Intel NUC (next unit of computing)

[MaxRat]

Heard about this from CES...

havent read too much into it but here is a Youtube video of the Newegg demonstration...

Enjoy

Newegg TV: Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) Overview - YouTube

[Preston]

Nice! Thanks for posting that.

I'm thinking of a new HTPC build (of course I'm always thinking of a new build ), and that little thing might do the trick.

[David M]

Nice post.

I like it...but Intel couldn't throw in a three dollar power cord? So now you have to drive out to Radio Shack to buy an overpriced $19.95 computer power cord.

When would someone not want an ethernet port? I don't imagine that not having an ethernet port would save you much money.

I like the idea of it having a VESA mount, but if it is going to be on the backside of the monitor then wouldn't it be a good idea to have a port for a remote switch that could be stuck to the side of the monitor with double sided tape?

Price? Maybe $500-$600? I think that's the most I would pay for what you get.

Yeah, that would be cool for a home theater PC if the graphics are good enough.

I like that you can open it up and upgrade it. That is so un-Apple like.

[Preston]

Originally Posted by David M I like it...but Intel couldn't throw in a three dollar power cord?

No kidding.

[MaxRat]

The thing is that it is currently overpriced... at 290.00 and 315.00 respectively

Newegg.com - Intel/Mini / Booksize Barebone Systems

for that it should come with ram and a mSATA drive... the Zotac ZBox does for that price...

I have no doubt it would perform well.

For the price I used a Patriot Box Office as that's basically the same thing, albeit, just different hardware and at a sub-90.00 price point at the time of sale.

My PBO is hard drive capable and just as small or close to it and uses a Linux interface.

If these drop down to 100.00 they'll be a winner for sure.

[Preston]

Originally Posted by MaxRat ...I used a Patriot Box Office as that's basically the same thing, albeit, just different hardware and at a sub-90.00 price point at the time of sale. My PBO is hard drive capable and just as small or close to it and uses a Linux interface.

I have a PBO hooked to the bedroom TV. It really is an awesome little box. I use mine to stream from my NAS. It works great as a media player.

Looks like the NUC is more a "mini computer" and the PBO is more a "media player".

That being said, I love my little PBO so much, I might have to buy a second!

[jdeb]

Very slick and powerful. $558.00 for an ultra compact HTPC, 8GB SODIMM. No Wireless.

Still can build a bigger foot print but not as powerful for 325.00 using the Biostar A68I-350 Deluxe. WD Blue 250GB, DVD, INWIN case 300W, 8GB DDR3 1066.

[MaxRat]

Originally Posted by Preston I have a PBO hooked to the bedroom TV. It really is an awesome little box. I use mine to stream from my NAS. It works great as a media player. Looks like the NUC is more a "mini computer" and the PBO is more a "media player". That being said, I love my little PBO so much, I might have to buy a second!

Do you have the 1st generation metal case unit that takes a hard drive?

those are getting scarce so you might want to find one... I got my 2nd at Frys.com for 69.00... I have not tried the plastic 2nd generation....

[Preston]

Yep, I'm on the first generation.

I haven't tried the latest yet. I think they are calling it the Alpine. Newegg reviews on that aren't so good.

[Preston]

Glad to see AMD getting into the mix here. I like the idea of these "Micro-Desktops".


Intel vs. AMD: Battle of the world's smallest PCs

[Nuclear Krusader]

Yeah, competition. They'll also get a lawsuit for using my nick without written permission.

[MaxRat]

Boy Sapphires really making some ugly stuff...

I still like the Zotac ZBox more for AMD stuff

[strollin]

Way too expensive, especially since you need to add RAM, storage, OS and power cord (doesn't everyone have dozens of them laying around like me?).

I'll stick with my sub $100 Android mini-PC which works great as an HTPC for me.