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Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's dual-core Nano X2
We covered lots of ground at this year's Computex, but here's one gem that slipped past our radar: the new Zotac ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's latest dual-core processor. Measuring 12 x 12 x 4cm, this little beast runs on VIA's low-power Nano X2, which is available at speeds of either 1.2 or 1.6GHz, depending on your preference. It also comes equipped with native 64-bit software support, VIA's PadLock data encryption engine and is compatible with the company's other processors, including the Nano, C7, C7-M and Eden. Plus, there's an SD card reader, two USB 3.0 ports and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Availability and pricing remain a mystery, though we're certainly hoping it won't be as exorbitant as some other bite-sized PCs we've seen in recent months. Steer past the break for the full PR.
Globalscale D2 Plug offers HD video, 3D graphics in little Linux / Android machine
So it's not going to replace your big-boy PC anytime soon, but Globalscale's latest plug computer, the D2 Plug, does deliver some decidedly desktop-like traits. The latest lilliputian Linux / Android kit touts Marvell's PXA510, a 1GHz ARMv7 processor that supports 1080p video playback and 3D graphics. According to its makers, the D2 Plug runs on two watts and features 1GB of DDR3 memory, 8GB of NAND flash, an SD card slot, eSATA port and multiple points of connectivity, including two USB 2.o ports, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, and VGA. It measures a mere 6.7 x 3.22 x 1.3 inches, and sports a $249 price tag -- not exactly a small price, but there are plenty of other mini PCs in the sea.
Stealth unveils the LPC-670 mini-PC: small in size, vast in price
Stealth has been in the compact computing game for some time, and the company has just rolled out its most powerful pint-sized PC to date, the LPC-670. Packing Intel's Arrandale Core i5-520M, Core i5-580M, or Core i7-620M silicon, up to 8GB DDR3 RAM, a DVD or Blu-ray burner, a max 750GB 2.5-inch HDD or 128GB SSD, optional 802.11g WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and DVI connections, Stealth's new mini-PC has the brawn of much bigger machines. The price of such lilliputian luxury? An account-emptying $1650, and that's just for the base model -- check the right option boxes and the final tally will run you over three grand. That should ensure the customer base will be just like the machine itself... tiny. Press release is after the break. %Gallery-120754%
Dreamplug is the low-powered, lilliputian PC for people with really boring dreams
Sure, tiny-ass PCs are nothing new, but as power increases and prices drop, things definitely get more interesting. Take, for instance, Globalscale's DreamPlug: your hard earned $150 will get you a 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva ARM processor, 512MB of DDR 2 (800MHz) RAM, 1GB storage, not one but two gigabit ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA 2.0 port, SD card slot, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth, and a headphone jack. And it all sits in the plug itself! And it draws a scant five watts of power. Of course, this isn't gonna replace your trusty desktop, but we're sure you can think of all sorts of clever uses for this bad boy. Set to start shipping sometime this month, hit the source link to get started.
Zotac introduces upgraded Zbox HD-ID40 nettop
Zotac just rolled out a couple of Zbox nettops last month, and a few more the month before that, but it's now back yet again with the new and slightly improved Zbox HD-ID40 model. No Blu-ray drive this time around, but you will get a dual-core Atom D525 processor, along with 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a memory card reader, and NVIDIA Ion graphics -- if you prefer, you can also get a barebones rig and supply your own components and OS. No word on pricing jut yet, unfortunately, but it sounds like this one should soon be hitting retailers that carry Zotac products. Head on past the break for the complete release. [Thanks, Matt R]
Dell whips out 23-inch Inspiron One all-in-one and Zino HD
