According to documents on HP's site the Neoware CA10 exists in two guises - initially there was the E140 model BL-XX-XX which was later replaced by the E100 model BK-XX-XX. One difference between the two versions is that the earlier version has a VIA C3 Nehemiah 800MHz processor whilst the later one uses a 1GHz C7 processor. I guess there's probably a change in the Northbridge chip as well. What I have is a BL-01-CB. It was manufactured in April 2005.
The basic specs are:
Processor Type
SpeedVIA Nehemiah
800MHzMemory Flash
RAM32MB
128MB (max 2GB?)Video Chip
Max resolutionVIA VT8623 (Apollo CLE266)
1600 x 1200 32-bit colourPorts Network
USB
Serial
Parallel
PS/210/100
4 x USB2.0
2
1
Kybd & mousePower Off
Running9 W
28W-35WDimensions W x H x D 50mmm x 290mm x 235mm
It runs Windows CE 5.0.
The CA10 is a larger style thin client - the same size as the Neoware Eon.
For those to whom it matters here is some detail from Linux's /proc/cpuinfo
vendor_id : CentaurHauls cpu family : 6 model : 9 model name : VIA Nehemiah stepping : 8
The Neoware CA10 uses an external 12V supply. Unlike some other Neoware models this has a conventional coax socket for the power. The marking on the socket says 12V 4A but I used it with a typical 'monitor' PSU that's rated at 3.3A.
Both the Flash memory and the RAM in the CA10 are easily replaceable.
Flash: The flash is a "DiskOnModule" that interfaces via a 44-pin IDE connector.
RAM: The RAM is a 184-pin DDR DIMM. The 128MB DIMM fitted to my model was actually a DDR-400 part (PC3200). The CA10 uses the VIA CLE266 Northbridge which only supports 100/133MHz parts. Check the BIOS and you'll find whatever fast memory you fit the memory bus runs at 133MHz. I replaced the 128MB memory DIMM with two 256MB DIMMS of DDR-266 (aka PC-2100). This worked fine. According to the CLE266 data sheet it ... "Supports 4 banks up to 2 GB DRAMs (512Mb x8/x16 DRAM technology)". I haven't gone beyond 512MB.
PCI: There is also a PCI slot. To be useable you'll need to find a riser board and socket to turn it through 90 degrees to align with the opening on the rear panel (and so you can get the lid back on!)
Click on the photo for a larger version.
Any comments? email me. Last update January 2012
