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ARM/x86 Hybrid AIO PC Announced

By - Source: Tom's Hardware US

Users can go from one processor to the other simply by using the ALT-TAB command.

Friday CUPP Computing revealed a prototype hybrid PC it calls the Computicator. The rig--designed as an "always on" device--combines an x86/IA processor with an ARM/RISC processor in one platform, allowing the end user to choose between high performance and power saving modes simply by using the ALT-TAB command.

"CUPP Computing patented the integration of low power processors into the South Bridge/IOH of PC Chipsets," the company said. "This allows the seamless integration of Hybrid environments. This demo has full accessibility to all peripheries from both user modes, and most ports are shared. The TI OMAP is running Ubuntu LXDE, Midori Web Browser and Gimp. The PC is running Windows 7 Pro and Internet Explorer."

The technical specs are as follows:

  • ARM A8, TI OMAP 3430 at 720 MHz with 512 MB RAM
  • Intel CoreDuo Dual Core at 2.3 GHz with 4 GB RAM
  • 320 GB Shared Disk
  • 16-inch Shared LCD
  • Shared Keyboard and Touchpad
  • 3 USB Shared Ports
  • HDMI Out Shared

CUPP Computing said that the hybrid PC design--when implemented on a wide scale--could have a significant impact on global power consumption. "It's hoped that this technology leads to a new class of devices we call Computicator," the company added. "It is the full convergence of computing and communication."

Several videos showcasing the prototype can be seen here. An actual finished product is expected to hit the market in Q2 2011.

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  • 0
    guanyu210379 , September 14, 2010 2:26 PM
    I think, that being able to switch between low-powered proc and high performance proc is a really good idea for mobile computing solution.You can can then choose which mode fits you during traveling and when you are at home/office.

  • 0
    shanky887614 , September 14, 2010 4:20 PM
    has nobody heard of hibanate on windows, im sure they have it on mac and linux as well so why is this even needed as allways on that would just waste power
  • 0
    jamie_macdonald , September 14, 2010 4:44 PM
    The idea is to use a low power CPU for whilst mobile and saving battery and to have "grunt" available when needed shanky ... sounds sensible to me.

    Arm are pretty good at powermanagment but as allways saving power comes with a cost. My n900 phone on the a-8 lasts ages on the default clock speed (well last the whole day) but i can kill the battery pretty quick when i clock it to 1.2 ghz ...I just hope they dont only save power at low clock speeds cause i want speed and battery improvments and the way we get that is by pushing the envelope and not being cautious/conservative.

    So good idea for a device function, but i think we need to advance more before i'm impressed (ie the base speed isnt good enough yet, so what's the point in saving power yet?).

    Nice to see it all advancing though :) 
  • 0
    MKeeper , September 21, 2010 9:47 PM
    Great .. so in future .. when I try to switch windows (using Alt-Tab) I'll be changing my CPU performance ???

    wonderful!
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