Neoware Capio: Hardware 

• Hardware
• Firmware
• Development
• Linux

Specifications

For the Neoware thin clients there is a handy document on the HP website which you can use to identify exactly what you have. I think the Capio must slightly predate this as the part number is not presented in the XX-XX-XX style format (but it is close). In my case I have a 620 and an 800. The circuit boards are identical, the difference being in the operating systems and supplied memory. The labels on the back of each read: Capio 620 CP4K-HD and Capio 800 CP4K-CB. These break down as:

CP Product Line Capio 4 Software (?) - Standard software H Platform (?) - actually CE.NET C Flash Capacity C = 32Mb B RAM Capacity B = 64Mb

CP Product Line Capio 4 Software (?) - actually 'standard' K Platform (?) - Actually XPE H Flash Capacity H = 192Mb D RAM Capacity D = 256Mb

The ones in my possession were manufactured in 2003.

The basic specs for the 620 are:

Processor
Type    Speed	GX1 300MHz
Memory
Flash    RAM	32M (max ?) 64Mb (max 512Mb?)
Video
Chip    Max resolution	CS5530A 1600 x 1200 32-bit colour
Ports
Network    USB    Serial    Parallel    PS/2	10/100 2 x USB?.? 1 1 Kybd & mouse
Power
Off    Running	0 W 14-18W
Dimensions
H x W x D (mm)	240 x 35 x 210 (Excluding Stand)

Power Supply

Unlike a lot of other thin clients the Neoware Capio has an internal power supply. The mains lead has a "clover leaf" style connector rather than the more usual kettle style. If your Capio came without a lead these are easy to source. The power supply is fanless.

Expansion

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

Flash: The flash can either be a Disk-On-Chip (DOC) or a DiskOnModule (DOM). The latter interfaces via a 44-pin IDE connector. The 620 (pictured) is fitted with a 32Mb DOC. The 800 is fitted with a 192Mb DOM.

I have connected a CDROM drive to the IDE connector (using a 44-pin to 40-pin adaptor) and successfully booted both Tinycore Linux and DSL. Space is limited, but it should be possible to fit a Compact Flash to IDE adaptor under the metal cover close to the IDE connector. I don't know if it would be possible to shoe horn in a 2.5" disk drive.

RAM: As far as the RAM is concerned I haven't been able to locate an actual specification for what the Capio supports, but the 64MB module fitted is a 144-pin PC133 SODIMM (133MHz-CL3). I have successfully replaced this by various 128MB and 256MB SODIMMs. Also a 512MB SODIMM (Kingston KTM-TP133/512) worked well.

Click here for a larger picture of the Capio circuit board.

Any comments? email me. Last update January 2011