It's been awhile since we've heard from Dell on the home entertainment front, but don't you worry, the guys in Round Rock have been right on top of it. First up is the brand new Zino HD home theater PC, which like we'd heard is being updated with an AMD quad-core Phenom II processor that's more than capable of pumping out full HD to your HDTV. In typical Dell spirit there's tons of configuration options, including one for 1GB of ATI discrete graphics, a Blu-ray drive, and up to a terabyte of storage. For $299, we're a bit giddy about this little one considering it packs more power than any of those Ion nettops and it comes with a wireless keyboard and IR remote control. If a large touchscreen all-in-one is more your thing, the Inspiron One can be configured with similar parts -- an AMD Athlon II X4 processor, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5450, Blu-ray, and up to 1TB are all on the list. To us, the real appeal of this one is its 1920x1080 resolution, 23-inch display, which produced some pretty stunning HD playback when we saw it in action last month. Dell's put a lot of energy into its new Stage touch interface, which consists of different tiled applications. It's actually more than eye candy as we're betting those Netflix and CinemaNow tiles will see plenty of tapping. The One starts at $799 and will be available this coming weekend -- but before you yank out the wallet, we'd suggest flipping through the galleries below and hitting the break for a read of the press release. %Gallery-103008% %Gallery-103009%
Zotac introduces ID33 and ID34 Zbox mini PCs, complete with Atom D525 and Blu-ray
Now this is an HTPC worth gawking at. Zotac has just revised its long-standing Zbox line with a new duo, and we have to say -- we're digging the new look. Beyond the exterior improvements, the outfit has bolstered the internals by providing the HD-ID33 and HD-ID34 with Intel's new 1.8GHz Atom D525 CPU, 2GB of DDR2-800 memory, NVIDIA's next-gen Ion graphics platform, an HDMI output, 6-in-1 card reader, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a couple of USB 2.0 ports and an unexpected pair of USB 3.0 sockets. The only notable difference between the two is the inclusion of a 250GB hard drive in the ID34, while the 2.5-inch HDD slot is left open for DIYers in the ID33. Windows 7 is onboard, naturally, as is a slot-loading Blu-ray drive that the company is (rightfully) proud of. It's not talking prices just yet, but we're willing to overlook a modest premium to finally get BD support within a delightfully small package. Hit the gallery below for more eye candy.%Gallery-101686%
Acer introduces Atom D525-equipped Aspire Revo 3700, your den swoons
Ah, hello again! It seems like just yesterday that we were talking up Acer's latest Aspire Revo -- a '3600' model equipped with a dual-core Atom 330 and NVIDIA's Ion graphics system. Nearly a year to the day, we're now faced with the company's latest and greatest subcompact, the Aspire Revo 3700. As far as evolutionary advancements go, this one's fairly predictable -- within the one-liter box is a 1.8GHz Atom D525 dual-core processor, NVIDIA's next-generation Ion platform, support for 1080p video playback, a 500GB hard drive, four USB 2.0 ports, 4GB of DDR3 memory, VGA / HDMI outputs, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, gigabit Ethernet and a mini PCIe slot. It's expected to ship later this year with a $580 price tag, but it's still a TV tuner shy of being exactly what our living room asked for.
Zotac's Zboxes are small, Ion-fueled, and cheap
If you're like us, you're constantly on the hunt for the perfect small computer. Now, we're not saying we've found it in this new set of Zotac Zboxes... but we do like where they're coming from. The minimal slivers pack Ion chipsets along with Intel CULV CPUs, making for a power-sipping experience that can actually push a couple of pixels (a couple, not many more). The company is dishing out a few varieties of the mini PCs, all loaded with some variation of Intel's Celeron processors. The HD series (the NS21 and ND22) pack a Celeron 743 or SU2300 CULV (respectively), DDR3 RAM slots, a 2.5-inch hard drive slot, HDMI and DVI-I ports, along with NVIDIA's Ion GPU. There's also an ITX series, all sporting those same CPUs, a single PCI Express x16 slot, a handful of SATA / eSATA hookups, and HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA connections. All the systems have a slew of USB ports, the boxes can be mounted in four different positions (including on the back of a monitor), and though retail pricing hasn't been announced, it looks like at least the ND22 should list for around $270. Hit the source link for all the details, and More Coverage for a review.
How would you change Apple's HDMI-equipped Mac mini?
Apple's newest Mac mini is a distinct and welcome departure from the comparatively bulky white Mac mini of yesteryear, and while we appreciate the unibody construction, inbuilt SD card reader and HDMI port, asking $700 and up for a headless PC without tons of oomph is still asking a lot. We're curious to know if your new Mac mini has been treating you well (as an HTPC or otherwise), and moreover, we want to know how you'd change things even further if given the key to Cupertino's design labs. Would you have added a Blu-ray option? Maybe an OTA TV tuner? Thrown any other ports on the rear? Beefed up the GPU a little? Trimmed things down for a cheaper entry-level model? Go on and vent in comments below -- hugs are free and limitless.
