Intel Next Unit of Computing Kit with Dual HDMI, Gigabit LAN, Core i3-3217U DC3217IYE
CUSTOMER REVIEW
Overall, this is a fantastic little PC that packs a punch - perfect for media center apps such as XBMC. Let's get the cons/warnings out of the way first:
1. The power cord (or lack thereof). As many other reviews have mentioned, this PC comes with a power adapter but no power cord. The cord it needs is the less common "cloverleaf" (also called Mickey Mouse due to the shape) that is sometimes found with small laptop adapters. It is unlikely you will have a spare laying around so make sure when you order this to order one of those - you can find one for $4.99 listed under "frequently purchased with" on the Amazon product page.
I imagine they ship it like this because it both saves a few bucks (especially when you consider that it's a switching power supply, so international cords are factored in to their distribution) and because Intel probably wants to do everything it can to avoid upsetting their many OEM suppliers - After all, if they got in to the pre-built PC business it would no doubt annoy many of them. Hence the reason this is considered a "kit".
All the same it's annoying because while the box does mention an AC cord isn't included, it doesn't specify what kind - you'd need to have read reviews like this, which no doubt has frustrated many a buyer of this kit. I knocked off a star for this reason alone.
2. No wireless included. If you want wireless you either have to get a USB dongle or buy the Intel mini-PCI module for around $20 USD. I recommend the latter as the box does have dual antenna leads built in - you'll get better reception. Also that module adds Bluetooth as well, which could come in handy if, for example, you want to use a Wii emulator with a Wii controller.
3. No USB3 support. I didn't have a big problem with this - it's not the kind of PC you'll want to copy a ton of data to or from - but it might be an issue for you if you feel you need it. If you use it as a Media PC you frankly won't miss it but in the end it's up to your needs.
4. mSATA drive. It doesn't take a "regular" 2.5 inch hdd, but the less common mSATA, mini-PCI type. Those come in (generally) smaller sizes, are more expensive, and somewhat slower than normal SSD's. However they are still much faster than spinners and get the job done.
Now for the pros:
Form Factor: This box is much smaller than the pictures indicate - about the size of the first gen Apple TV. It's even smaller than the late model Mac Mini. It's a nice solid black with only a couple lights on top - it's perfect for a Media Center box as it more or less blends in and stays out of the way. You won't notice it or be distracted by bright blue blinking lights on the front like some SFF PC's.
Noise: It's extremely quiet. You can barely hear the fan with your ear right next to it - you won't hear it at all when it's hooked up to your TV.
Power Consumption: Very low usage, from 6-12 watts. You can leave it on all the time, it's not going to impact your power bill by any noticeable amount.
Overall Power: The i3 is one of the best CPU's Intel has ever made. It packs a serious punch, far more than the more common Atom or Llano CPU's which you still often find in SFF PC's. The GMA4000 is a very capable GPU - it can even handle some games, like older Source Engine titles (even Portal 2) or WoW. Yes, you won't use it to play Crysis 3 but no one in their right mind would buy a little PC like this for that.
As for video, it supports Intel Quicksync as well as other codec acceleration (h.264, VC-1, MPEG-2, etc) - basically it plays everything you throw at it, even high bitrate BD files. All this while sipping power and staying quiet. It's a joy to use with XBMC.
It can get a little pricey - with the power cord, mSata drive, memory, and optionally wireless you can spend up to $500 total depending on drive/memory size and wireless. That puts it close to Mac Mini territory, especially if you also factor in OS cost. However I think this is a better HTPC box than the Mini.
Of course, if you are looking for an XBMC box you can always go with a Raspberry PI (I have one) - the Pi, wireless, case/power, codec costs, etc will run about $90 all in but it will play most of the files this PC will for a 5th of the cost. However it is slow - particularly with the XBMC interface - compared to this, and won't play quite everything. This PC will.
In the end, if you have the cash and want a quiet, powerful little HTPC that will handle any media, addons, or emulated games you care to throw at it, this is the one to get.
