Taking small size and energy footprints seriously, Make magazine creators provide step-by-step instructions for building small-form factor computers from kits or scratch. They feature eight mini-computer projects including a personal video recorder, dedicated digital audio jukebox, wi-fi extender, portable firewall, and a tiny Bluetooth-powered "gumstick" to talk to cell phones and other devices. Information on running a Network File System (NFS) server, utilized by a couple of the projects, is appended. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Small Form Factor PCs is the only book available that shows you how to build small form factor PCs -- from kits and from scratch -- that are more interesting and more personalized than what a full-sized PC can give you. Included in the book are projects for building personal video recorders, versatile wireless access points, digital audio jukeboxes, portable firewalls, and much more. This book shows you how to build eight different systems, from the shoebox-sized Shuttle system down to the stick-of-gum sized gumstix.
Shoebox sized and smaller, small form factor PCs can pack as much computing muscle as anything from a PDA to a full-sized desktop computer. They consume less power, have few or no moving parts, and are very quiet. Whether you plan to use one as a standalone PC or want to embed it in your next hacking project, a small form factor PC may be the next thing you build. "Small Form Factor PCs" is the only book available that shows you how to build small form factor PCs -- from kits and from scratch -- that are more interesting and more personalized than what a full-sized PC can give you. Included in the book are projects for building personal video recorders, versatile wireless access points, digital audio jukeboxes, portable firewalls, and much more. This book shows you how to build eight different systems, from the shoebox-sized Shuttle system down to the stick-of-gum sized gumstix. With thorough illustrations and step-by-step instructions, "Small Form Factor PCs" makes it easy for anyone who wants to get started building these tiny systems. Small form factor computing is taking off, and this guide is an absolute must for anyone who wants to get in on the launch.