Stealth Computer debuts paperback-sized LPC-100 mini PC
Stealth Computer is certainly no stranger to tiny PCs, but it's now produced its smallest one to date in the form of the LPC-100. Measuring roughly the same size as a thick paperback novel, this one weighs in at just 1.2 pounds, and packs your choice of Core 2 Duo or Dual Core Celeron processors, an Intel GM45 mobile chipset with integrated graphics, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, a max 500GB hard drive, and a rugged aluminum chassis that should hold up to life beyond the desktop. Unfortunately, all that doesn't exactly come cheap -- look for configurations to start at $995. Full press release after the break.
Zotac's ZBOX HD-ID11 tiptoes into the wild, should ship soon
When you've got a footprint of just 7.4- x 7.4- x 1.73-inches, it's hard to make too big of an impression. That said, Zotac's new ZBOX looks to be just the thing for those scouting a diminutive HTPC or bedroom machine that can handle the best Glee re-runs and all of that YouTube HD footage that your long-lost siblings continue to email you from the wilds of Wisconsin. Originally launched back in March, this pint-sized PC is just now starting to make its way out to reviewers, which hopefully means that it's ever closer to shipping to end users, too. The benchmarking lords over at Hot Hardware took the time to unbox and preview the device, giving you the opportunity to wade through a gallery of images while it undergoes all sorts of torture. Head on down and have a look if an Ion-based machine that can fit inside your shoebox sounds even marginally appealing.
Zotac's ZBOX HD-ID11 has NVIDIA Ion 2 and Atom D510 to thank for excellent media playback (updated)
Like gaming? Move right along to the iBuyPower booth, please. Want an unobtrusive PC that will feed your Hulu and YouTube HD streaming addiction? Say hello to the ZBOX HD-ID11. It's basically a desktop version of the same Ion 2 setups you saw announced on the mobile front yesterday, and as such should provide flawless Flash 10.1 playback while occupying an extremely lean footprint on your desktop. Zotac has matched MSI's Wind Box DE220 with its inclusion of a dual-core 1.66GHz Atom D510 CPU, though it obviously differs with its NVIDIA Ion 2 graphics subsystem that includes 512MB of dedicated DDR3 memory. HDMI 1.3a and standard VESA wall-mounting are expected extras, with six USB ports, integrated 802.11n WiFi, dual-link DVI, and a 6-in-1 media card reader covering the rest of your bases. Check out some 1080p playback on a similarly specced system right here while you wait for pricing and availability to be revealed. Update: We've heard directly from Zotac on the matter of pricing and we're told that the American MSRP will be $209.99 ($239) for the barebones edition, which will require you to add your own hard drive, memory and OS. Update 2: Zotac seem to have been a little too ambitious with the initial price they quoted and have asked us to correct that number upwards by 30 bucks -- MSRP is now expected to land at $239.
Habey intros fanless, noiseless Atom Z510-based BIS-6620 mini PC: shh!
Habey's no stranger to the diminutive PC arena, but the latest from the company just might be the one you've been scouting. If you've been scouting a mini PC that's dead-silent, that is. The BIS-6620 is described as "an ultra-compact fanless and noiseless PC platform based on the Intel Atom Z510 processor," measuring just 4.5- x 4.5- x 1.5-inches and offering up GMA 500 graphics, 1080p hardware decoding, a single DDR2 SODIMM memory slot, room for a 1.8-inch (iPod classic-sized), a few USB 2.0 sockets, integrated SD / CF card readers, gigabit Ethernet port, an optional WiFi module and your choice of OS (Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Linux). There's a fair chance this could double as a simplistic media player in your cramped studio apartment, and at just $299.99 at NewEgg, you won't be shattering the bank in the process. Video's after the break.
ViewSonic blitzes CES: HDTVs, nettops, PMPs, laptops and more
You wouldn't generally think of a smaller outfit such as ViewSonic having a major presence here at CES, but sure enough, the company has hit the ground blazing in Las Vegas. Kicking things off is the new ViewLED TV lineup, which consists of four LED-backlit sets ranging from 19- ($299) to 42-inches ($1,199) in size. Moving from HDTVs to PC panels, we've got ten new Eco-View monitors spanning the entire gamut of sizes and features. The company is also letting loose its VFP858 connected Bluetooth smart frame, which packs an 8-inch panel, an integrated microphone, stereo speakers and support for handsfree dialing... all from a digiframe. For media junkies on the run, the new line of MovieBooks (including the 5-inch VPD550T and 3-inch VPD313T) both sport touch-sensitive displays and sub-$150 price tags. Finally, we've got no fewer than nine new laptop and desktop models, including the 13.3-inch VNB131 ViewBook Pro, 18.5-inch VPC190 all-in-one and the VOT125 nettop. Obviously we've got far too many pricing, availability and hardware details to cover in this space, but all the information you could ever want on the new kit is hosted up after the break. %Gallery-81339%
MSI teases Wind Top AP1920, Wind Box DE220 and DC500
There ain't much to go on just yet, but one thing's for certain: MSI will be unveiling a trio of new machines at CES in just a few weeks. Over on the Wind Top side, it'll be introducing the all-new AP1920 all-in-one PC, which will measure in at 35mm thick and sport an 18.5-inch display, Atom D510 or D410 CPU and a power-sipping attitude. The nettop lovers will be thrilled to know that a new duo of mini PCs will also get unwrapped, as the Wind Box DC500 and DE220 step in with Intel's newest Pine Trail processors and a whole slew of companion components that we're still waiting to hear more on. Hey, we told you it was just a tease.
