Those who are already combing their gray hair when they see pictures of Abacus, the Pentaform project, I’m sure you remember those computers from the eighties which with the force of the tsunami entered our homes and caused a revolution in everything. I am thinking, of course, of the systems contained in the case, at the top of which was the keyboard. For many people who did not live at the time and who do not know these systems, Spectrum could at first glance be considered a keyboard instead of a complete CPU with a built-in keyboard.

The first look at the Abacus evokes the same feeling, because what we see is the keyboard with the touchpad on the right, although it is true that the keys do not seem to have a big stroke, which is a bit strange that it is. high. The explanation is found when we know it inside are all the componentsincluding the Intel processor, so all you have to do is connect it to the mains and the monitor to get started.

To motorize this Abacus, Pentaform turned to its own version of the chip Intel Atom x5-Z8350 Cherry quad core at 1.44 GHz (1.84 in turbo mode) which is supported 2, 4 or 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM at 1866 Mbps, Intel Gen8 HD graphics at 500 megahertz and storage eMMC between 16 and 128 gigabytesexpandable via SD card up to 512 gigabytes.

This Abacus surprises in the connectivity section and this is where we find it in the wireless section Wi-Fi AC and Bluetooth 4.2which are complemented by USB 3.0 Type C and Type 2.0 2.0 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an audio minijack and a Gigabit Ethernet port. All integrated in a housing made of biodegradable polymer and with internal components that are designed to be repaired and recycled.

Abacus is also a particularly sustainable system in terms of its consumption. As you have already seen, we are talking about a basic product range, but more than suitable for many common uses, from browsing the Internet to performing office tasks. However, the key to these components is their low consumption, which according to Pentaform can be quantified at only 31 kilowatts per yearin comparison with its efficiency with the efficiency of a 3-watt LED bulb.

Another very important point of Abacus is its price. Although its commercialization has not yet begun, it is assumed that it will be in the near future, because it is scheduled for the end of June, respectively. your starting price will be 120 GBP (less than 140 euros according to the current exchange rate). According to them, the company’s goal is to create the cheapest computer on the market, which will facilitate access to the Internet for users with less resources. And while it’s true that there are cheaper variants like the Raspberry Pi, it’s indisputable that as a Windows-compatible Mini-PC, its price is quite groundbreaking.

More information: Pentaform