ALUSA Atom Desktop

For the past several weeks I have been testing out the ALUSA Atom Desktop with Linux. As implied by the name it's an Intel Atom powered desktop/nettop computer, but this Atom system comes out of Portugal from a small Linux-focused start-up company.

ALUSA is a new company out of Portugal and they describe this Atom-powered desktop as "a small computer, lightweight, with low power consumption it is ideal for web browsing, listening to music, watching movies, working on documents and playing some casual games." This desktop packs an Intel Atom D525 1.8GHz CPU, a motherboard with an Intel NM10 chipset and GMA3150 graphics, 2GB of DDR3 system memory, a 500GB SATA 2.0 HDD, an SD/SDHC/MS/MMC card reader, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 2.0 ports, and 7.1-channel audio.

The ALUSA Atom Desktop is housed within a small 190 x 135 x 25 mm chassis and the weight of the assembled PC is just about 450 grams. This PC relies upon an external 65-Watt, 19V power supply. ALUSA isn't actually manufacturing the system but it's a Foxconn unit. The exposed DMI information indicates the OEM as being a Foxconn NETBOX nT-435/nT-535 unit.

Including with the system were just the essentials and without any product manual, Linux LiveUSB sticks, or any extras at all. Any Foxconn documentation was also left out nor anything to separate it from simply buying the barebone Foxconn system and installing Linux yourself. These accessories included a VESA mounting bracket, vertical case stand, WiFi antenna, power adapter, and power cord. Included with the PC was a European power plug, as a forewarning if you're an American planning to buy a product from ALUSA.