Meet the CuBox-M, a tiny 2-inch PC built for developers and makers

SolidRun’s new Micro Desktop PC goes for prices starting at $99.

- MARK HACHMAN

If you’re a tinkerer who needs a new machine for machine learning or exotic maker creations, the diminutive CuBox-M Micro Desktop PC (go. pcworld.com/cubx) from Israel-based SolidRun might be up your alley. This addition to the CuBox line is designed specifically for application development and maker projects like a smart home hub. Prices start at $99.

The CuBox-M is based on the i.MX 8M Plus system-on-module (SoM) from NXP Semiconductors. It features up to a quadcore Cortex A53 CPU with a Cortex M7 core, plus a Cadence Tesilica HiFi 4 digital signal processor for voice and natural language tasks. There’s also an integrated neural processing unit for AI and machine learning, as well as an optional power-over ethernet feature.