Shuttle KPC K4800

Linux cube is a box of value




IF YOU SPEND MOST of your time reading and composing e-mails and Word documents or surfing the Web, chances are you'll wind up paying for horsepower you'll never tap into. Enter the Shuttle KPC K4800, a low-cost, Linux-based PC that comes with (almost) everything you'll need to start computing right out of the box.

For $299.99, you get a 2GHz Intel Celeron 440 processor, 512MB of RAM, and Intel's integrated GMA 950 graphics-equipment more than capable of running the preinstalled, easy-to-use Foresight Linux OS (a Windows version of the KPC is also available). This desktop also comes with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, but you don't get a keyboard, mouse, or display-if you don't have these necessities, be prepared to spend another couple of hundred dollars.

The system has very limited expansion options other than adding more memory (up to 2GB using two slots) or a seconds hard drive; PCI slots are nonexistent. Onboard sis-channel audio and Gigabit Ethernet are standard, and you can add wireless 802.11b/g networking for an additional $55. Connectivity comprises four USB ports, DVI and analog (VGA) video inputs, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, three audio jacks, and a 15-pin serial port.




From the very first time we turned the system on, we were impressed by how quiet this box runs; if not for the blue power LED, we wouldn't have known it was plugged in. We were also pleased with how quickly and effortessly it acquired an IP address when we plugged in our Ethernet cable. Its performance in everyday tasks like burning CD and loading Web pages was adequate if not exceptional, but if that's all you need, the K4800 is one of the best deals around. -John R.Delaney

Computer Shopper November 2008
us.shuttle.com