Small black box combines Core 2 Duo processing and PCI expansion

Why, thank you Thing.(Credit: Stealth Computer)

Stealth Computer let slip a new LittlePC today, one that combines a Core 2 Duo processor with a PCI expansion slot. The LPC-450PCI is basically a Core 2 Duo version of the single-core LPC-350PCI covered here last year. Both models use the same chassis, which is displayed by Thing and features room via a riser card for a PCI expansion card. With a Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, an optical drive, and a host of connections--Ethernet, serial, USB 2.0, FireWire, video, audio--this LittlePC packs in many of the features you'd find on a full-size desktop. You'll want to make sure you're buying a LittlePC for some sort of demanding industrial scenario, however, because these custom-built, small-form-factor PCs count among their best customers large commercial and scientific enterprises, militaries, and governments. For small militias, I'd recommend they look at an HP Pavilion Slimline. You see, all of Stealth Computer's miniaturization--and accompanying ruggedness and reliability--comes at a price. Carrying a considerable premium, the baseline LPC-450PCI costs $1,450, or nearly 2.5 times as much as the baseline $599 Mac Mini that boasts a faster Core 2 Duo processor and twice the RAM.