A plug computer is an external device, often configured for use in the
home or office as a compact
computer. The name is derived from the small configuration of such devices; they are often enclosed in an
AC power plug or
AC adapter.
Description
Plug computers consist of a high-
performance, low-power
system-on-a-chip processor, with several
I/O hardware
ports (
USB ports,
Ethernet connectors, etc.). Most versions do not have provisions for connecting a
display and are best suited as running
media servers, back-up services, or
file sharing and
remote access functions; thus acting as a bridge between in-home
protocols (such as
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and
Server Message Block (SMB)) and
cloud-based services. There are, however, plug computer offerings that have analog
VGA monitor and/or
HDMI connectors, which, along with multiple USB ports, permit the use of a display, keyboard, and mouse, thus making them full-fledged, low-power alternatives to
desktop and
laptop computers. They typically run any of a number of
Linux distributions.
Plug computers typically consume little power and are inexpensive.
On January 6, 2009
CTERA Networks launched a device called CloudPlug that provides
online backup at local disk speeds and overlays a file sharing service.[1] The device also transforms any external
USB hard drive into a
network-attached storage device.[2][3]
On January 7, 2009, Cloud Engines unveiled Pogoplug network access server.[4][5][6][7]
On January 8, 2009, Axentra announced availability of their HipServ platform.[8]
On August 19, 2009, CodeLathe announced availability of their TonidoPlug network access server.[11]
On November 13, 2009 QuadAxis launched its plug computing device product line and development platform, featuring the QuadPlug and QuadPC and running QuadMix, a modified Linux.[12]
On January 5, 2010, Iomega announced their iConnect network access server.[13]
On January 7, 2010 Pbxnsip launched its plug computing device the sipJack running pbxnsip: an IP Communications platform.[14]