AOpen rolls out XC Encore OE700 media PC
By Donald Melanson 
posted April 13th 2009 3:49PM
posted April 13th 2009 3:49PM
It's been a little while since AOpen last popped up on our radar, but the company certainly hasn't stopped cranking out tiny media PCs in the interim, and it looks like it might have a winner on its hands with its new XC Encore OE700 model. While the core specs of your choice of Core 2 Duo processor and up to 4GB RAM aren't exactly anything remarkable, the system does employ a number of measures to ensure it stays as quiet as possible, including a Smart Anti-Vibration System that dampens hard drive noise, and a new case design dubbed SNSS (or Smart Noise Suppression System) that promises to keep all the other noises in check. You'll even get a home theater-friendly VFD display and, of course, a Media Center compatible remote control -- assuming you live in Japan, that is, as there's still no indication of a release 'round these parts.
[Via Electronista]
[Via Electronista]
Bring to Canada, way better than my current pc and looks nicer.
Do modern hard drives even make audible noise anymore?
If you let your drives spin down after no activity, when they turn back on there's an audible click. Also I have a Samsung drive that makes some noise when reading/writing, it's only about a year old. The other drive that I hear a bit of noise from is the HDD in my Apple TimeCapsule.
mine occasionally does, it's sata cable touches the side panel and i'm too lazy to get a right angle cable
Why does engadget continue to get us excited about things we CAN NOT BUY?
I don't think I could live without my HTPC.
You need to get out more then.
@ hexydes
I know what you mean. Just finished building my new HTPC rig after my old one's mobo died. I'd had it on for 4 years non-stop. Windows Media Center is AWESOME. No configuring TV tuner cards, etc ... just works. I laugh when I talk to people paying for TiVo.
looks like a microwave.
must be a slow gadget day, I like the looks of this though. :)
whats the best HTPC on the US market right now? I'm looking to add one to my living room.. something that looks nice would be great... let me know your recommendations!
If you're looking to build one -- AOpen has some nice barebone systems you can config to your needs. They look better than the complete product in this article -- smaller footprint, etc. MaximumPC has a good article on building one this month. Not sure about which complete-package HTPC is best. But again, MaximumPC had an article a few months back comparing devices. Search their website. Just keep in mind that an HTPC doesn't need to be a screaming powerful or expensive system if you're dedicating it to TV only and not gaming. I spent less than $350 building my new one last month.