VIA APC Review
If Raspberry Pi was in news for being one of the cheapest integrated solutions for computing, then ‘VIA’ is here in the market of cheap mini-computer to take on Raspberry Pi with its android PC.
Taiwanese Hardware manufacturer VIA launched Android PC system (APC) in competition to other cheap and compact PCs in the market. VIA has been known for making PC components till now including Motherboard chipsets.
Raspberry Pi is launched targeting Education of Kids especially for Computer Science teaching and for curious hackers. On the other hand its rival APC is launched eyeing firmly on the developing technological world.
Company has claimed during the unveiling of the device that the main focus behind APC’s launch is to bring convenience and familiarity of Android PC in affordable price which is expected to open up new avenues for markets and applications.
All about VIA APC
VIA APC, technically called APC 8750, is armed with VIA WonderMedia ARM 11 CPU on the chip which clocks at800MHz – 100MHz speedier than Raspberry Pi. The Mini PC is based on Neo-ITX standard format and is consisting of 512MB DDR3 memory which is twice more than Pi.
It is also incorporated with 2GB of NAND Flash memory and 3D graphical support for 720p resolutions rendering while Pi can manage 1080p or higher resolutions. The PCB is integrated with HDMI connectivity on the caseless structure along with 4 USB interfaces, VGA port, MicroSD Card slot and Audio Out/In port.
APC is designed mainly for the people who are seeking an alternative to Windows PC or for those who like to be connected to internet throughout the day. The system is incorporated with Ethernet port for connecting to Internet at 100Mbps but there’s no Wi-Fi support.
The PC system runs on customized version of Android OS which is optimized with externally plugged in Keyboard and mouse input. APC is compatible with MacroATX and Mini-ITX form factors. When you’ll look on it, this 17cm x 8.5 cm board will look like a shell less motherboard.
APC is designed to deliver high efficient performance consuming only 4 watts while operating at Idle Power and at maximum load it consumes 13.5 watts power. Compared to the standard PC power construction, this is ten times lesser and ensures substantial power savings during large scale distributions.
The APC cannot be called Tiny and comes in a bit larger size and tad expensive range than Raspberry Pi. WhileRaspberry Pi cost Rs.1400 ($25), VIA APC is slapped the price tag of approx. 4K ($74).
Key features of the Via Android PC :
- VIA WonderMedia ARM 11 SoC
- Optimized Android OS
- 512 DDR3 SDRAM
- 2GB NAND Flash
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- One 10/100 Ethernet port
- Audio-out/ Mic-in
- 15W power adapter
- VGA and HDMI display ports
- HD TV support
- Hardware acceleration of the most demanding video formats
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