Mini-box Releases Smart Power Supply for Car PCs; Unit Offers Stable, Noiseless PC Power, Eliminates Car Battery Drain and Prevents Damage From Surges

FREMONT, Calif.--Jan. 1, 20058, 2005--Mini-box.com, a subsidiary of Ituner Networks Corp., has solved one of the most difficult problems in building automotive PCs, by creating a stable, noiseless, intelligent power supply that eliminates battery drain and prevents damage from power surges. Mini-Box's just released M1-ATX is the lowest cost, intelligent Mini-ITX power supply available for vehicles. The M1-ATX is designed to power VIA Technologies Inc.'s small form factor native x86 Mini-ITX mainboard, which is increasingly being adopted for entertainment systems in automobiles and boats as well as in the home.

Smart Voltage Regulation and Surge Protection

The M1-ATX protects vehicle PCs from over-voltage and under-voltage conditions and power surges from engine cranks that can damage or destroy vehicle-based PCs. The M1-ATX can operate as low as 5.7V and as high as 30V while providing strict regulation, input voltage clamping and reverse protection.

Minimizes Battery Drain

Computers consume anywhere from a few milliwatts to several watts when they are turned off, which can quickly run down a car battery. The M1-ATX manages downtime battery use by using intelligent schemes for cutting off various functions at predetermined times and shutting the computer down completely when the car battery drops below 11 volts.

Eliminates Amplifier Pops

The M1-ATX has an 'anti-thump' control that will keep amplifiers turned off while the PC starts, eliminating annoying thumps and pops.

Fanless Operation

The M1-ATX is a fanless power supply unit, providing ultra-quiet power for the entire range of VIA mini-ITX mainboards.

"Car PCs have always been a dream that has been fraught with a multitude of power problems," says Andrei Bulucea, president of Mini-box.com. "Our M1-ATX has solved those issues in one, mass produced, low cost package."

More information on the entire range of micro power supplies can be found at http://www.mini-box.com.

Open source documentation for mini-ITX power related topics can be found at www.via.com.tw/en/VInternet/power.pdf.

Availability

M1-ATX is now available for retail and OEM sales at http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.13/it.A/id.356/.f and other reseller sites. For additional information, please contact at m1-atx@mini-box.com.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: To request a M1-ATX power supply for review, please contact Andrei Bulucea or Maxine Moritz.

PICTURE GALLERY

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