Desktop computers are dead? We don’t think so. They’ve just been boring, until the birth of the Xi3® Modular™ Computer.
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Desktop computers are dead? We don’t think so. They’ve just been boring, until the birth of the Xi3® Modular™ Computer.
About this project
Xi3 is on a mission to change the way computers are built, serviced and upgraded by eliminating the built-in obsolescence of today’s personal computers.
One of the biggest problems with desktop computers is that they have to be replaced every few years. They’re also expensive to operate, have roughly the same specs, look like each other, etc., etc., etc. In other words, they’re expensive, boring, and extremely unfriendly to the planet. Not so with the award-winning Xi3 Modular Computer.
Replace Boring PCs with Xi3 Modular Computers
Unveiled by Xi3 Corporation at the 2011 International CES trade show, the existing Xi3 Modular Computer is unlike any other x86-based desktop on the planet. Roughly the size of a grapefruit (4.27x3.65x3.65-inches), the cube-like Xi3 Modular Computer uses a patented tri-board architecture to replace the standard computer motherboard, a strategy that enables easy repairs, modifications and/or upgrades. Future introductions of I/O Boards that feature new components/connectors are expected to allow Xi3 Modular Computers to enjoy useful lives of 6—10 years instead of the standard 3—5 years of traditional PCs.
The initial model of the Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342) is powered by a Dual-Core 64-bit, x86-based processor running at 1.8GHz, with 2GB of RAM, 16GB-1TB of solid-state storage, dual monitor support, 6 USB 2.0 ports and 2 eSATAp ports. And it's tough enough to withstand almost anything.
Additionally, the initial Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342 model) is one of the most “green” and ecofriendly 64-bit computers in production today as it requires a mere 20 Watts to operate versus the average of 100-300 Watts or more to run a comparable computer. Depending upon local electricity rates and the wattage used by existing computers, the electricity savings alone can pay for the cost of buying new Xi3 Modular Computers.
The X5A-5342 Xi3 Modular Computer won an Innovations Award in the Computer Hardware category for the 2011 International CES trade show. Xi3 also received three XChange XCellence awards at the NexTI 2011 conference (based upon the votes of attending solution providers), namely
• Breakthrough Technology Vendor,
• Best Newcomer, and
• Best Quick Fire Vendor Presentation.
Xi3 was also awarded 2012 Best of State Medals in both the Production & Manufacturing division (Electro/Mechanical category) and in the Science & Technology division (Hardware/Firmware category).
Dramatically reduce projected energy use and eWaste with Xi3
The X5A-5342 model Xi3 Modular Computer uses as little as five percent of the amount of raw materials of most desktop computers today. Couple that with 1/10th to 1/20th of the power needed to operate an Xi3 Modular Computer, as well as a useful life of up to 10 years, and you have a game-changing recipe of planet-loving sweetness.
Two New Xi3 Modular Computers? That's our Plan!
We're now ready to develop two new Xi3 Modular Computers:
• The X7A Xi3 Modular Computer, a power user and gaming level machine; and
• The X3A Xi3 Modular Computer, an entry-level machine priced from under $500.
The X7A Modular Computer from Xi3
As we envision our new X7A Modular Computer, we see it powered by a new Quad-Core 64-bit, x86-based processor running at up to 3.2GHz, integrated with up to 384 graphics shader cores, and 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and able to handle graphics-rich computer games like Crysis 2 with ease. The X7A Modular Computer will also run 3 high-definition monitors simultaneously, has four USB 3.0/2.0 ports, four eSATAp ports, four USB 2.0 ports, a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, and up to 1TB of super fast solid-state storage inside the chassis, making it perfect for gamers and power users alike. And yet the X7A Modular Computer will be housed in a chassis about the size of a softball (4.27x3.65x3.65-inches) and run on a mere 40Watts of electricity or less.
We expect the X7A Modular Computer to begin shipping in early 2013 with a price starting at under $1,000. All within a chassis you can hold in the palm of your hand!
The X3A Modular Computer from Xi3
Conversely, we believe our X3A Modular Computer will be the ideal entry-level machine. Powered by a Dual-Core 64-bit, x86-based 1.65GHz chip and 4GB of DDR3 RAM, the X3A Modular Computer is designed for most home and office applications. The X3A Modular Computer will come standard with 32GB of solid-state storage (upgradeable to 1TB), can support two high-definition displays simultaneously, and will have two USB 3.0/2.0 ports, four eSATAp ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port.
Housed in a cube-like chassis roughly the size of a grapefruit (4.27x3.56x3.656-inches) and needing an energy-friendly 18 Watts of power to run, Xi3’s X3A Modular Computer is slated to begin shipping in early 2013 at prices starting at under $500.
Join the Xi3 Revolution—Get the Scoop & Special Deals Too
In addition to these 2 new Xi3 Modular Computers, Xi3 is developing a wide variety of new products and technologies, all designed to add to the emerging ecosystem of building-block-like products and systems that Xi3 is becoming known for.
Not surprisingly, interest in Xi3 remains high, with many customers and technology enthusiasts asking if it’s possible to get a sneak peek at future products or perhaps obtain units before General Availability? The short answer is an emphatic “Yes.”
All backers of this Kickstarter Project will become members of Team Xi3 and will receive special updates from Xi3 about new and upcoming products, technologies and progress on the path to changing the computing world forever.
