PRODUCT REVIEW
Shuttle's openSuse LinuXPC: A Tiny, Well-Built PC

Now Shuttle, the company famous for perfectly formed PCs, have got in on the act with the LinuXPC SD3002Q, which comes with openSuse 10.3 Linux preinstalled. It has an Intel Core 2 Duoprocessor, 1 GB RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, integrated Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) graphics, memory card reader, DVD writer, 6 USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports and wired networking.

To give you an idea of how small the LinuXPC is, imagine one of those expensive toasters by Dualit and you're not far off.

Apple-Like Casing

The LinuXPC looks lovely in its Apple-like brushed aluminum casing. Upon first switching it on, you're asked to complete a few simple tasks -- set your administrator and user details, etc. -- before the default openSuse 10.3 desktop loads. All my hardware was detected and correctly configured.

I found the Shuttle's Core 2 Duo processor and graphics pushed things along at a brisk pace. If I've a major criticism of the Shuttle, it's the lack of practical guidance for anyone new to Linux.

What the Shuttle LinuXPC boils down to is this: A degree of compromise is required.

Pluses and Minuses

On the plus side, it's a superbly built, tiny PC with a reliable Linux OS. There's enough hardware and software to make you highly productive, and with the included two-year, pick-up-and-return warranty, it's good value at Pounds 500 (US$987) including VAT (value added tax).

On the negative side, that small form means there's little room for upgrades.

That said, it still comes highly recommended.