Neoware CA21: Hardware 

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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	256MB 512MB (max 1GB)
Video
Chip    Max resolution	VIA CN700 1920 x 1440 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.

Motherboard

The motherboard fitted to the CA21 is a WinNET G270. The one inside my example is screen printed: 'WinNET G270/G270C ver 1.0'. There is also a paper label printed V2-04.

The same basic motherboard is fitted to the Igel 3210 (and maybe the Clientron G270).

Click on the photo for a larger version.

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. I have successfully replaced this by a 1GB part - MT16HTF12864HY-667B3. Interestingly, when I tried out two 1GB Hynix PC2-5300S modules (HYMP112S64CP6), after about 5 seconds the BIOS screen slowly dissolved into an array of multicoloured blocks. This Hynix RAM works perfectly in an HP t5730.

USB: There is a spare header on the board adjacent to the IDE connector. This provides an additional 2 USB ports.

Compact Flash: In a similar way to the CA15 the board is tracked for a CF socket which the more adventurous could add.

Any comments? email me. Last update October 2012