Hardware

Cracking Open nComputing's L200 PC Expanion

By · November 20, 2007, 6:00 AM PST · erikeckel

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  • nComputing L200 PC Expanion

    By Erik Eckel

    The L200 PC Expanion packaging boasts the ability to connect 30 users to a single system.

    Curious about whether it is the Right Tool for the Job? Read a concise summary of the nComputing L200 PC Expanion's strengths and weaknesses in this blog post.

    View this image gallery to see what I found when I cracked it open.

  • PC Expanion Packaging

    The PC Expanion ships in a box with a power adapter, quick installation guide, the PC Expanion device itself, a CD, Ethernet cable and a User's Guide.

  • The PC Expanion Device

    Here's the PC Expanion device itself, as seen from the front.

  • The PC Expanion: Side View

    The PC Expanion, as seen from the side. The unit ships in an attractive black and silver case.

  • The PC Expanion Device: Rear View

    The PC Expanion's rear possesses all the ports required to connect a user to a shared host. In addition to serial and USB ports, the unit boasts Ethernet, PS/2, VGA and speaker ports.

  • The PC Expanion Device: Bottom Side

    The PC Expanion's bottom features a molded plastic shell possessing numerous vents.

  • Cracking Open The L200 PC Expanion

    Removing the rubberized feet reveals Philips heads screws. The four screws (one in each corner) must be removed to disassemble the computer terminal.

  • Opening The L200 PC Expanion

    The L200's Philips head screws are easily removed from beneath the unit's rubberized feet.

  • Inside The PC Expanion

    Once the four Philips head screws are removed, the unit's top cover easily slides free.

  • Inside The PC Expanion

    With the top cover removed, here's a glimpse inside the PC Expanion. Readily evident, just to the left of center, is the CPU that powers the computer access terminal.

  • The nComputing CPU

    Here's a close up look at the nComputing proprietary CPU, as well as a supporting Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc. (ISSI) chip (to the right).

    The nComputing device uses a UTMA platform design using System on Chip (SoC) architecture, 512KB flash ROM for the network computer operating system (NCOS) and 8MB SDRAM.

  • nComputing L200 Capacitors

    In addition to several capacitors that help power the access terminal's printed circuit board and corresponding components, you can make out the power adapter switch connection (red) to the bottom right in this view.

  • Removing The Circuit Board

    The entire circuit board is secured to the L200's bottom plastic case by a single Philips head screw (shown here).

  • The nComputing Circuit Board

    With the single securing Philips head screw removed, the nComputing access terminal's circuit board is easily removed from its plastic housing.

  • The nComputing Circuit Board

    Here's a close look, from the front, of the nComputing circuit board. nComputing manufacturers the board, as well as the main processor.

    Scanning the board, moving from the top left to right, you can see the power switch (with the red connector), the power adapter port, the stereo speaker connection (in green), the (blue) VGA port, the keyboard and mouse PS/2 connectors, the Ethernet and serial ports and the USB port.

  • The L200's Bottom Plastic Shell

    This is the black bottom plastic shell that holds the nComputing circuit board. In this image the backside of the bottom shell is closest to you.

  • The L200's Bottom Plastic Shell

    Here's the PC Expanion's bottom plastic shell, upside right and seen from the front.

  • Inside the L200's Top Cover

    Here's a look inside the L200's top cover.

  • nComputing L200 PC Expanion: Disassembled

    Here are all the components that compose the L200 PC Expanion.

    The black bottom plastic cover can be seen to the left, while the circuit board (and corresponding screws and rubberized feet) occupy the center. To the right is the unit's silver plastic top.

    Curious about whether the L200 PC Expanion is the Right Tool for the Job? Read a concise summary of the nComputing L200 PC Expanion's strengths and weaknesses in this blog post.

nComputing L200 PC Expanion

By Erik Eckel

The L200 PC Expanion packaging boasts the ability to connect 30 users to a single system.

Curious about whether it is the Right Tool for the Job? Read a concise summary of the nComputing L200 PC Expanion's strengths and weaknesses in this blog post.

View this image gallery to see what I found when I cracked it open.

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By Erik Eckel

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president o...

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