MPC, AOpen Desktop PCs Are Just The Right Size

MPC ClientPro 365

MPC equipped the system with 512 Mbytes of memory (expandable to 4 Gbytes), a Seagate 80-Gbyte Serial ATA-150 hard drive, integrated Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and an integrated Intel GMA 900 graphics card. The system also features eight USB 2.0 ports (two in front, four in back and two internal), one parallel port, one serial port and PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports.

The ClientPro is easy to service, since just one captive thumbscrew holds the lid in place and a latching pin system holds drives in place without screws. A single thumb tab latch holds all expansion cards in place. A matching keyboard and optical mouse are included with the system. The MPC ClientPro 365 costs $1,399 when bundled with a matching 17-inch flat-panel display or $1,149 without that option.

MPC's single-level channel program has been in place for about three years, and benefits include access to a dedicated sales team to help solution providers with special pricing in competitive bid situations or with specific customer requirements to help close a sale. Margins vary depending on the competitive situation. MPC provides Web-based and in-person training, depending on the size of the solution provider. U.S.-based service and technical support is available 24x7.

AOpen XC cube EY855-II
AOpen's XC Cube EY855-II uses power-saving Pentium M and Celeron M processors, which have the added benefit of decreasing the amount of heat generated by the system. The XC Cube has a satin aluminum front panel and a metal hood that comes off easily. Servicing this system, however, isn't so easy. Accessing components on the motherboard often requires removing the CD-ROM drive and, in some cases, the hard drive. The chassis features one external 5.25-inch bay that houses the optical drive, one internal 3.5-inch hard-drive bay and one internal/external 3.5-inch bay that can be used for a second hard drive, floppy drive, media reader or other add-on components at a solution provider's discretion.

Because the XC Cube is so small, it is often difficult to service or upgrade. For this reason, the XC Cube is better suited for use in SMBs where only a handful of systems are installed or where system upgrades are not common. Larger companies that have hundreds of systems installed would be better off with desktops that have a more traditional design and are easier to upgrade or repair. That said, the XC Cube is perfect for small companies that want extensive functionality coupled with a bit of pizzazz on the desktop.

The Cube measures about 8 x 7.5 x 12.5 inches and weighs less than 10 pounds. The XC Cube is also perfectly suited for use at trade shows and the like, since packing, shipping and setting up a machine of its size is much easier than transporting and setting up a larger unit.

In addition to the optional Pentium M or Celeron M processor, the XC Cube comes equipped with Intel 855GME graphics capability, integrated Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, S/PDIF audio inputs and outputs, four external USB 2.0 ports, four-pin and six-pin FireWire ports, PS2 mouse and keyboard ports, a parallel port and a serial port. The motherboard features one PCI slot and one AGP 4X slot, but does not incorporate PCI Express or Serial ATA connections.

The XC Cube is easy for solution providers to customize depending on clients' specific needs. The PC is also a great option for custom-system builders. The unit costs $350 as a barebones system. The addition of a CPU, memory and hard drive add to the price. AOpen will supply system builders and/or solution providers with the peripherals needed to customize the system, and by using a Celeron processor, a minimum of memory and plain CD-ROM drive, solution providers can keep costs quite low if necessary.

On the other end of the spectrum, solution providers can create a system containing a high-end Pentium 4 processor, as much as 2 Gbytes of memory and a DVD-RW optical drive, which can add significantly to the system's cost.

AOpen's channel program was recently introduced in North America. The multitier program defines a partner's level according to business scale, geographical coverage and financial status. National distributors have access to dedicated account managers, and solution providers and OEMs work with dedicated business development managers. Top-tier national distributors and solution provider partners receive direct technical training, direct RMA service, technical consulting, MDFs and co-op marketing funds. Partners also receive marketing materials. Second-tier partners receive technical consulting services and a special marketing budget. Average margins are between 20 percent and 30 percent.