Skytone Alpha-400
Encyclopedia
The Skytone Alpha-400 is a Linux
-based low-cost netbook
with a 7 in 800×480 LCD screen. Its measurements (length×width×depth) are 210×140×32 mm and it weighs 0.65 kg.
It is made in China by Skytone and Exon International Technology Co Ltd, with the former providing the GNU/Linux software and the latter producing the hardware. It uses a Chinese Ingenic
Jz4730 336 MHz MIPSII
-compatible one core 32-bit system-on-a-chip
(SoC) with 128 MiB of SDRAM
, and a 1–2 GB solid state drive.
The Skytone Alpha-400 was designed with low cost and child-friendliness in mind, some versions being sold for as little as $130 retail. There is an option to swap the standard theme with a children's theme. It also comes with applications geared toward children, and a Flash player to play animated children's songs. The Flash player is not built into the browser, so Flash-dependent sites such as YouTube will not work, but a standalone Flash player is available to run .swf files and can be used to play Flash based games, and such.
The Skytone Alpha is often marketed, sometimes in slightly altered form, under many different brand names.
Here is a (probably incomplete) list of variants;
The Skytone Alpha-400 uses a customized version of Linux
, based on a 2.4.x kernel, with a user-friendly interface optimized for children.
The Linux desktop is implemented as Kiosk software
, meaning that nothing the user can do can modify the available applications, and no new applications can be (easily) added or removed.
Browsing can be done through the use of the built in browser called Bon Echo, an Alpha release of Mozilla Firefox 2, using the built-in 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port, or the integrated 802.11 Wireless LAN, but the browser does not support Flash, meaning that Flash intensive tools, such as YouTube
, cannot be used. However, recently Exon, the original design manufacturer
of most of these devices, announced full support for YouTube
and most Flash enabled websites.
The device sports three USB ports, a small but fully functioning keyboard, a touchpad, stereo speakers, and a 2 cell 2.1 Ah battery.
The Skytone Alpha's processor uses as little as 0.2 W of power, and does not have a heat sink, and thus no ventilation openings. Some versions have extra features like a VGA video port, or a USB On-The-Go
port.
So far all distributions for this device use the 2.4.20-celf3 kernel. The kernel itself is not on the root file system itself and gets loaded by u-boot
.
, fifth generation ARM architecture
, SoC (likely a Marvell PXA27x), USB 2.0 and up to 256 MiB of DDR2 memory. Another similar device comes with the 248 MHz ARM SoC AK7802Q216, 64/128 MiB of DDR RAM and Windows CE 5.0.
Skytone announced another device called Alpha 680 running Android that features a 533 MHz Jade Tech Z228 ARM
CPU. The Alpha-680 has a rotatable touchscreen
that can be turned and flipped over, so that the unit becomes a tablet computer
.
Another similar machine produced by Exon, but not sold by Skytone, comes with an x86 legacy compatible 800 MHz DM&P PDX-600 SoC CPU and is thus able to run Windows XP.
It uses a XGI Volari Z9s GPU without 3D acceleration. As it is usually sold with Windows XP preinstalled, its default configuration has 512 MiB DDR2 SDRAM
and 4/8 GB flash. It is also available with a built-in 0.3 Mpixel camera. This version was first presented at CES 2009.
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
-based low-cost netbook
Netbook
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, legacy-free, and inexpensive laptop computers.At their inception in late 2007 as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features , featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced computing...
with a 7 in 800×480 LCD screen. Its measurements (length×width×depth) are 210×140×32 mm and it weighs 0.65 kg.
It is made in China by Skytone and Exon International Technology Co Ltd, with the former providing the GNU/Linux software and the latter producing the hardware. It uses a Chinese Ingenic
Ingenic Semiconductor
Ingenic Semiconductor is a Chinese semiconductor company founded 2005 and based in Beijing.- XBurst Embeded CPUs :The XBurst CPU architecture is compatible with MIPSII and has a 8-staged pipeline.XBurst CPU technology consists of 2 parts:...
Jz4730 336 MHz MIPSII
MIPS architecture
MIPS is a reduced instruction set computer instruction set architecture developed by MIPS Technologies . The early MIPS architectures were 32-bit, and later versions were 64-bit...
-compatible one core 32-bit system-on-a-chip
System-on-a-chip
A system on a chip or system on chip is an integrated circuit that integrates all components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. It may contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often radio-frequency functions—all on a single chip substrate...
(SoC) with 128 MiB of SDRAM
SDRAM
Synchronous dynamic random access memory is dynamic random access memory that is synchronized with the system bus. Classic DRAM has an asynchronous interface, which means that it responds as quickly as possible to changes in control inputs...
