C-Net.co.uk: "A fantastic example of a small form-factor PC"
With the overall rating of "Very Good" finished the smallest complete media centre PC from Shuttle the tests on the British multimedia web site C-Net.co.uk. The Shuttle XPC mini X 200 was cited to be "a fantastic example of a small form-factor PC" and convinced the editors by its "quiet operation", "fantastic looks" and also with "plenty of flexibility."
The Shuttle XPC mini X 200 is "a flat, rectangular shape that's only slightly bigger than a large hardback book," describe the editors of C-Net.co.uk the looks of Shuttle's tiniest media centre. Especially impressive was the "recessed brushed-silver strip on top of the unit." Contributing to the "sleek design" of the case is the slot-loading DVD drive at the front of the unit and the "very discreet memory card reader" next to it.
Connection-wise there are USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, SPDIF, FireWire and audio ports" available plus a "DVI graphics port." The included "curved silver stand" enable the X 200 to be placed "on its belly" or "upright on its side." When it comes to interior musings, "Shuttle has managed to cram proper PC components into a very small space," writes C-Net.
The Shuttle XPC mini X 200 is powered by an Intel Core Duo processor clocked to 1.6 GHz. "Audio is fairly catered for," according to C-Net. The Intel 945PM chipset which the X 200 is built around "includes a high-definition audio controller that can spew sound to up to eight separate channels." Connecting surround-sound speakers "is easy." The built-in "more spacious" hard disk "should please anyone with an extensive digital file collection," the editors point out. This is well-needed considered there is a hybrid TV-tuner sitting inside.
Performance-wise, "the mini X 200 is a solid machine for everyday use" which is supported by "its quiet operation" when the editors write: "It's barely audible when idling and doesn't get much louder when running demanding applications."
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