VIA Epia M motherboard - when?

[Andy Mc]

I'm very interested in the VIA Epia motherboards (to build an MP3 player), but VIA have just announced specs for a new version, the 'M'. It seems similar to the existing Epia boards, but supports DDR ram and USB 2, and firewire. Details are here:
http://www.viavpsd.com/product/epia_m_spec.jsp?motherboardId=81

Anyone know when these boards might become available in the UK, and at what price?

Thanks

Andy

[PJ Matthews]

I bet you it ships by the end of the month, and will be available for purchase not long afterwards.

This is a board I am very much waiting for myself. The features it has, in such a space, is nothing short of amazing. Here we have 933 with more up to date graphics (so pre 2000 games will be possible - but most importantly decent dvd playback), surround sound, LAN, DDR memory, ATA 133, usb 2.0, firewire, floppy!!!! and the list goes on.

Those who wish to build themselves a new entertainment centre should look no further this board. This is the centre piece of VIAs push into just that market (by OEMing to other companies). The recent concept PC based around this board was one such demonstration of the technology. Notice the Windows XP Remote control? Hopefully this could mean a deal done with Microsoft so that we the public can get this new OS and remote.

How much will it cost? Due to VIAs push, they will not ask silly money. It should stabilise sub £100, probably around £90 with in a few months of launch. Will this see a price drop on the exisiting Epias? No, they fill a different gap to this board, althouth you could well expect a very slight drop in price (no more than a few pounds).

What we 'SHOULD' see, its a larger VIA push for (micro - I'm morally right, technically wrong :) )ITX cases.

For a simple MP3 player, this is over kill, the current Eden board with the 500 processor will suit your needs far better. If you wish to create a true 'digital centre(/er)', then look no further than this. Shuttles are over priced (the cast majority) when compared to this although I feel both will go seperate ways with their markets.

Taaa

Bala Bala - PEEJ

[cyberdude2403]

Do you think that the new boards will perform better for DivX playback .. because that would be ultra neat... However I'm thinking Chyang Fun MiniCube Mini-ITX Case would look nice .. but the backplate isn't the right shape .. I just hope Chyang release a new version of the case.

[PJ Matthews]

It'll perform far better play back due to the uprated processor and better graphics. I'm betting the manufacture of the Chyang Fun MiniCube Mini-ITX is kicking itself. I too thought the current backplane would be the standard for ALL itx boards but it seems not. This is a pain in the ass as my SFF project (may be finished today :d) has specific cut outs for the rear holes, and I planned to upgrade the bugger to this board. I may cut a square now instead and use the cut up backplate to stay in place.

Its a fantastic board. I can't wait for kustom to get them. I suspect Graeme will start hearing things from his supplier soon about availablility.

[PJ Matthews]

AAHHH - Ive run out of cutting discs! Wheres the best place to get more dremel style cutting discs?

PJ

[The Pimp]

I can give you a number PJ of a good friend of mine who supplies the dental labs with cutting discs, diamnd burrs etc. I don't know how cheap he is though compared to other companies as he only supplies the very best & the dental industry is expensive anyway.

[PJ Matthews]

I just need a bog standard cutting disc - Can't find the said discs at B&Q.

[mad frog]

I've been interested in this EPIA-M motherboard as well, and have found out via a supplier that VIA Europe says that these boards will go into production in late November.

[PJ Matthews]

You mean Ultim8pc. Don't believe everything he says, his dates he quotes are usually wayyy out. It certainly was with the epia AND SS51.

[mad frog]

Why would he lie?

[Zozart]

He didnt say he lied, he just said he was wrong.. theres a difference ;)

[mad frog]

Sorry, but he did imply it. The only reason I even tried to leave the original message was to try to be helpful by passing on what I was told. Cheers just wanted to get that off my chest. No hard feeling.

[JIM]

Hi I got a supply of dremmel cutting disks at Homebase in Irvine
Jim

[Fireblade]

if ye can't get hold of the discs ye need locally PJ... have a look at Ensign Accessories (http://www.ensign-accessories.co.uk/)website... they've usually got sumthin' ;)

[PJ Matthews]

I wasn't implying he lied - just that hes wrong cheers!

I now have some cutting discs - for a wittle while till they worn down to nothing :).