, and a 1–2 GB solid state drive.
The Skytone Alpha-400 was designed with low cost and child-friendliness in mind, some versions being sold for as little as $130 retail. There is an option to swap the standard theme with a children's theme. It also comes with applications geared toward children, and a Flash player to play animated children's songs. The Flash player is not built into the browser, so Flash-dependent sites such as YouTube will not work, but a standalone Flash player is available to run .swf files and can be used to play Flash based games, and such.
Alternative names
Here is a (probably incomplete) list of variants;
- 3k Razorbook 400 (also with Windows CE and more flash memory)
- Bestlink/Belco Alpha 400
- Belco 450R
- CherryPal Africa
- CnMBook
- CnM Lifestyle CnMbook
- Datacask Jupiter 0708l
- Elonex ONEt (ONEt+ with 2 GB NAND flash)
- Exon PC701-LX
- HiVision MiniNote/NB0700
- Impulse NPX-9000
- Impulse TNX-9500
- iPC400 now available in Greece
- IDA 400 now available in India
- JAY-tech Jee-PC 400S
- Letux 400 (uses DebianDebianDebian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential...
) - Maplin miniBook
- Novatech Minibook
- PC701-LX
- Sakar MiniBook / PC-01017
- Semprotech T70AM04
- Semprotech T70DJ10
- Silverstar E-PC
- Skytone Alpha 400
- SurfOne INOS1
- Trendtac 700 EPC
- Yinlips Micro PC
Features
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
, based on a 2.4.x kernel, with a user-friendly interface optimized for children.
The Linux desktop is implemented as Kiosk software
Kiosk software
Kiosk software is the system and user interface software designed for a kiosk or Internet kiosk. Kiosk software locks down the application in order to protect the kiosk from users. Kiosk software may offer remote monitoring to manage multiple kiosks from another location...
, meaning that nothing the user can do can modify the available applications, and no new applications can be (easily) added or removed.
Browsing can be done through the use of the built in browser called Bon Echo, an Alpha release of Mozilla Firefox 2, using the built-in 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port, or the integrated 802.11 Wireless LAN, but the browser does not support Flash, meaning that Flash intensive tools, such as YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
, cannot be used. However, recently Exon, the original design manufacturer
Original Design Manufacturer
An original design manufacturer is a company which designs and manufactures a product which is specified and eventually branded by another firm for sale. Such companies allow the brand firm to produce without having to engage in the organization or running of a factory...
of most of these devices, announced full support for YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
and most Flash enabled websites.
The device sports three USB ports, a small but fully functioning keyboard, a touchpad, stereo speakers, and a 2 cell 2.1 Ah battery.
The Skytone Alpha's processor uses as little as 0.2 W of power, and does not have a heat sink, and thus no ventilation openings. Some versions have extra features like a VGA video port, or a USB On-The-Go
USB On-The-Go
USB On-The-Go, often abbreviated USB OTG, is a specification that allows USB devices such as digital audio players or mobile phones to act as a host allowing a USB Flash Drive, mouse, or keyboard to be attached.- Architecture :...
port.
Available distributions
- The default OS, based on CELinux with the matchboxMatchbox (window manager)Matchbox is a free and open source window manager for the X Window System. It is mainly intended for embedded systems and differs from most other window managers in that it only shows one window at a time...
window manager and an Asus Eee PCASUS Eee PCThe Asus Eee PC is a subnotebook/netbook computer line from ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated, and a part of the Asus Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a light weight, Linux operating system, solid-state drive , and relatively low cost...
inspired interface. - Xenium This project seems to have been abandoned.
- 3MX3MX3MX att's ipsel ini inux is a Linux based operating system designed specifically to run on small netbooks that use the following specifications:...
based on the default OS, Xenium and Debian. Comes with the jwmJWMJWM is a lightweight stacking window manager for the X Window System written by Joe Wingbermuehle. JWM is written in C and uses only Xlib at a minimum...
window manager. Release 3.1 now available provides good functionality including wi-fi stumbler, aircrack-ng, web server and a good range of browser alternatives. - DebianDebianDebian is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software primarily under the GNU General Public License along with other free software licenses. Debian GNU/Linux, which includes the GNU OS tools and Linux kernel, is a popular and influential...
etch
So far all distributions for this device use the 2.4.20-celf3 kernel. The kernel itself is not on the root file system itself and gets loaded by u-boot
Das U-Boot
Das U-Boot is an open source, primary boot loader used in embedded devices. It is available for a number of different computer architectures, including PPC, ARM, MIPS, AVR32, x86, 68k, Nios, and MicroBlaze.- Supported File Systems :...
