Dell's Zino HD crams desktop parts into miniature enclosure
By Paul Miller 
posted Aug 12th 2009 6:53PM
posted Aug 12th 2009 6:53PM
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... is that a 9pin serial port?? lol
I was thinking "don't be stupid, its obviously a VGA port", but on closer inspection you're right, that is indeed a serial port. Probably just a placeholder on the prototype because I can't see any reason at all why they would include a serial port on something like this unless theres some interesting home integration products to go along with it that use the serial interface
Same here, I thought it had to be a VGA port, but it's definitely a DB9 serial port; very strange, especially next to something as current as HDMI and eSATA ports.
serial infrared. (remotes)
I'm actually surprised (and pleased) to see an RS232 connector. Quite few high end AV hardware support for RS232 which enables... pretty much what HDMI-CEC enables... Oh well...
I guess it's better to have it than not.
Maybe a serial controlled ir blaster?
Control4, CardAccess... yeah.
Not like one couldn't just get a USB to RS232C cable, though. Still, it saves like $20.
It is, buts its a female connector. useless unless for most things unless you get an adapter.
Wow, breaking and featured!
Did they have to round the edges just like another similar computer?
The Studio Hybrid?
ROUNDED EDGES: INVENTED BY APPLE
Add that to the list, along with "computers" and "operating systems." Let's throw "cables" in there, too.
It's not invented by Apple.
It's designed by Apple.
Don't forgot glass buttons, brushed aluminum, backlit keyboards, glass, "pods", and the colour white,
glass... lol classic
Also that list should include:
- Touchscreens
- "Unibody"
- The letter "i"
The colour white, too.
Not looking at previous innovations and then acting as if you thought it first, too.
mac mini??
Desktop parts
A Mac Mini with fashion plates! What innovation will Dell think of next?
yup. mac mini
Mc Donald.
atleast this Mac Mini Finally has HDMI.
Do HDMI ports on computers normally output audio as well as video? If not, whats the big deal? You can use a DVI->HDMI converter on any system lacking a dedicated HDMI port.
@Tom
Yes. Computers with an HDMI port built in support audio.
add a TV tuner and a 9400M and I'm sold.
dang spoke too soon. looking at the pics, it doesn't look like a TV tuner will be possible.
Sure you can. Get a couple Hauppauge 950Q USB tuners. You may need a USB extension cable (the 950Q is a bit big and may not be able to fit both in the rear USB ports), put Win7 on here and you have yourself a nice Media Center.
Let's get real solid and have Blu-Ray too.
DellZinoHD.com
strangely like zune HD, wouldn that be funny if it was tegra based... i know there is really no way that would work or would even make sense but still.
Tegra is for cellphones/small internet devices, completely underpowered for a desktop/HTPC; I'm hoping this will at least use the ION chipset to bring us Geforce 9400 goodness, though.
Man, this thing looks sweet.
I really wish cases this nice were produced, so I can build my own.
I built a SFF HTPC that can handle 1080p BD rips like a champ,
but the mini ITX cases available are horrid looking at best.
Can't wait to see the specs and price on this one.
Man, you stole the exact words right out of my mouth.
This sounds awesome. And it's a Dell so I should be able to put OS X on it nicely.
Hey dude can I get a parts list of what you used to build your SFF HTPC? I'm looking at doing something similar and I'm disenchanted with all the offerings of pre-built systems.
wow just looked threw the pics that thing is amazing, who knows might need a 6th computer.
It's impossible to put desktop parts in a small computer. Steve Jobs told me so himself.
It's not very small. Probably about as small as you could make a desktop using standard parts.
Cool, an HDMI port. I'll dump the mac mini I have connected to my Panasonic plasma if Apple doesn't come to their senses re: the mini.
Serial port for standard RS-232 communication to a projector for example?
Also, 9400M with a decent price and it would sell like hot cakes.
Looks cool but I hope it doesn't use the Intel 4500 hd integrated gpu.
