Dell's Zino HD crams desktop parts into miniature enclosure
By Paul Miller 
posted August 12th 2009 6:53PM
posted August 12th 2009 6:53PM
posted August 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".