Additionally, backers at select Pledge Levels will not only help us bring our new X3A and X7A Modular Computers to market, but they will also receive their own brand new Xi3 Modular Computer as much as 2 weeks before General Availability. These Team Xi3 backers will also be able to pre-order future Xi3 products for advance delivery as well.
And for anyone in the Kickstarter Community interested in collectibles, we’ll also be offering special Xi3 Modular Computers housed in a gold- or silver-coated computer chassis.
Thank you for your interest in and support of Xi3. We look forward to the prospect of seeing you join the Xi3 Revolution and becoming part of Team Xi3.
Sincerely,
Xi3 Corporation
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FAQ
Question: How long has Xi3 Corporation been in business?
Answer: Xi3 was incorporated in 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of ISYS Technologies, Inc., which was itself formed in 2002.
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Question: When did the company begin shipping its Xi3 Modular Computer?
Answer: The Xi3 Modular Computer was unveiled in January 2011 at the International CES trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada and began shipping in the Fall of 2011.
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Question: Your computer looks really cool; aren’t you afraid someone is gonna rip you off?
Answer: We made a conscious decision to delay introducing the Xi3 Modular Computer and the underlying Xi3 Computer Architecture until we had Intellectual Property protections in place to protect our shareholders, partners and customers. We now have a combination of issued and pending patents around the world. Additionally, we have numerous trademark, copyright and service mark protections in place as well, including protections for the shape of the Xi3 Modular Computer chassis.
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Question: Your Kickstarter Project description says that it’s really easy to upgrade an Xi3 Modular Computer. How easy is it really?
Answer: Once you have an upgrade IO Board or a new SSD board (solid-state drive), upgrading your Xi3 Modular Computer is quite easy. It’s a six-step process that most people can complete in about five minutes.
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Question: When will Xi3 have its first upgrade I/O Board available for purchase?
Answer: We plan to have an upgrade Primary I/O Board (PIO) for the Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342 model) ready for purchase before the end of 2012.
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Question: What will be different about this new PIO Board?
Answer: Among other things, the new PIO Board will contain 2 additional Ethernet ports (10/100/1000), as well as 4 USB 3.0 ports.
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Question: What will this new PIO Board cost?
Answer: We will announce pricing for this PIO Board when it’s available for purchase.
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Question: Are there other ways to upgrade or modify Xi3 Modular Computers?
Answer: Yes. All Xi3 Modular Computers support internal solid-state hard drives (SSDs). The SSD that came with your Xi3 Modular Computer can be updated/upgraded with a larger or smaller capacity SSD. Naturally, Operating Systems and software programs can also be upgraded, updated or modified. And it’s also possible to get a new color chassis for your Xi3 Modular Computer, with eight standard colors offered today and custom colors also available.
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Question: Can I invest in Xi3 or its parent company?
Answer: Both Xi3 and ISYS are privately held companies and shares in either company are not available for purchase by the public.
Risks and challenges
Shipments of the very first Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342 model) began in the second half of 2011 and continue today. In this regard, we have already proven that we have:
* Re-imagined a traditional computer motherboard as three separate yet interconnected smaller boards,
* Created one of the most environmentally friendly 64-bit, x86-based computers on the planet, (a machine that runs popular applications and operating systems with ease),
* A computer being used today by national and local government agencies and branches, educational institutions, large corporations, small enterprises, and consumers alike, and
* Have done so with a chassis with less than 40-cubic inches of internal space.
And Xi3 Corporation is growing today.
However, just because we created and began selling our very first Xi3 Modular Computer, there are no guarantees that we will be able to do it again. In theory, given that this will be our "second time around," we believe the design, creation and manufacturing processes will be fairly straightforward.
Nevertheless, we are contemplating 2 brand new Xi3 Modular Computers, and each will be driven by a different processor than the one used in the X5A-5342. Additionally, we also anticipate using new components for the very first time in each of these 2 new Xi3 Modular Computers, such as USB 3.0 connectors and Mini Display Port connectors (among others).
So . . . "are there risks and challenges that come with completing our project?" Of course.
But given that we have proven that it's possible to design, build and ship the very first Xi3 Modular Computer (the X5A-5342), our confidence level is quite high that we will be successful in creating the X7A and X3A Modular Computers as well.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterFAQ
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Detailed specifications for the X7A Modular Computer can be found here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/262476727/xi3-help-us-usher-in-the-post-pc-era/posts/321923.
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Detailed specifications for the X3A Modular Computer can be found here:http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/262476727/xi3-help-us-usher-in-the-post-pc-era/posts/322184.
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Xi3 Modular Computers are designed for use with internal solid-state drives (SSDs), with X3A Modular Computers and the X7A Modular Computers shipping standard with 32GB and 64GB SSDs, respectively.
Individuals who want to upgrade the amount of SSD storage in their Xi3 Modular Computers should increase their Pledge Levels as follows for the respective SSD totals:
64GB = $60 (for X3A Modular Computer only)
128GB = $150 (for X3A or X7A Modular Computers)
256GB = $250 (for X3A or X7A Modular Computers)
512GB = $600 (for X3A or X7A Modular Computers)
1TB = $1,100 (for X3A or X7A Modular Computers)
NOTE: These are special SSD prices only for this Kickstarter project.
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Both the X7A Modular Computer and the X3A Modular Computer use 64-bit, x86-based processors. This means that any x86-based OS will run on the X7A and X3A, including (but not limited to) Windows 8 (and lower), Linux & UNIX variants, and more.
Rewards
Funding period
- (30 days)