ZOTAC announces Intel Broadwell-powered ZBOX M-series mini-PCs

Mini computers are wonderful for many reasons, but one of the most notable is a small footprint. While some people have large homes and rooms, others are very limited in space. If you live in a small apartment, for example, you may only have room for a small desk; a mini-PC will save space and may even be VESA mountable to your monitor. The small size also makes them ideal in a living room -- both large and small -- as they can easily be hidden away.

Today, ZOTAC announces upgrades to its ZBOX M-series line of mini-PCs. Featuring new Broadwell Core i3 and i5 processors, they will make awesome workstations or HTPCs.

"The first of the two new designations, the ZBOX MI522 nano is the easy choice to get into the new Broadwell architecture. Shrinking the transistors to a mere 14nm, more transistors can fit on a single chip, boosting both calculation and graphical performance over its predecessors. Planted with an Intel Core i3 processor, the nano unit only measures at 127mm x 127mm x 45mm (5in x 5in x 2in)", says ZOTAC.

The manufacturer further explains, "the ZBOX MI542 nano is a step up that is packed with more computing power with the same advanced Intel Broadwell family. With a pulsing Intel Core i5 at its foundation, the ZBOX MI542 benefits from an even faster clock speed featuring up to 2.7GHz. This powerful nano unit is available on the same petite casing with all the functions of a desktop, and is topped with a vast array of connectivity options and dual-channel memory".

ZOTAC shares the following specs.

Product	ZBOX MI522 nano series	ZBOX MI542 nano series
SKU	ZBOX-MI522NANO	ZBOX-MI542NANO
Memory	2 x DDR3-1600 (up to 16GB)	2 x DDR3-1600 (up to 16GB)
Storage	2.5 inch SATA HDD/SSD	2.5 inch SATA HDD/SSD
CPU	Intel Core i3-5010U	Intel Core i5-5200U
GPU	Intel HD Graphics 5500	Intel HD Graphics 5500
Display Options	HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2	HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2
Card Reader	3-in-1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC)	3-in-1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC)
Ethernet	Dual 10/100/1000Mbps	Dual 10/100/1000Mbps
Wi-Fi	802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0	802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0
USB Ports	4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0	4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0
Audio	HDMI Audio Headphone Microphone	HDMI Audio Headphone Microphone
DirectX Support	11.2	11.2
Other Features	Intel Quick Sync Video InTru 3D Intel Clear Video HD Native 4K output	Intel Quick Sync Video InTru 3D Intel Clear Video HD Native 4K output
HDCP	Yes	Yes
Windows	Windows Vista / 7 / 8 ready	Windows Vista / 7 / 8 ready

While these are essentially bare-bones offerings, ZOTAC will sell "plus" versions too, with 4GB RAM and a 500GB HDD pre-installed. This will of course increase the price. With that said, I would recommend adding the needed hardware yourself. Not only should it be less expensive, but you gain the ability to pick the hardware you want; go for 8GB of RAM and an SSD!

Pricing and availability is not yet available, so keep an eye out at your favorite computer seller if interested.

from BetaNews http://feeds.betanews.com/~r/bn/~3/TKJ74jlgVIQ/

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