RedPost Ubuntu-Based 19″ PC/Digital Picture Frame Closer to Release

Written on Aug 5, 2008 by Brian and filed under News

RedPost has announced the next phase of its Ubuntu-driven hardware with the formation of a strategic partnership with Hurco Automation. Hurco will manufacture RedPost’s new Sign, a 19″ all-in-one PC with the capability to be a digital photo frame or digital sign, when connected to RedPost’s Linux software.

The RedPost Kit, a do-it-yourself digital photo frame kit, launched in June of 2007. The Sign(beta) followed this past April with the production grade version of the Sign shipping this October. The Sign includes a 19″ LCD, a VIA motherboard with 1.5 GHz C7 microprocessor, 1 GB of memory, built-in WiFi and a 1 year warranty.

RedPost also announced today a major upgrade to Wicker, the customized-Ubuntu that runs on every Sign. Wicker is available for download and is now running Ubuntu 8.04 and Firefox 3.

Every Sign runs Firefox so anything that appears on the web, including text, graphics, Flash animation and short video clips, can appear on a Sign, organized into simple playlists through RedPost’s software.

Quick Specs

• 1280×1024 19″ display
• 700:1 contrast ratio
• VIA C7-D 1.5 GHz NanoBGA2 Processor
• 1GB RAM
• WiFI, Ethernet, USB, A/V ports
• Dimensions: 17.5″ wide x 14.5″ high x 3.125″ deep

Pricing and Availability

The Sign sells for $699 or can be had via 24-month lease at $59/month. Additionally, RedPost’s software starts at $15/Sign/month. The Sign begins shipping in October while the Sign(beta) continues to ship through September, priced at $599.

Obviously this is a commercial application, but the pricing is reasonable compared to other digital sign solutions currently available. This unit appears to be flexible enough to handle any display needs, including those of an advanced digital picture frame.