.
Other similar devices by Exon/Skytone
The successor of the device, the Alpha 400P, comes with a 416 MHz XScaleXScale
The XScale, a microprocessor core, is Intel's and Marvell's implementation of the ARMv5 architecture, and consists of several distinct families: IXP, IXC, IOP, PXA and CE . Intel sold the PXA family to Marvell Technology Group in June 2006....
, fifth generation ARM architecture
ARM architecture
ARM is a 32-bit reduced instruction set computer instruction set architecture developed by ARM Holdings. It was named the Advanced RISC Machine, and before that, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM architecture is the most widely used 32-bit ISA in numbers produced...
, SoC (likely a Marvell PXA27x), USB 2.0 and up to 256 MiB of DDR2 memory. Another similar device comes with the 248 MHz ARM SoC AK7802Q216, 64/128 MiB of DDR RAM and Windows CE 5.0.
Skytone announced another device called Alpha 680 running Android that features a 533 MHz Jade Tech Z228 ARM
ARM architecture
ARM is a 32-bit reduced instruction set computer instruction set architecture developed by ARM Holdings. It was named the Advanced RISC Machine, and before that, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM architecture is the most widely used 32-bit ISA in numbers produced...
CPU. The Alpha-680 has a rotatable touchscreen
Touchscreen
A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
that can be turned and flipped over, so that the unit becomes a tablet computer
Tablet computer
A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a complete mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen...
.
Another similar machine produced by Exon, but not sold by Skytone, comes with an x86 legacy compatible 800 MHz DM&P PDX-600 SoC CPU and is thus able to run Windows XP.
It uses a XGI Volari Z9s GPU without 3D acceleration. As it is usually sold with Windows XP preinstalled, its default configuration has 512 MiB DDR2 SDRAM
DDR2 SDRAM
DDR2 SDRAM is a double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory interface. It supersedes the original DDR SDRAM specification and has itself been superseded by DDR3 SDRAM...
and 4/8 GB flash. It is also available with a built-in 0.3 Mpixel camera. This version was first presented at CES 2009.
Known issues
- The 3G support is limited to few USB 3G modems as a result of the old kernel. The same is true for the Wi-Fi module. The Ath5k driver used in the device for the ZD1211B module had been replaced since 2.6.18 for providing an unstable connection. As it is running 2.4.20, the old driver is still in use.
- While it is possible to install gnashGnashGnash is a media player for playing SWF files. Gnash is available both as a standalone player for desktop computers and embedded device, as well as a plugin for several browsers. It is part of the GNU Project and is a Free and open-source alternative to Adobe Flash Player...
in order to obtain FlashAdobe FlashAdobe Flash is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages. Flash is frequently used for advertisements, games and flash animations for broadcast...
support, it has been reported that the processor is too slow, so that it can take near enough to ten minutes or more for something to load. - The default distribution does not provide root access per default, but it is possible to install a root terminal through the software manager.
External links
- EngadgetEngadgetEngadget is a multilingual technology blog network with daily coverage of gadgets and consumer electronics. Though on appearance Engadget functions much like a blog and may be defined as such, much of its editorial content takes the form of an online magazine...
calls it the worlds cheapest laptop 07/21/08 - EngadgetEngadgetEngadget is a multilingual technology blog network with daily coverage of gadgets and consumer electronics. Though on appearance Engadget functions much like a blog and may be defined as such, much of its editorial content takes the form of an online magazine...
calls it the crappiest netbook you'll ever hate 12/08/08 - EngadgetEngadgetEngadget is a multilingual technology blog network with daily coverage of gadgets and consumer electronics. Though on appearance Engadget functions much like a blog and may be defined as such, much of its editorial content takes the form of an online magazine...
reviews it Alpha 400 pays a high price for low cost 12/22/08 - PC MagazinePC MagazinePC Magazine is a computer magazine published by Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. A print edition was published from 1982 to January 2009...
– Mystery Chip Powers New $299 UMPC - Review at testfreaks.com
- Review at laptopmag.com
- Exon International Technology Co Ltd, manufacturer site
- littlelinuxlaptop, fan site providing software and alternative distributions for the device
- CnM Lifestyle, more software
- Epc700 Wiki, 2.6 kernel port, backlight control, installing Debian
- 3MX, the distribution for the 400 mHz MIPS netbooks
- 3MX Board
- Ingenic XBurst, product page of the SoC
- My Wincey, software for CE version
- Skytone download page, source code, documentation, patches