PC Answers: "Its size, storage capacity and unobstrusive noise levels are plus points"
 A "luxury item" had the editors of the British IT magazine PC Answers in for review. The model tested was "compact" and "stylish," too. The editors had a closer look at the Shuttle XPC mini X 200 that was designed to sit in lounges or living rooms. To find out if it lives up to the prerequisites of media centre PCs, just read on.
"The Shuttle XPC mini X 200M scores on both counts," write the editors of the British computer magazine PC Answers. Both counts - that include low noise level and "stylish" design. Two requirements media centre PCs have to meet to be qualified to live next to the TV in lounges or living rooms.
On behalf of the design, the Shuttle XPC mini X 200 looks "stylish" and "like a digibox", according to PC Answers. Another striking point is its low noise level - essential for media centre PCs. The only thing the editors noticed was a "gentle hum" when powering the system on thanks to the X 200's external power supply. "Refreshing to see to the company is trying something new with this slimline, stylish PC that brings innovation for the media centre fold," explain the editors.
Connections on the X 200 is "good news" as well. Five USB 2.0 ports are a "good start." Besides a 4-in-1 card reader, FireWire, DVI, 8 channel sound and Ethernet, there's also a hybrid TV tuner available which plays back both digital and analog signals. Furthermore, the built-in 300GB 3.5 inch standard hard disk provides "acres of disk space" to record programmes on. With 2GB of RAM, "there's more than enough to run Microsoft's behemoth of an OS," state the editors. The latter OS was Windows Vista Ultimate on the unit as reviewed, but "through Shuttle's online system configurator you can save a few pounds by choosing Home Premium as well as alter other aspects of the X 200." |