You've fussed constantly over the Neo FreeRunner for a month now and you want to give it a bit of a break.
So a new Linux-based media server to be released this month might be the ticket to keep the penguin-jonesing on track. However, there are two warning flags that must be thrown: It's expensive ($2000) and comes from a company, Cirgon, best known for digital frames.
Following in the growing strategy of niche-seeking companies offering Linux-based products, Cirgon's Encore supports 1080i HD resolution and features 320GB, 500GB, and 750GB hard drive options. Its Fedora-Linux OS is tasked with managing music, photo, and video, but will also come with a simple graphic design (see below). In other words, don't expect the sweet stylings of the Apple TV's UI.
Like other Linux products, it is expected to be reliable and run efficiently with a low-power CPU. It also features, TOSlink digital audio out, 10/100 ethernet and 3 USB 2.0 ports, a Sony CD/DVD player/burner, and triple RCA jack for the 1080i component video/DVI.
Unfortunately, there's no WiFi, and for that price (even with the large capacity), a boost up the line to a Blu-ray player might have been more appropriate.
So in fact, it might just be cheaper to make your own Linux media server, or buy the Everex green PC. Scoop up a nice mix of Ubuntu, an old PC, and a cheap but large hard drive from a reseller, and you could be streaming those bootlegged copies of Tropic Thunder in no time.
Source: linuxoss.com