Anyone want to bet it has an ION chipset? Wonder what the price will be.
no tv tuner would be a turnoff as a media center pc.
but as a slick desktop, it looks damn fine.
the comment about RS232 for the projector seems on base to me, but still a little unusual.
>> "no tv tuner would be a turnoff as a media center pc."
How would that work? You don't use your satellite box or cable company DVR box, and instead use the computer to change channels?
Windows Media Center comes with Home Premium and up. It's a replacement for your cable box. You just need to buy (in this case) a simple USB TV tuner and you're good to go. Media Center is an awesome piece of software and the version that comes with Windows 7 is even better! Go visit thegreenbutton.com for more info.
@Michael Scrip: Yes, precisely. It works rather well - WMC is certainly prettier than the software on any cable/satellite box I've ever seen.
Guessing it will be the NVidia, but who knows...don't think it will use the Intel 4500.
DellZinoHD.com
That thing actually looks pretty cool. Im pleasantly surprised.
This looks like it's going to be a mini-itx system with an external power brick and fanless PSU. My guess is a single or dual core Atom and the Ion chipset because with out it, it wouldn't be "HD".
*Prays for dual core ION*
Desktop parts likely refers to something other than Atom, but Intel did say that the 330 was not allowed in laps. If it's ION, 2GB+ RAM, big HDD, and under $300, I will be buying one.
It won't be under $300.
Well then, it can just see itself right out the door. Hmph.
I'd spend well over $300 for that. Cheapskate.
that's cool. when did apple start licensing their designs to third parties? It was always a matter of time before apple made a black mac mini, ala ipods and iphones, i'm just a little surprised to see it branded a dell? and a looks about 50% thicker too. intersting indeed....
I guess all the other sff computers are also designed by Apple. Maybe Apple did come up with the general shape with the mac mini, but alot of companies have run with it since (and outdid Apple),
Shuttle (X100 and X27 series), Acer Aspire (X3200), FitPC, all of the computers sold by cappuccinopc.com, etc.
I don,t think envisioning a case designed around the size of a laptop dvd drive is that tough. The engineering to get enough cooling without sounding like a jet engine is a different story.
you know, i looked up all those computers you mentioned and still not one of them look very similar to the mac mini. you must be thinking i'm accusing dell of copying simply because the computer is small and compact. you are wrong. this computer has the EXACT SAME AESTHETICS of the mac mini with only a few very minor changes such as being a bit thicker, being the opposite color, and having a few buttons moved around. there are ways to make an innovative small pc (look at that fancy dell mini-desktop they released not to long ago for an example), but this is a direct ripoff.
i know you people get real tired of hearing people say that other companies rip of apple products, but the fact remains that it's the truth and it only makes you look bad when you can't admit it.
Devin Brown makes me want to puke my rectum.
Hmm. Well, that optical drive sure looks like a typical slim (read: laptop) optical drive. Yeah, I know, there are desktops that use the slim drives as well - I've got one in front of me right now, and nearly 300 more like that around my company - but it's still a drive designed mostly for use in laptops. So, I already beg to differ somewhat with the "desktop parts" thing.
In any case, it really is hard to argue that this is clearly designed with the Mac mini in mind. Comparing the two, the Mac Mini has more graphics options (both mini-DVI and mini-DisplayPort) and has more USB ports, while this has a card reader that the Mac doesn't. They both have external storage options (Mac has FireWire-800, while this has eSATA) so they're basically on par there.
The Mac mini does use a laptop hard drive; I'm not sure that's such a bad thing, other than somewhat limiting the amount of storage you can cram in there. This is slightly larger than a Mac mini, so they might actually have a full 3.5" drive in there.
That DB-9 port is curious though, and the fact that it's unlabeled is even more curious.
The mac mini isn't aimed at being an htpc. That's pretty simple to see.
No HDMI means no HTPC
@thedman07: It's got Mini-DisplayPort. All you need to add is a $7.50 adapter and you've got HDMI. (Exhibit A: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=5311&seq=1&format=2)
It;s funny how the eSATA ports are USB ports. My Dell laptop has eSATA/USB combo port and my desktop has eSATA port and both are no ware near the plug on the picture.
