I am looking for something like a Dell's OptiPlex (like the OptiPlex
GX60 NEW, or even better, like the ultra-small chassis OptiPlex
SX260).

The problem is I need it with 2 or 3 days and can’t wait for a Dell to
be built.  Is there any off the floor models that fit this small form
factor.

Is there other form factors which will meet my need, which is to be
able to toss it into my suitcase, pack some clothes around it, and let
the airline baggage people do their rough work on it.

It would be nice if I could add a IDE drive to it, sometime down the
line.

---

Request for Question Clarification by serenata-ga on 28 Feb 2003 22:52 PST

Hi Sherpaj - 

I'm posting this as a clarification ... I'm not sure this would be
what you might be looking for.

Compaq has an ultra slim - the EVO D510, which might be something
close to what you're looking for?
http://www.smb.compaq.com/HTML/desktops/index.asp?c=COMPSGQ2DES_x&n=D_I_DR_336x280_F_X_series&r=PCWorld_NewsProductFinder_X&t=ad

Thanks,
Serenata

I suggest the mini-pc's available from ThinkGeek.com.  These are
available from many sources, however, I recommend this retailer
because they indicate that they will ship the item in 24-36 hours on
business days, and they offer expedited shipping, as well.  This
retailer offers pre-configured models which allows them to ship them
sooner.  Also, note that these tiny machines are fully equipped, with
built-in 10/100 Ethernet, built-in 56K modem, Firewire, USB, and a
built-in television-out allowing you to connect to your hotel's TV
(S-Video or Composite) to watch DVDs when you are on the road.  Please
note that these do not include an operating system or software
applications.

Latte MiniPC: 2.4Ghz Pentium 4, 512MB RAM, 40GB Hard Drive, CDRW/DVD
$1,249.99
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/handhelds/5d5b/

Cappucino TX-3 MiniPC:  1.2Ghz Pentium 3, 512MB RAM, 30GB Hard Drive,
CDRW/DVD
$1,029.99
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/handhelds/5a98/
Note:  There is a notice that the TX-3 may take longer to ship.

ThinkGeek.com:  Expedited Shipping Information
http://www.thinkgeek.com/help/index.shtml#overnight


There are other vendors that you may wish to investigate.  However,
there is no indication of what their turn around time is for orders. 
In addition to similar models as those from ThinkGeek.com, this
particular retailer offers a slightly larger machine with expansion
bays.

SlimPro 2 Bay PC 
http://www.cappuccinopc.com/2baypc.asp


The parent company also creates a small computer with a built-in
screen, though, I suspect at that point, you would probably get a
laptop instead.  However, I thought I would include a link, for your
evaluation.

Wafer Mini PC intended for Industrial Applications
http://www.waferpc.com/


The machines from IBuyPower.com are similar, though slightly different
from those available from ThinkGeek.com.  Note that they include 2
network ports and a PCMCIA slot.  They also appear to be slightly more
expensive and perhaps slightly slower on shipping.

IBuyPower.com: Pocket ePC-3
http://www.ibuypower.com/product-pc/pocket-epc.htm


Gateway has an interesting all-in-one pc that includes a large LCD
display.  They also have the Gateway Stores which would hopefully
allow you to pick up a PC sooner than waiting for the mail.
Gateway Profile 4 Series
http://www.gateway.com/work/prod/sb_dtp_prf4.shtml


In addition to the models based on Intel architectures listed above,
there is also a small platform called mini-itx.  Unfortunately, I do
not know of any vendors with particularly rapid turn around times on
these units.  I mention them here only for the sake of completeness,
in the event that you may have further interest in this topic.  They
are significantly less expensive than the above alternatives.

Excellent Mini-ITX resource based in the UK
http://www.mini-itx.com/

Idot.com: iBox minipc mini-itx computers
http://www.idot.com/TheStore/minibook/default.asp?Cate.id=19

Other web sites that you may find interesting:
LittlePC
http://www.littlepc.com/



Search Strategy:  I have personal knowledge of these form factors.

Search Terms:  mini itx
://www.google.com/search?q=mini+itx

I hope you have found the provided information useful and easy to
understand.  If you have any questions about this information, please
do not hesitate to post a clarification request.

thanks much.  Also thanks tons to Serenata for the tip about dell overstock models.

Dell has a couple of the Optiplex refurbished  and ready to ship out
the door ... if you're interested ...

http://outlet.us.dell.com/Dispatcher?target=InventoryPage&action=filter&lob=OPTI&tgtSeg=I&srcType=xml&srcDetail=offer

I have gotten overnight shipments from them when they have inventory
on hand.

Serenata

You might be interested in one of these:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/epsmalpc.html

(Note sure about US suppliers or shipping though.)