Firemachines' Slyc: a lot less for a lot more

Introducing Firemachines' Slyc: this diminutive desktop is not the smallest we've ever seen -- and regardless of what they say in their product literature, it's hardly a bargain when compared to the Mac mini and other similarly sized desktops. It boasts a Core 2 Duo processor and is available in two flavors. For $999.99 you can expect 2.20GHz, 2GB memory, 200GB storage, and DVD +/- RW; but if you're looking to save a hundred bucks, you can scale back to 2GHz, 1GB memory, 120GB storage and DVD-ROM / CD-RW. The 3-year warranty will run you $129.99 -- which will be worthless if Firemachines isn't around in three years. What do you think? Looking for a machine that reminds you of your old, second generation Genesis? If so, go ahead and hit the read link -- just don't say we didn't warn you.

[Thanks, Dan]

[Knives_Out @ Nov 16th 2008 3:59AM]

wow .. this thing is overpriced.

[Samboini @ Nov 16th 2008 4:25AM]

Even worse is some poor sucker is going to end up buying this as some shoddy sales rep will tell them how great a deal it is.

[John @ Nov 16th 2008 4:42AM]

oh but if you look at the comparison table they have it's actually the cheapest. i didn't know a mac mini was $1676, though..

[Celtic @ Nov 16th 2008 5:19AM]

You obviously under value 16-bit graphics.

[mtk75 @ Nov 17th 2008 1:37AM]

Apparently they seem to think you need to buy a $599 20" monitor when you buy a Mac Mini. Personally, I'm not about to buy an Apple Cinema Display for a Mini... (or for any computer for that matter.)

Most of the difference with the Dell Studio Hybrid is also in the monitor cost...

I hope they don't sell any of these things because of a poorly researched Engadget article.

[SewerShark @ Nov 17th 2008 6:11AM]

Wait, wait...you mean...it's not a good deal?




Oh god...*Repacks Firemachines' Slyc*

I'll be right back.

[Mark @ Nov 16th 2008 4:01AM]

Isn't that the A-Open PC? I've had one for over a year now. Core 2 duo and all.

[etsortsa @ Nov 16th 2008 5:45AM]

exactly...it has been around for a long long time

Aopen even has a new version using GM45 chipset

https://www.thenerds.net/AOPEN.AOpen_miniPC_MP45_D_Barebone_System_Intel_GM45_Express_Socket_P_Core_2_Duo_Dual_Core_Celer.91MB401B1W0.html

[amreason @ Nov 16th 2008 8:30AM]

Bump.

Definitely A-Open. We have about 20 of these bad boys running our digital signage at CSUS. They are little work horses. They are hooked up to a bunch of 47" LCDs throughout the Union building. They all are set to 1920x1080 and they don't even hick up when displaying HD videos. They fit between the screen and the wall with a standard mount. They Are Small...

[iamdeusex @ Nov 16th 2008 11:27AM]

Yep, definitely just an A-open mini pc. We've been selling these at Logic Supply for awhile now.

[MarbleMind @ Nov 16th 2008 4:16AM]

"With up to 2GB of ram [sic] and 160GB of Hard drive space, the Slyc will surpass all your computing standards."

...

Next!

[Homer @ Nov 16th 2008 4:16AM]

Genesis?

[Samboini @ Nov 16th 2008 4:27AM]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3MzShg7yXik

?

[Dave Chappelle @ Nov 17th 2008 5:07AM]

its MEGADRIVE thank you.

.... i feel like playing Streets of Rage 2 now.

[Burt Reynolds @ Nov 16th 2008 4:24AM]

I like where this is headed!

We should just use the Sega Genesis as a size reference rather than the IPhone.

[Erb @ Nov 16th 2008 4:24AM]

Genesis > Small PC.

[kevin @ Nov 16th 2008 4:30AM]

i think i might pay $999 for that computer inside the genesis case.

[Ayman @ Nov 16th 2008 5:27AM]

and i think you love to watch money burn?

[Shinigami @ Nov 16th 2008 4:39AM]

I think.... does a PC absolutely need to be small? If so, get a notebook. Or even better - a netbook! Or UMPC if you have money trees growing all around your house and backyard...

[Greg Cox @ Nov 16th 2008 4:48AM]

I dont get it either whats the point of making a PC that small when a notebook is basically the same size but more thin and less narrow? whats the draw for anyone to buy one of these instead when the technology is less portable and more expensive? someone please help me out here.

[bot @ Nov 16th 2008 5:09AM]

It's fun to play around with small form factors. As components get smaller computer manufacturers are able to fit better technology in small spaces. Mini-itx boards can now handle Core 2 Duo chips, 240pin RAM, and have integrated chipsets that can handle high definition video. It's kind of a silly choice to ask don't you think? If you could have a computer in a smaller footprint, why wouldn't you choose it?

[jorvay @ Nov 16th 2008 9:18AM]

One example of it's usefulness: HTPC (that's home theatre personal computer). If you're looking something that sits nicely in your cabinet along with your stereo, dvd player, and gaming consoles, a small computer fits the bill muuuuuch better than a laptop. Though for simple computer use, I too would prefer a laptop over one of these.

[huknows @ Nov 16th 2008 5:00AM]

This computer has been out for years. See Acer/Aopen MP965D. In fact, it's already obsoleted and the new one is the Aopen MP45

[rothgar @ Nov 16th 2008 1:00PM]

There is also a version with a blu ray drive now too.

http://www.guru3d.com/news/aopen-xc-mini-mp45bdr-/

mp45-bdr

[Ayman @ Nov 16th 2008 5:28AM]

hmmm...
its a product of Firemachines does it mean it will fire up?

2nd i thought it would have some fire images on it like this one
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/16/smooth-creations-lan-shark-reviewed-well-loved/

[Ori Matalon @ Nov 16th 2008 6:24AM]

overpriced. Mac Mini looks better, costs $799, and I think it is overpriced as well.

my comments at http://www.commentino.com/orim

[joe alexandrovich @ Nov 17th 2008 1:02PM]

wow, i had to change my screen's brightness just to see that comment.

[rothgar @ Nov 16th 2008 1:00PM]

I just build one of those for my mythtv.

T8100 (2.1 Ghz), 2 GB ram, and 1TB hard drive for ~$800

They are for sure ripping you off.

[Shinigami @ Nov 16th 2008 5:39PM]

Ripping off is the first rule of PC selling companies. If its a pre-build PC, 99% guarantee its a rip-off.

[BigD145 @ Nov 16th 2008 1:07PM]

I can pick up a Genesis, right now, for $10 and stuff a MacMini in it for far less than $1K. Tell me again why I should buy the Slyc?

[Dr Robotnik @ Nov 16th 2008 5:24PM]

The Sega Genesis is better.

[duber @ Nov 16th 2008 5:37PM]

Phil Collins wins again...

[Kelvin @ Nov 16th 2008 7:03PM]

You would be surprise that more and more people would pay a premium for a product that looks good. Of course I'd prefer a Studio Hybrid over this Firemachine as far as look is concern. But some would think differently... It's no longer "valid" to judge the value of a product base on the component installed.

A notebook could be cheaper... but I would not put it next to my LCD TV.

[Harrison @ Nov 16th 2008 7:45PM]

It comes with free Windows Vista! That's good, right? I mean, it's not like Dell, HP, etc. give it to you for free!

[ProfessorKaos @ Nov 17th 2008 10:30AM]

Doesn't even look like the genesis. Engadget = going downhill

[thehumanyawn @ Nov 18th 2008 7:51PM]

Genisis 2 = sucky power connectors