Gigabyte launches Haswell updates for its Brix mini-PC line

Ultra compact PCs are gaining in popularity. Gone are the days when these systems offered poor performance and limited connectivity options. Now the latest Brix models from Gigabyte have features we're used to seeing in a full sized desktop, but squeezed down into a package smaller than the average router.

Gigabyte has added four models to the Brix line with the only difference being the CPU. They range from an Intel Celeron 2955U to an Intel Core i7 4500U. Other features include four USB 3.0 ports (two on the front and two on the back), 802.11 b/g/n wifi, Bluetooth 4.0, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort, and an Ethernet port.

Measuring only 29.9 x 107.6 x 114.4 mm (1.18 x 4.24 x 4.5 inches), the systems are small enough to be carried around easily, can run dual displays, and can also be mounted on the back of a monitor to make a low cost (and more easily repaired) all-in-one.

Pricing and availability for the new Brix PCs have not yet been announced.  Previous models were priced in the US$300 range, but these are bare-bones systems, so the user has to supply their own RAM, internal memory, and operating system.