CUPP PunkThis Packs Full ARM PC Into Your Notebook's HDD Bay

CUPP Computing had high ambitions for its hybrid PC technology, fitting a complete ARM-based mini-PC into the chassis of a regular computer, and giving users the choice between normal power and the long runtimes of the frugal chipset; now the production version, "PunkThis", is ready for showtime. A 2.5-inch SATA form-factor board, the CUPP PunkThis module is intended to replace the HDD in a typical notebook: in its place, you get a 1GHz TI OMAP DM3730 paired with 512MB of RAM, a Mini PCIe SSD to replace the host storage, and shared flash memory for both systems.

There's also plenty of connectivity support: USB Host and USB To Go, audio in/out, WiFi, a microSD slot and a keyboard controller that borrows the main notebook's 'board. Platform support includes Ubuntu and Android 2.3 (with updates promised as Google releases new versions). Battery life, meanwhile, is expected to hit 20hrs in the average 10-inch netbook, or double that if you have a Pixel Qi style low-power screen.

CUPP also plans a PunkThis Enclosure, basically a standalone housing for the board. That will have five USB ports, audio in/out, DVI, an SD card slot and headphone socket when it arrives in September.

The first netbook to get the module will be the ASUS Eee PC 1015PN, with CUPP expecting to offer a solder-less wiring kit in mid-July. Pricing should be under $200. jkkmobile grabbed some fondle-time, which you can see in the video below.

Press Release:

"Punk your PC" – 40 hour Computing

CUPP Computing has developed a 2.5" module for x-86 PCs. Codenamed "PunkThis" for PC, it is based on CUPP's patented technology and "Multi-mode computing" vision. The device enables a user to combine a high performance PC processor (x86/IA) and a low power processor (RISC/ARM) into a single platform. This allows the user to choose between low power/extended battery life and high performance/ normal battery life, enhancing their PCs functionality.

PunkThis enables more practical computing with greater battery life and a more versatile set of use cases. It allows low power applications and flexibility, with seamless access to PC processing power as needed. This module will provide over 20 hour computing in a standard netbook or 40 hours with a low power screen. (PixelQi)

The PunkThis module fits in a standard 2.5" drive bay and contains both and Mini PCIe SSD HD and an ARM processor. The ARM Processor is a TI OMAP DM3730 at 1GHz with 512MB of RAM. It is designed to be an unlocked system to allow users to modify the OS and functionality. Two USB connections (Host & USB OTG) allow uses flexibility to access and share data.

The PunkThis board will have wiring kits that allow solder-less in installation into a number of PC platforms. The Asus 1015PN is the first target for these packages. (Additional platforms will follow.)

The PunkThis desktop enclosure will give users and developers a compact desktop Computer that can be used in a number of roles. As a stand-alone computer it can be used as media center, terminal, or connected device. When used in conjunction with a desktop PunkThis provides an ideal instant on, low power system to check mail and surf the web. Developers gain the ability to target the ARM v7 code base on physical hardware while retaining the functionality of a desktop environment.

PunkThis is an open unlocked device allowing users and developers to use their imagination to find new use cases and functions for this board. This gives manufacturers and consumers the ability to easily adapt existing PC's for greater power efficiency and flexibility. Delivering functionality previously impossible in a Personal Computer.

CUPP PunkThis Techinical Specifications:

• TI DM3730 1.0Ghz A8 processor

• 512 MB RAM

• Micro SD System Memory

• Mini PCIe SSD for PC C: Drive

• Micro SD for Shared Drive

• Wifi

• USB ToGo

• USB Host

• Keyboard Controller (User Reprogrammable Keyboard Controller)

• Audio I/O

OS Development

• Ubuntu

• Android 2.3 (to be updated as new releases become available)

• Open Platform

Other:

• 20 hour battery life in 10" Netbook

• 40 hour battery life with low power screen (PixelQi)

• Sub $200 USD Price

PunkThis Enclosure: (Price undetermined)

• 5 USB Ports

• Audio I/O

• DVI I/O

• Power

• SD Card

• Head Phone Jack

Presently implemented in Asus 1015PN

Solder-less Wiring Kit for Asus 1015PN – Mid July

Module Production – Mid July

PunkThis Enclosure – Start September