports, Ethernet connectors, etc.). Most versions do not have provisions for connecting a display and are best suited to running media servers, back-up services, or file sharing and remote access functions; thus acting as a bridge between in-home protocols (such as Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and Server Message Block (SMB)) and cloud-based services. There are, however, plug computer offerings that have analog VGA monitor and/or HDMI connectors, which, along with multiple USB ports, permit the use of a display, keyboard, and mouse, thus making them full-fledged, low-power alternatives to desktop and laptop computers. They typically run any of a number of Linux distributions.
Plug computers typically consume little power and are inexpensive.
History
A number of other devices of this type began to appear at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show.
- On January 6, 2009 CTERA Networks launched a device called CloudPlug that provides online backup at local disk speeds and overlays a file sharing service.{{cite press release |url=http://www.ctera.com/home/ctera-networks-launches-introduces-cloud-attached-storage.html |title=CTERA Networks Launches, Introduces Cloud Attached Storage |date=6 January 2009 |publisher=Ctera networks |access-date=2009-02-25}} The device also transforms any external USB hard drive into a network-attached storage device.{{cite video |first=Fritz |last=Nelson |title=CTERA at CES: USB as NAS and Cloud Backup |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGOnPORmAo |date=January 11, 2009 |publisher=TechWebTV |access-date=2009-01-27}}{{cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/010609-startup-ctera-will-offer-cloud.html |title=Startup Ctera will offer cloud storage through carriers |first=Stephen |last=Lawson |date=January 6, 2009 |publisher=Network World |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303100005/http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/010609-startup-ctera-will-offer-cloud.html |archive-date=March 3, 2009 |url-status=dead}}
- On January 7, 2009, Cloud Engines unveiled the Pogoplug network access server.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123138754279863721 |title=Gadgets for Leaner Times |access-date=2009-01-27 |first=Don |last=Clark |author2=Christopher Lawton |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 8, 2009}}{{cite news |url=http://cnet.nytimes.com/8301-19167_1-10135097-100.html?scp=1&sq=pogoplug&st=cse |title=Pogoplug puts any hard drive on the Internet |date=January 7, 2009 |first=Rafe |last=Needleman |work=The New York Times |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-date=2020-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806080336/http://cnet.nytimes.com/8301-19167_1-10135097-100.html?scp=1&sq=pogoplug&st=cse |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_11430781 |title=Consumer electronics: Take a peek at geek chic |first=Dave |last=Lester |date=January 12, 2009 |publisher=The Denver Post |access-date=2009-02-25}}{{cite video |url=http://www.fastcompany.tv/video/exclusive-first-look-pogoplug-brings-easy-file-sharing-your-home-network |title=Pogoplug brings easy file sharing to your home network |date=January 7, 2009 |publisher=Fast Company |access-date=2009-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116125839/http://www.fastcompany.tv/video/exclusive-first-look-pogoplug-brings-easy-file-sharing-your-home-network |archive-date=January 16, 2009 |url-status=dead}}
- On January 8, 2009, Axentra announced availability of their HipServ platform.{{cite press release |title=Axentra Announces HipServ 2.0 for PlugTop Computing |date=January 8, 2009 |url=http://www.axentra.com/en/pdf/2009-AXTA-PR-PlugTopComputing.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706093838/http://www.axentra.com/en/pdf/2009-AXTA-PR-PlugTopComputing.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |publisher=Axentra |access-date=2009-02-25}}
- On February 23, 2009, Marvell Technology Group announced its plans to build a mini-industry around plug computers.{{cite news |title=Marvell Bets on Plug Computers |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=February 23, 2009 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123535737573645547 |access-date=2009-02-25 |first=Don |last=Clark}}{{cite press release |url=http://www.marvell.com/products/embedded_processors/plug_computing_small_computer_digital_media/release/1256/ |title=Marvell Introduces Plug Computing ─ High-Performance, Low-Power, Exceptionally Small Computer for Managing and Storing Digital Media Assets |date=February 24, 2009 |publisher=Marvell Technology Group |access-date=2009-03-16}}
- On August 19, 2009, CodeLathe announced availability of their TonidoPlug network access server.{{cite web |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2567804.htm |title=CodeLathe introduces TonidoPlug |date=12 August 2009 |publisher=CodeLathe |access-date=20 August 2009 |archive-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228030724/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2567804.htm |url-status=dead }}
- On November 13, 2009 QuadAxis launched its plug computing device product line and development platform, featuring the QuadPlug and QuadPC and running QuadMix, a modified Linux.{{cite web |url=https://www.briefingwire.com/pr/quadaxis-launches-plug-computers |title=QuadAxis Launches Plug Computers |date=13 November 2009 |publisher=QuadAxis}}
- On January 5, 2010, Iomega announced their iConnect network access server.{{cite web |url=http://www.iomega.com/about/prreleases/2010/010510_iconnect.html |title=Iomega's New iConnect Wireless Data Station: Share Files, Manage Torrents, Access Your Data Remotely, Backup Your PC and Mac And Much More for Only $99 |date=5 January 2010 |publisher=Iomega |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022052203/http://www.iomega.com/about/prreleases/2010/010510_iconnect.html |archive-date=2014-10-22}}
- On January 7, 2010 Pbxnsip launched its plug computing device the sipJack running pbxnsip: an IP Communications platform.{{cite web |url=http://www.blogpbxnsip.com/2010/01/pbxnsip-ip-pbx-demonstrate-sheeva-plug.html |title=pbxnsip Demonstrate Sheeva Plug compatibility |date=January 7, 2010 |publisher=pbxnsip |access-date=January 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124102251/http://www.blogpbxnsip.com/2010/01/pbxnsip-ip-pbx-demonstrate-sheeva-plug.html |archive-date=January 24, 2010}}
See also
- Classes of computers
- Computer appliance
- CuBox, a plug computer
- GuruPlug, a plug computer
- DreamPlug, a plug computer
- FreedomBox, an operating system
- Personal web server
- Print server
- Raspberry Pi, a single-board computer
- SheevaPlug, a plug computer
- Stick PC, a computer attached to and powered by a USB or HDMI plug
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Commons category-inline|Plug computers}}
{{Cloud computing}}
{{Computer sizes}}
{{Linux devices}}