Topic: The SheevaPlug - (limited) server in a wall plug

[Nemesis]

Link to full article

In typical use, the SheevaPlug draws about as much power as a night-light. Yet, with 512MB each of RAM and Flash, and a 1.2GHz CPU, the unobtrusive device approaches the computing power found in the servers of only a decade ago.

Furthermore, the platform is available in single quantities, and is priced within reach of students, hobbyists, and tinkerers. Its hardware design is completely open -- everything from schematics to Gerber files will be available on a website, Marvell said. For those that do wish to build products on the platform, volume pricing could fall to $50, Marvell expects.

On the software side, the company says ARM ports of several popular Linux distributions are already running, and included. More importantly, Marvell has committed to do everything it can to ensure the best Linux support for SheevaPlug going forward. Raja Mukhopadhyay, product marketing manager, commented, "Whatever the community needs to facilitate development, we will provide the critical resources needed to facilitate that."

The SheevaPlug Plug Computer is further equipped with 512MB of DRAM and 512MB of flash. The tiny embedded PC also includes gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 ports. Marvell did not release precise dimensions for the platform, but one early product based on the design is listed as measuring 4.0 x 2.5 x 2.0 inches. Plugging directly into a standard wall socket, the Plug Computer draws less than five watts under normal operation, compared to 25-100 watts for a PC being used as a home server, claims Marvell.

The SheevaPlug development kit is available now for $100, says Marvell. More information may be found here.

It could use an SD slot for storage but I wonder if it could be used for controlling devices around the home (home security, temperature controls etc).

I wonder what its RAC would be for SETI?

[Bonk]

I don't like it.

I just don't like wall mounted external power supplies hanging on by friction alone. (let alone putting a computer into the form factor).

There are not too many server applications I'd want hanging off a wall held only by a standard 120V plug.  (note the lack of a ground lug - which would add some stability) If you plug it into a horizontal power bar no doubt it will cover the two adjacent plugs.

Why not put a power cord on it? Or perhaps bundle a mounting bracket kit so you can solidly anchor it?

The whole thing just seems too physically tenuous to me. Not robust.

Now if it used a 240V twist-lock outlet - totally different story. Such wiring is not that common however and its installation would defeat the whole convenience concept of the product.

[Nemesis]

It depends a lot on how you choose to use it and how important it is to keep working 100% of the time. 

It would be easy enough to add a short cord or cheat and use a drop of glue (easily cut through) to hold it to the wall plug. 

[Just plain old Punisher]

Those things are always falling out of wall sockets. Why not just make the whole solution integrated into the wall socket?

[Nemesis]

They could redesign it so that it has a "tab" on top that extends to the screw that holds the faceplate on. You would then unscrew the faceplate and use the same screw to hold on both the faceplate and the "sheevaplug".  That would fix the retention issue and still leaves it relatively easily portable.