We shared word of Linux Mint’s new PC, the ‘MintBox’, with you a few weeks back. Today the product has been officially announced.

Two models of the MintBox are available: a basic version with less RAM and a slower CPU/GPU combo, and a faster ‘Pro’ model in a stylised case.

The Ubuntu-based spin have been working with computer manufacturer CompuLab since late last year to bring Linux Mint to market on a range of energy efficient and fanless devices.

MintBoxes

The devices are made and sold by computing outfit ‘Compulab‘ and are Mint branded versions of the company’s successful Fit-PC3 line.

Standard features across the two models includes:

250GB HDD

8x USB ports (4 front-facing, 4 rear facing)

Dual-head display HDMI plus DisplayPort

Digital audio

Ethernet

WiFi and Bluetooth (with dual antennas)

2 eSATA ports

With the differential features being: –

MintBox Basic

APU G-T40N (1.0 GHz dual core + Radeon HD 6290

4GB RAM

Flat metal case

MintBox Pro

APU G-T56N (1.65 GHz dual core + Radeon HD 6320

8GB RAM

Ribbed metal case

What’s In it For Mint?

Although the devices are Mint branded they are not Mint-made; Linux Mint only get a 10% cut from the sale of each device.

But that’s nothing to be sniffed at.

“We’re passionate about what we do and for our very first Mint device, we wanted something unique, something special and extraordinary,” says Linux Mint lead Clement Lefebvre in his announcement.

Whilst Mint is not the first Ubuntu-based OS to ship on hardware (remember gOS?) they do join the select handful of Linux distros to have ever done so.

Price

On to price.

The MintBox Basic will set you back a cool $476 (excluding shipping costs, import duty & VAT). The ribbed ‘Pro’ model comes in a bit higher at $549 (excluding shipping costs, import duty & VAT).

Compulab typically sell the devices direct to industry (hence their super-strong casings) so whilst the MintBox marks a change in target audience and availability, the price, comparatively, doesn’t.

More information, as well as order details, can be found on the Compulab website @ fit-pc.com/web/purchase/order-direct-mintbox/