Hercules eCAFE ARM Cortex A8 Netbooks running Linux

Hercules, a subsidiary of Guillemot Corporation, announced two new eCAFÉ netbooks based on Freescale i.MX515 @ 800 Mhz (ARM Cortex A8) that run a custom Linux distribution and feature a dipswitch for flipping to other user-loaded Linux or Android operating systems:

eCAFÉ Slim HD – 229 USD:
- LED screen: 10.1 inch, 1024*600, high brightness
- Storage: 8Gb Flash (iNAND), extensible up to 72Gb
- ARM Cortex^TM A8 Freescale^TM i.MX515 @ 800 MHz processor
- RAM: 512 Mb
- WiFi N technology
- Battery: 2400 mAh (7.4V) for 4.5 hours’ battery life
- Comfortable “chiclet” keyboard with flat, separate keys – 88% of a standard keyboard
- 0.3MP webcam with built-in microphone
- Connections: 3x USB, 1x Headset, 1x Microphone, 1x LAN RJ45, 1x DC-in 12V, 1x External card reader: SD/MMC/SDHC, 1x Internal card reader: SD/SDHC
- DIP Switch
- Weight: 1.9lbs / 0.86 kg

eCAFÉ EX HD – 269 USD:
- LED screen: 10.1 inch, 1024*600, high brightness
- Storage: 16Gb extensible to 72Gb: 8Go Flash (iNAND) + 8Gb SDHC card
- ARM Cortex^TM A8 Freescale^TM i.MX515 @ 800 MHz processor
- RAM: 512 Mb
- HDMI output
- WiFi N technology
- Battery: 6800 mAh (7.4V) for 13 hours + Comfortable “chiclet” keyboard with flat, separate keys – 88% of a standard keyboard
- 0.3MP webcam with built-in microphone
- Connections: 3x USB, 1x Headset, 1x Microphone, 1x LAN RJ45, 1x DC-in 12V, 1x External card reader: SD/MMC/SDHC, 1x Internal card reader: SD/SDHC
- DIP Switch
- Weight: 2.4lbs / 1.08 kg

Both devices are virtually identical, except the eCAFE EX HD features a larger battery allowing 13-hour usage versus 4.5 hours for the slim HD.

Both the Slim HD and EX HD run Linux-based Hercules eCafe Netbook Edition OS which has all features as a on a standard desktop computer, the company says. Hercules also supplies a hacker-friendly dipswitch that lets one switch to another user-loaded ARM Linux operating system, such has Android which is also support by i.MX515 target, although there is no touchscreen in the devices.

The software included the in the netbooks:

Hercules eCAFÉ^TM Sync : to transfer and manage your files simply between the eCAFE and your computer
- Transfer your files (music, videos, photos, documents, Internet favourites, etc.) between the eCAFÉ^TM (SDHC memory extension card) and your computer (PC or MAC).
- Nothing could be simpler: use the USB cable supplied to connect the eCAFÉ^TM to your computer
- Note: The eCAFE^TM Sync software may be downloaded from the www.ecafe.hercules.com site and is available for Windows XP, Vista, 7, MAC OS X and Linux
Comprehensive OpenOffice.org desktop suite (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.) – compatible with Microsoft Office
The Empathy instant messaging application compatible with Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo, AIM and Google Talk
The Gwibber application covers all social networks: for permanent connection to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Identi.ca, Frienfeed, Digg, Google Buzz, Jaiku, etc.
The Totem video player, compatible with essential formats (AVI, DIVX, MPEG2, MPEG4, Xvid, H.264, MKV, MOV, 3GP, MP4, etc.)
Minitube (Youtube player): Create playlists, search for videos, download videos from the application
Rhythmbox audio player and music management: compatible with essential audio formats (MP3, ogg, aac, wave); manages playlists, podcasts, webradio, iPod compatible, tag management, Internet information recovery (album covers, lyrics, etc.)
Other applications for daily requirements: games, multimedia, communication, Internet browser (Firefox), etc.

The company also claims as dedicated online portal with forum, developers section, etc… It is not available for now, but a “community” section is reserved on http://ecafe.hercules.com for this purpose.

Although the processor runs at 800Mhz only, the devices are able to play 720p videos and (supposely) offer good multimedia performance thanks to the OpenGL 2D/3D graphics and the video accelerator of i.MX515 processor.

The netbooks will be available for sale later this month in some countries.

Watch the teaser video below.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.