Linux computer shrunk to size of postage stamp
http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/06/stories/2007050600241200.htm

Special Correspondent

SMALL BUT POWERFUL: LinSeed squeezes a Linux-based computing engine on
a stamp-sized piece of silicon.

Bangalore: ``Honey, I've shrunk your Linux computer!'' It's now the
size of a postage stamp.

Yet, it has all the power of a full-sized board ��" complete with 32
megabytes of memory; 16 MB of storage and the interconnects needed to
fuel any standard Linux application.

The Bangalore-based EI Labs India has just released ``LinSeed version
1,'' a single chip embedded Linux computer that original
equipment-makers can use to create a host of handy devices, including
wirelessly connected pocket computers.

It will save device-makers from having to create their own custom
chips ��" and almost halve the cost of the end product, explained
Krishna Vaidyanathan, EI Labs founder and Chief Executive. If bought
in quantity, the LinSeed will cost around $100 a piece ��" and the
company also offers an evaluation board which developers can use to
build their applications around the LinSeed chip.

In the few weeks since the product was announced by this wholly `desi'
company, the chip is being widely discussed on the Web's Open Source
technology sites ��" and a number of enquiries are known to have come
from industrial product makers who see in this an easy way to craft
small handheld controllers for plants and warehouses.

Mr. Vaidyanathan, who began his career with the (Indian) Defence R&D
Organisation in Kochi, went on to help build the research efforts of
Philips in India before co-starting this product development company
in 2004.

EI Labs is also fuelled by the efforts of R. Devanathan, who came from
R&D with the Tatas, and Nalini Ramachandran, who did postgraduate work
in geography at Queen Mary's Chennai, before she guided the company's
geographic information systems group.

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Shubhranshu Choudhary Freelance Journalist
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