Small form factor PC maker Shuttle is preparing to launch at least three new mini-desktop computers. All three will feature 2.13 GHz Intel Atom D2700 dual core processors.
Intel’s new chip has a maximum TDP of 10W and doesn’t generate much heat, which allows all three of the new computers to use passive cooling. That means they won’t have any fans, which means they’ll be quieter than most desktop computers.
For the most part, these are the desktop equivalent of netbook computers — they’re not very high performance systems, but they make up for it by being energy efficient.
Two of the new computers will feature integrated GMA 3650 graphics, which should be good enough to handle HD video playback. But there’s also one model with an AMD Radeon HD 6430M graphics card which should be able to handle heavier-duty graphics including 3D gaming.
In other words, the new Shuttle PCs could be a good solution if you’re looking for a low-power media center PC to stick next to your HDTV> All three models feature HDMI and D-Sub output.
Any word on pricing?
The XS36V (no optical drive) sounds mighty tempting. If priced reasonably, I might get one, replace the HDD with this 40GB Intel SSD I have lying around and put a lightweight OS like ArchLinux or FreeBSD on it.
 No word on pricing yet but you can check out the older D525 based models for an ideal on pricing. Cedar Trail systems should cost a little less due to lower price of the chip.
Mind that lowest prices are for the bare bones system, meaning no RAM or Hard Drive. So you may not have to replace anything…
 Mind that Intel hasn’t released source for the GMA3600/GMA3650 integrated in with this atom processor, so if you’re going to try and run Linux or FreeBSD you’ll be stuck using vesa graphics and no use of the hardware video playback.
So happy you like the news Liliputing! 🙂
I’m very excited about them, especially the one without optical drive (no moving part at last).