Computer miniaturization is entering a new phase thanks to efficient components and superior integration. The phablet format is slowly gaining ground as a more convenient option between the smartphone and the tablet, and there's no reason it should be limited to ARM architecture. This brings us to the new Ockel Sirius A, an ultracompact computer with a 6-inch touchscreen that runs Windows 10.
Microsoft has been working on the Continuum concept, which with the help of a special dock transforms any Windows 10 Mobile smartphone into a computer. The limited impact of this operating system, combined with the need to purchase an extra accessory, prevented Continuum from receiving the attention it deserved, but there are other details. The idea of a "smartphone-Transformer" is not new. In fact, hybrid computers (PCs that work as tablets) do exactly that, though mobile devices present a conflict regarding architectures. ARM rules the mobile space with an iron fist, and the idea of a good "x86 smartphone" is becoming increasingly distant, especially since Intel canceled its entire Atom line for phones. Microsoft's plan is to compensate with universal apps, but the market is responding in another way, with very, very small x86 computers. One of them is the Ockel Sirius A.
Key specifications
If we had to be very superficial, we'd say the Ockel Sirius A is actually a 6-inch x86 tablet with Windows 10 as its operating system… but I can't recall a tablet that has a gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort, HDMI output, a USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio output, and a microSD slot all at the same time. The rest of the specifications tell us about WiFi ac and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, 64 gigabytes of solid-state internal storage, native 1080p resolution with 4K support for external displays, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and an Intel Atom x7-Z8750 quad-core processor at 1.6 GHz. Additional details on the Ockel Sirius A reveal built-in speakers and microphone, front camera, the classic trio of sensors, and a battery with four hours of autonomy.
Crowdfunding and availability
As with the company's previous model, the Ockel Sirius A seeks financial support via crowdfunding, this time on Indiegogo. That platform always adds a bit of doubt (after all, the Ockel Sirius B was nothing more than a modified Egreat i5), so we'll have to keep an eye on it. The cheapest option to get the Sirius A is $549, which does not include shipping costs. The first deliveries will be in May of next year.
