Neoware CA21: Hardware 

• Hardware
• Firmware
• Linux

Specifications

It looks like this neoware unit came out after the HP take over as it doesn't carry the usual Neoware XX-XX-XX part number. (Well there is one but has had a plain white label put over the top. Through it I can just make out DC-00-00).

The basic specs are:

Processor
Type    Speed	VIA Eden 800MHz
Memory
Flash    RAM	256M (max ?) 512Mb (max ?)
Video
Chip    Max resolution	??VIA VT8623 (Apollo CLE266) 1600 x 1200 32-bit colour
Ports
Network    USB    Serial    Parallel    PS/2	10/100 4 x USB2.0 2 1 Kybd & mouse
Power
Off    Running	4 W 19W
Dimensions
W x H x D	240mmm x 42mm x 222mm

CPU

For those to whom it matters here is some detail from Linux's /proc/cpuinfo

vendor_id	:	CentaurHauls
cpu family	:	6
model	:	13
model name	:	VIA Eden Processor 800MHz
stepping	:	0

Power Supply

The Neoware CA21 has an integral mains power supply and just requires a mains lead with the usual IEC style socket.

Expansion

Both the Flash memory and the RAM in the CA21 are easily replaceable.

Flash: The flash is a "DiskOnModule" that interfaces via a 44-pin IDE connector. I've connected various laptop drives and Compact Flash cards to this interface and booted various flavours of Linux.

RAM: The RAM is a 200-pin DDR SODIMM. The 512MB SODIMM fitted to my model is a PC2-4200S.

Click on the photo for a larger version.

Any comments? email me. Last update December 2010