If this has an optical or coax audio out, 9400 GPU, and tuner, I am sold. Oh, and is decently quiet. I guess I could always use an external USB tuner if Dell doesn't offer it as an option.
It might be that those are just samples and not the actual Zino itself; that would explain "usb" looking e-sata connections.
I'd guess its 9400 GPU with NVidia ION...
DellZinoHD.com
Considering that the new vostro all-in-one iMac clone doesnt even include a graphics card higher than the Intel GMA x4500, even at its highest price I would doubt something this small and new would include a decent graphics card. I'd honestly rather spend my money elsewhere
Sweetness, I've been waiting for this size form factor from Dell that didn't use Atom (as fine as it can be in a netbook). I hope this comes with a VESA mount for the back of a monitor :-)
Fraggle
Don't wish for Nvidia chipsets people!
You know Nvidia doesn't know te meaning of quality control, but hell if you like hot hot chips that fry after a few months great!
Before you call me an ATI fanboy, i've had enough bad times with Nvidia to justify this statement :P See: piss poor 7600LE drivers in Vista, 8400GT failure and to top it off the oh-so-wonderful highly acclaimed 9400M (aka ION, crafty marketing Nvidia) failing in the Macbook Pro. Oh and i love how the 9600GT M runs hotter than the core of the sun idle, cos' i really want that sat on my lap.
*realises no one gives a shit and i shouldn't have bothered :P*
Anyway, the Zino looks great :)
Mac mini + Plex + Drobo FTW
Isn't this kinda overlapping with the Studio Hybrid? The Studio Hybrid is a pretty neat machine, I rather see Dell focus on that and pushing the pricing down on the Hybrid.
It looks like a SEGA Saturn fucked a Mac Mini
LOL
ok THAT was funny!
haha...that was pure gold!!
Now, if only we could figure out a way to squeeze a Xonar HDAV card in that thing... hmmm
Bitstream audio FTW.
Actually, the 9 pins female used for speaker, it is based on new maui platform, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA is enabled because Bluray is included, its featuring digital terestrial TV Tuner, WIFI 802.11n, bluetooth, and CIR. The specs could based on 45 nm Athlon X2 and 785G.
Anyone see a S/PDIF port?
any specs? looks like a winner.
Below is a parts list complied by me at the time of my build in September 2008.
Fast forward to today, and I’m sure there are some components that can be upgraded to what 2009 has to offer.
But as it stands here, the system is rock solid using Vista Media Center (and now even better using Windows 7 Media Center), XBMC for Windows and Boxee for Windows.
All my media is stored on the network on a self-built Windows Home Server.
If you’re serious about HD video, save yourself the grief of dealing with wireless, and just run wired CAT5 or CAT6 Ethernet cable with a gigabit router and gigabit switch.
Current Configuration:
Software and Remote:
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit RTM
SlySoft AnyDVD HD
ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre 3 Platinum
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010
Logitech diNovo Mini
Hardware:
APEX MI-008 Black Steel Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply - Retail
Intel BOXDG45FC LGA 775 Intel G45 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Microcool Black SouthSink
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Hiper HFC-10828-C2
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2VU8004GK - Retail
LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA Model GGC-H20L - Retail
Seagate Momentus 7200.3 ST9320421AS 320GB 7200 RPM 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive (Bare drive) - OEM
Nippon Labs 2.5" Black SATA to USB 2.0 External Enclosure for SATA I and SATA II Hard Drive Model USB-25SATA-BK - Retail
SilenX IXP-74-09 120mm Case Fan - Retail
AzenX Blitztorm BT-SC70BBL 70mm Red LED PCI Slot Case Cooler - Retail
KINGWIN 16" 90 Degree SATA Data & Power Combo Model SAC-06 - Retail
KINGWIN 15.74" SATA Data & Power combo cable Model SAC-04 - Retail
Rosewill 8" SATA Power Cable Model RC-8"-PW-4P-2SA - Retail
could be viable alternative to mini, will continue to watch this space...
$500-$600 with built-in Blu-Ray and I'm sold.