Regarding "embedded" the short answer is that it is not about soldering to the board. Embedded means the computer is contained within a grander system, typically performs a very specific function, and is often transparent to the user. A simple and common example is that your car contains several computers for controling the engine and various other functions. But as a driver you don't see those computers and you have no way of directly interfacing with them. That's why they're called embedded.
If your mission is to research business PCs, "embedded" is simply not for you. Also if you are shopping for PCs, the right combination of processor and chipset will have been taken care of by the PC manufacturer.
Thanks for your reply. What you said about "embedded" not being right for business PCs is very interesting. Here is why...
One of the options I was considering was Dell's business PC solutions (Optiplex 980). These premium business range PCs use embedded processors and chipsets (i7-860 and Q57) or a combination like my previous post.
So are you saying that I should look at non-embedded processors and chipsets like the i7-870 and H57? I am just wondering what the implications would be to my business if I buy embedded solutions like the ones from Dell.
Intel offers a wide range of parts. A subset of those parts is marketed to the embedded application space. Embedded parts are designated based on certain power, performance, cost, and other factors that might be especially appealing to the special and diverse needs of the embedded market. That is not to say that the "embedded" parts could not be also used in business PCs and therefore there is some overlap. (Embedded computers plus business PCs equals the superset).
If a business PC happens to use one of the processors that Intel also markets to embedded customers, it really doesn't matter. There is no difference in quality, or how long the PC will last, if those are your concerns. By the way, the 7-year life that you mentioned does not mean the part will last any longer than a non-embedded part. It means that Intel will continue to supply those parts for a longer period.
So I guess I erred by saying "Embedded is not for you". What I really meant was that "Embedded shouldn't matter to you".
On Intel's website where some of the components are shown as "embedded", this just means that these components qualify to be used by both embedded customers/systems and "normal" PCs. On the other hand, the non-embedded components can only be used in non-embedded systems. To see what I mean, here is a link:
So in the above example, all Intel is saying is that the components shown as embedded can be used by embedded clients as well as normal business clients like myself. So clients building embedded systems need to opt for components which qualify as embedded while clients like myself won't be affected whichever component we go for. Going back to my original post, "embedded" does not mean the components is soldered / stuck / glued to other parts but simply that the component has been built by Intel with embedded clients/systems in mind as well.
Well we almost got it. I would make one final tweak to make it 100\%
In your statement ... So clients building embedded systems need to opt for components which qualify as embedded ...
There is really no hard and fast rule that says that embedded systems need to be built with so-called embedded components. Embedded applications are quite diverse and have wide-ranging requirements. Designers evaluate and select components based on their individual needs. I have seen many embedded systems built not only from "standard" parts but actually from complete consumer PCs right out-of-the-box, the same flavor that you buy for your business.
I'll leave you with one final note and that is that Intel offers special programs and support capabilities catering speficially to the embedded market and these programs are focused only on Intel's embedded lineup. So there are non-technical factors embedded designers would also consider when choosing their processor.
Thank you for your interest in Intel and good luck with your computer shopping!
Questions?
