Ampro Announces Complete Line of Linux(R) 2.6 Computers

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampro Computers, Inc., a leading supplier of standards-based embedded computers and single board computers, today announced the re-introduction of the ReadySystem(TM) family of embedded computers with Linux(R) 2.6 to help customers, OEMs, and system integrators rapidly deploy Ampro products into the smallest possible application environments. The new ReadySystem bench-top and wall-mount computers include the ReadySystem 1U, ReadySystem 2U, and ReadySystem ATX with Linux 2.6. Other operating systems will be available starting in Q2 2006.

Ampro's ReadySystem 1U computer is an ideal application-ready Linux computer for space-constrained environments. Featuring desktop-style Fedora Core 3 Linux pre-installed on the hard drive, the ReadySystem 1U uses an industry standard 1U height [180mm (w) x 44mm (h) x 203mm (d)]. The ReadySystem 1U features Ampro ReadyBoard(TM) SBCs with Intel(R) processors from 400 MHz Celeron(R) to 1.4 GHz Pentium(R) M, bringing high computing performance with low power consumption and all electronics in a compact housing for stand-alone applications. ReadySystem 1U includes a robust set of I/O and can be configured with various memory sizes, hard disk, and/or Compact Flash options.

The ReadySystem 2U computer offers customizable I/O expansion to Linux users, and uses an industry standard 2U height. It provides expansion 'slots' for two PC/104, PC/104-Plus or PCI-104 expansion cards. The ReadySystem 2U is 180mm (w) x 88mm (h) x 152mm (d) and is easy to integrate with expansion I/O through convenient customizable I/O panels. Performance is scalable from 400 MHz to 1.4 GHz.

The ReadySystem ATX computer offers customizable I/O expansion, up to two PC/104 modules, and includes an integrated ATX power supply.

ReadySystem computers use any of the products in the ReadyBoard family, up to 1GB DRAM, and a 40GB hard disk drive, integrated into a complete system with Fedora Core 3 Linux installed on HDD. Compact Flash can be added for additional storage, or as the boot device for more rugged environments.

Starting in Q2, ReadySystem will be offered with a choice of operating systems, Windows(R) XP, XPe, or CE 5.0 as well as Linux 2.6.

"Ampro's standard EPIC form factor SBCs and new smaller ReadySystem computers provide an unbeatable combination for space-constrained full featured embedded systems," said Joanne Mumola Williams, president and CEO of Ampro. "Customers now get even more support to get EPIC-based medical, industrial and instrumentation products rapidly to market. ReadySystem products provide a complete, flexible, yet inexpensive solution that meets the requirements of many computer system customers."

Ampro ReadySystem computers are designed for wall-mount and desktop applications. In addition, rack mount ears are available for both enclosures, enabling the use of inexpensive computers in a high density rack environment. PC-style connectors on each ReadySystem I/O panel provides easy access to USB ports, 2 Ethernet ports (RJ45), dual serial ports (DB9), CRT video, PS/2 keyboard and mouse port, three audio jacks (line in, line out and microphone in) and LEDs for power and HDD activity. Additional I/O ports on the ReadySystem 2U and ATX include two additional DB9 serial ports (for a total of four), two additional USB ports (for a total of four). ReadySystem computers also provide external access to the CompactFlash slot with a convenient and EMI-protected cover. The operating environment is 0-45 degrees C for both systems. ReadySystem 1U and 2U are DC-powered, using either customer-supplied 12-24V or optional external Ampro AC/DC brick supply, while ReadySystem ATX contains an integrated ATX power supply with 110/220V AC input. Pricing and Availability

ReadySystem computer Quick Start Kits are available now and come complete with DC power converter and all cables and necessary hardware. The ReadySystem 1U, 2U, ATX are available now. Prices start under $977 in small quantities.

For product photos, please use the following link: http://www.ampro.com/html/RS.gif About Ampro Computers, Inc.

Ampro Computers, Inc. is the leading global provider of modular embedded computing solutions for OEM applications. Ampro's mission is to provide time saving solutions for embedded systems designers that accelerate the product deployment process. Ampro pioneered the embedded PC industry creating the popular PC/104 and EBX standards, and recently co-invented the new EPIC standard and the new Epic Express standard. Ampro offers the ReadySystem Computer as a complete turnkey industry computer solution, the ETX Computer-on-Module, PC/104-compatible CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, EBX form factor LittleBoard single-board computers (SBCs), EPIC form factor ReadyBoard SBCs, and Mini-ITX form factor MightyBoard SBCs. For more information about Ampro Computers, please visit http://www.ampro.com.

NOTE: AMPRO is a registered trademark and CoreModule, LittleBoard, Little Board, MightyBoard, MiniModule, ReadyBoard, and ReadySystem, are trademarks of Ampro Computers, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.