Norwegian company CUPP Computing has presented what it calls the world’s first Hybrid-PC with both ARM and x86 processors inside. The company says that its hybrid-PC opens new doors for green computing, computers that are environmental and consume minimal power.
CUPP Computings hybrid-PC houses a regular Intel Core Duo CPU at 2.3 GHz with 4GB RAM for performance. The southbridge has an integrated ARM-based SoC-krets from Texas Instruments, the ARM Cortex A8-based OMAP 3430 processor. This processor is the same model found in several smartphones on the market today and operates at 720 MHz with 512MB memory.
- ARM A8, TI OMAP 3430 at 720Mhz with 512MB RAM
- Intel CoreDuo™ Dual Core at 2.3 Ghz with 4GB RAM
- 320GB shared harddrive
- 16″ shared LCD monitor
- Shared keyboard and touchpad
- 3 shared USB ports
- Shared HDMI outputs
The idea is to let users shift seamlessly between the platforms, which use their own operating systems. Windows 7 for the Intel processor and Ubuntu Linux for the OMAP processor. With the PC platform running Windows you can do heavier things while you can do a simple “alt-tab” like switch to the ARM platform for browsing and lighter work to minimize power usage.
The integrated of the ARM circuit directly into the southbridge is patented to CUPP Computing and systems using the technology is called Computicator. Computer and communication joined.
This gives manufacturers the ability to deliver functionality previously impractical in a Personal Computer, and users the flexibility to use the PC in ways that best suits their needs. If implemented on a wide scale, this technology would have a significant impact on global power consumption.
CUPP Computing hopes to launch the first retail version of the Hybrid-PC next year, how well it works and what uses it has can be seen in the multiple videos posted on Youtube.
