Atom Computer crowdfunding Neutron mini-computer

MANILA, Philippines – A ‘new’ small form-factor computer that makes the Mac Mini look like a giant is more than just a concept. It’s called the Neutron, and its open to crowdsourced funding.

The Neutron is a portable desktop computer that can perform like its bigger brothers in the market. It is powered by the 4th Gen Haswell i3 or i5 processor, carrying up to 16GB of RAM and up to 480GB of mSATA SSD storage. With 21 days left on its Kickstarter campaign, the Neutron has already met its $30,000 goal.

The secret to its size is the company’s use of Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) boards. The NUC board for the ultra-compact form-factor was introduced by Intel back in 2012. Even with a hardware update in 2013, it didn’t quite take off in the market. With the Neutron not offering anything new from the Intel kit, it raises the question of why it will be a success if Intel didn’t.

Another issue is the price. While it does have cheaper Kickstarter-based early adopter packages, the Neutron will generally go for $900 while the Neutron Pro will sell for $1250.

By comparison, Intel sells their ‘bare’ NUC kit on Amazon for just $350 with an i5 processor, leaving more than enough to buy RAM and an SSD. After everything (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth cards, etc), it still won’t cost you the premium that the Neutron is asking for even if you adjusted the purchases to match the ‘Pro’.

In the comments section of its Kickstarter page, Atom Computer responded to the price point by saying it is “trying to compete with companies like Alienware and Dell who can assemble computers that require no more from the user that just to plug it in,” adding that the price is high due to Kickstarter taking a huge percentage per Neutron.

The Neutron will be available in 7 colors and will ship to backers “in time for the Holidays.” – Rappler.com