Small Form Factor Projects for Geeks

Shoebox sized and smaller, small form factor PCs can pack as much computing muscle as a full-sized desktop computer. They consume less power, have few or no moving parts, and are very quiet. Whether you plan to use one as a standalone PC or want to embed it in your next hacking project, a small form factor PC can be a lot of fun to build. "Small Form Factor Projects for Geeks" is the only book available that shows you how to build small form factor PCs - from kits and from scratch - that are more interesting and more personalized than what a full-sized PC can give you. Included in the book are projects for building personal video recorders, versatile wireless access points, digital audio jukeboxes, portable firewalls, and much more. This book shows you how to build eight different systems, from the shoebox-sized Shuttle system down to the stick-of-gum sized gumstix.
Its features: Digital Jukebox - play your music collection with this Mini-ITX system that will fit anywhere; Digital Video Recorder - record and watch live television using a Shuttle ST62k-based system; Network Appliances - create and configure your own router and network monitor using embedded computers from Soekris; Wi-Fi Extender - extend the range of your Wi-Fi network with the Access Cube; Portable Firewall - protect your computer from unknown networks with a USB-powered firewall based on the OpenBlocks; Handheld Wi-Fi Console - turn the ZipIt Wireless Messenger into a go-anywhere, text-only, wireless handheld; Tiny Bluetooth gizmo - use the Bluetooth-powered gumstix computer to talk to cell phones, PDAs, and more. With detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions, this book makes it easy for anyone to get started building these exciting, small PCs. Small form factor computing is taking off, and this guide is an absolute must for anyone who wants to get in on the fun.