AOpen Launches Pandora Mini PC That Looks Like Mac Mini

[Nomad559]

AOpen Launches Pandora Mini PC That Looks Like Mac Mini

When we first heard of AOpen's upcoming Pandora small form factor system at Computex 2005, we thought that it was nothing more than a lawsuit waiting to happen. It looks like Steve Jobs over at Apple has taken mercy on the AOpen Pandora as it is being launched as scheduled this month. At first glance the outside may look like an Apple, but it is far from that.

AOpen is going to offer the Pandora in both Windows and Linux configurations, which is a good move as it helps lower the price points. The Pandora will be available in North America just in time for Christmas shoppers.

Sadly they will not offer a barebone version or just the chassis all by itself. They will be sold as complete systems only. Estimated prices are: Linux based ($399/unit) or Windows based ($499/unit). That is a very low price point considering that the Mac Mini starts around $499 and comes without a monitor and keyboard! Looks like AOpen pulled off one heck of a mini PC just before the holiday shopping season.