We cover a lot of macOS and Windows 10 news here on the site but we don’t always cover Linux as much as we should. Part of that is because we don’t have anyone on staff who uses the OS on a daily basis. There was a time though that I used Linux extensively when I was dead broke. I built my PC’s out of spare parts and installed Linux on them to get things working.
Back then it was a chore to get just about anything to work properly, finding the proper drivers, or even finding the right programs to open certain files took time to put together. Linux has evolved a lot over the years and many distros offer out of the box functionality that I never knew. Panther is launching a Kickstarter for a personal micro PC that is Linux-based and very affordable. Check out the full press release below and hit the Kickstarter link below to support the project if you find it may fit your needs.
PALO ALTO, CA (NOVEMBER 3, 2016) – Panther MPC Inc. today announced the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for its Panther Alpha personal micro PC featuring the company’s powerful and easy to use Panther OS. The compact design packs inside the latest hardware and software for personal computing with endless possibilities. Functional, powerful and there when you need it; unobtrusive when you don’t. The campaign begins November 3, 2016, and early adopters can take advantage of the $79 price for Kickstarter backers. Expected ship date is January 2017. For more information, visit http://ypc.io/2eAGfv9.
The Panther Alpha is the culmination of years of industry innovation and development coming together in a confluence of events: today’s ARM chips are powerful enough, there is more of a focus of Linux on ARM, leading to the ability to offer a highly energy efficient yet powerful micro-computer. The singular goal was to create a micro PC with focused technology that maximizes usability with a purpose-driven approach to system and components. The result – the smallest, most versatile customizable micro PC on the market – with a fully open source operating system.
“At Panther, we believe that open source is the way forward,” said Franz Geffke, Founder and CEO of Panther MPC Inc. “Its true core is collaboration: of skill, talent, and brilliance. The most innovative and world-changing leaps forward have been made by people coming together over a vision and a shared purpose, and the Panther Alpha is designed as the perfect tool to help propel our user’s visions.”
(Small) Size is Power
The Panther Alpha compacts the features of a true desktop PC into a sleek design that fits in the palm of your hand. Whisper quiet with no fan or HDD noises, and powered by energy efficient ARM quad-core chipset, the Panther Alpha is a perfect fit anywhere, for any user. Unlike most micro PCs, the Panther Alpha offers a true desktop experience with mouse, keyboard input, microSD card slot, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB functionality. The portable and compact shape allows it to integrate seamlessly into any environment – business, home, and school. It’s not just a PC you can carry in your pocket – it’s the only PC you’ll ever need. Whether for entertainment at home or powering productivity software at work – the Panther Alpha plugs into your existing hardware to meet your every computing need.
Open Source, Infinite Potential
Panther Alpha runs Panther OS, an open source custom Linux operating system loaded with functionality and possibility. Panther OS comes pre-loaded with an abundance of applications for personal and enterprise use. Chat, email, productivity, music, movies, editing, browsing, or web surfing – everything you need is right in the box, optimized for the best Panther Alpha experience.
An available app store provides additional customization options, offering apps on Panther Alpha tested Open Source software free from licensing restrictions. Unrestricted use, unrestricted imagination, and endless possibilities for use. Customize your micro PC for your exact needs. The Linux based OS offers stable, secure, and nearly virus free use – central features for individual home users and enterprise adopters. Built on powerful source codes, Panther OS will receive regular security updates and bug fixes directly from Panther MPC, so your device can grow with you.
The Panther OS was designed with usability in mind. An unfamiliar OS is a hassle, and for businesses making a transition, it can be costly in both funds and productivity. That’s why we’re bringing you a platform that fits seamlessly with the majority’s computer experience and offers all the advantages of Linux: unparalleled security, complete control, and support you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you are coming from a Windows or Mac environment, you’ll instantly feel right at home with Panther.
Specs Include:
- 2 GHz 64bit Quad Core CPU
- 2GB DD3 RAM
- 32GB eMMC
- 1000 Mbit Ethernet
- 2.4/5GHz 802.11n Wireless
- Bluetooth 4.0
- HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm audio
- microSD Card Reader
- 2x USB ports
- Built-in VPN support
- Microsoft-compatible office productivity suite
- Powered by 5V DC plug (included)
What do you think about the Panther Alpha? Is it something you’re likely to back? Let us know in the comments below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=”https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/panthermpc/panther-alpha-the-super-mini-computer?utm_source=web&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=kickstarter” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Kickstarter[/button]Last Updated on January 23, 2017.
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