Dell rechristens the USFF with OptiPlex 780 mini PC
What's smaller than a small form factor PC? Frankly, a lot. Cells, shrimp, quarters -- you name it. That said, there aren't many bona fide PCs out there that can shrink down beyond the admittedly vague SSF dimensions, but Dell's making another push for its Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) as the "world's smallest fully functional commercial desktop PC with an integrated power supply and Intel vPro technology." Of course, there's quite a bit of qualification going on there (and rightfully so, given just how tiny the fit-PC2i is), but those interested in taking the plunge can order one with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, Windows 7 and a host of other run-of-the-mill amenities starting at $629. %Gallery-80036%
CompuLab's fit-PC2i is extra tiny, ready for Windows 7
CompuLab has been holding it down on the diminutive front for years now, though the outfit's latest mini PC packs even more features than ever before. Measuring just 4- x 4.5- x 1.05-inches and weighing only 13 ounces, the fit-PC2i is hailed as the planet's smallest dual gigabit Ethernet-equipped PC. Other specs include an Intel Atom Z5xx CPU (from 1.1GHz to 2GHz), up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, room for a 2.5-inch HDD, audio in / out, built-in WiFi, four USB 2.0 ports and Windows 7 (if you so choose). The rig is built from a 100 percent aluminum die-cast body, and even at full load it sucks down just 8 watts. Got the perfect DIY project for this bad boy? Good, now wait 'til January for it to ship.
AOpen's Ion-powered XC Mini GP7A-HD puts the 'choice' in 'nettop'
There's a decent chance you North Americans in attendance won't ever see the likes of AOpen's XC Mini GP7A-HD, but for those in places where having a say on what innards are shoved into their next nettop (we're lookin' at you, Japan), this mini PC is apposite to fill quite the void. Boasting only a small frame, NVIDIA's Ion graphics technology and space for a multicard reader, it's up to the buyer to slap in a Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD and a DVD burner or Blu-ray drive. You'll also find six USB 2.0 sockets, an HDMI port and a VGA output, and while gigabit Ethernet is included, it looks as if the WiFi module is on you. Mum's the word on pricing, but we're guessing it'll be as close to nothing as NVIDIA will allow.
Dell's Inspiron Zino HD on sale now in America: starts at $229, doubles as an HTPC
Dell has taken its sweet time in bringing the 7.75- x 7.75- x 3.5-inch Inspiron Zino HD to market, but just 24 hours after it made its market debut across the pond, this little zinger is finally available to the Yanks in attendance. Starting at just $229, the mini PC is far more exhilarating than most ho hum nettops. Oh sure, the base configuration is fairly unexciting, but thankfully Dell enables you to add up to 8GB of memory, a 1.8GHz dual-core AMD Athlon Neo X2 6850e CPU, up to 1TB of HDD space, an optional Blu-ray drive, a 512MB ATI Radeon HD 4330 discrete GPU and WiFi to the mix. 'Course, speccing it out will obviously raise the price substantially, but it's always nice to see more power than anticipated within such a minuscule box. Of note, Dell also mentions that an optional TV tuner, wireless keyboard and mouse are available, but at least for now, the TV tuner is nowhere to be found in the configuration pages. Other inclusions are a 4-in-1 card reader, four USB 2.0 sockets and a pair of eSATA ports. Who says HTPCs have to breathe fire? Update: We've just heard that the TV tuner won't be available at launch (sounds a lot like what happened with the Mini 10), so there goes those dreams of immediately gratifying your urge for a new HTPC of the smallest scale.
