Parisian startup Linutop has started shipping a compact, Linux-based computing appliance said to draw less than six Watts. Linutop's "Linutop" can serve as a standalone PC or Linux terminal, and targets web surfing kiosks in libraries, schools, offices, hotels, hospitals, Internet cafes, and family rooms.

Linutop claims that its Linutop PC draws "less than 6 Watts" -- less energy than many computing appliances such as printers and scanners dissipate in standby mode. The device measures 3.7 x 1.1 x 5.9 inches (9.3 x 2.7 x 15 cm), and weighs 9.9 ounces (280 grams). Its compact wall-wart-style power supply incorporates a European-style plug.

Linutop is based on a 433MHz AMD Geode LX 700@0.8W processor. It has 256MB of RAM, and comes standard with a 1GB USB flash key as its main storage device. The lack of moving parts contributes to a long life cycle that generates less waste than less robust designs, the company said.

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