Shuttle is introducing its thinnest nettop yet, measuring just 1.5 inches thick. The Shuttle X350 still has room for a DVD drive, and packs a dual core Intel Atom D525 processor, DDR3 memory, NVIDIA ION 2 graphics, which means it should be able to handle 1080p HD video playback through the HDMI output.
The nettop should be available for order from Shuttle and other retail outlets starting this week.
As far as I can tell, this is the same machine that was introduced as the Shuttle XS35 a few months ago. The main difference is that Shuttle has upgraded the nettop from a D510 to a D525 processor. Oh yeah, and it’s actually ready to ship.
The Shuttle X350 will sell for about $299 with NVIDIA ION graphics. A version with Intel GMA 3150 graphics will sell for just $199.
Seems like Shuttle upgraded their starting price to $399.
How well would this thing handle being used as an HTPC replacement? I’m running my home media center off an old eMachines tower that’s loud as all get-out, and would really love to use one of these nettops.
I’ve been using an Aspire Revo for my HTPC. No DVD, but it works flawlessly streaming ripped DVDs/iTunes videos from my main desktop and for viewing Hulu/Netflix fullscreen. Getting a second nettop soon for the rec room… this may be the one.
Problem with using most nettops as a HTPC is they don’t do HT- typically the HDMI out is only video or 2.1 audio- I haven’t found one with a 5.1 audio out, preferably optical