In fact, the Linutop pc comes with a 1GB USB stick with the OS preloaded. For upgrades, you need another stick of minimally that size. And really, if you want to try it out, get a Ubuntu live CD; there's no difference AFAICS.

(Linutop upgrades the OS over the 'Net, but it cannot upgrade a running OS, so that's why you need the second stick)

well, i just ordered VIA ARTiGO Pico-ITX Builder Kit = $279.00

will see what will happen.

there is a feller on ebay that sells linutop for $199 + shipping. i'm still on the fence thinking of buying it, weird that nobody else pulled a trigger.


btw, if anyone wants, here are some links i've been gathering in the last few days of non-stop googling. thanks for some of your suggestions... i have such ADD that i can't get through a page before i have to google something else....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templat...mini_computers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Rural-computer
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/2007/09...pendrivelinux/
http://www.logicsupply.com/products
http://www.imedialinux.com/
http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.12/.f
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/em...o/index.jsp#a9
http://www.norhtec.com/products/index.html
http://compactpc.com.tw/ebox-4854.htm
http://www.mini-itx.com/
http://www.fit-pc.com/new/fit-pc/about-fit-pc.html
http://www.dataevolution.com/dectop%20info%202.htm
http://damnsmalllinux.org/store/Mini_ITX_Systems
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=7754614