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        Mini PC includes dual-core Atom, Ion 2 graphics

        Eric Brown | Date: Mar 11, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Shuttle announced a mini-PC equipped with a dual-core Intel Atom D510 and HD-ready Nvidia Ion 2 graphics. The Barebone XS35 includes an Ethernet port, five USB ports, plus both HDMI and VGA video outputs, the company says.

        The Shuttle Barebone XS35 is equipped with two freshly minted processors: Intel's dual-core Atom D510 CPU, clocked at 1.66GHz (combined with an Intel NM10 controller chipset), and Nvidia's second-generation Ion graphics processing unit (GPU). Announced in December, the "Ion 2" appears to be similar to the original Ion GPU, but is optimized for Intel's "Pineview" processors, including the D510.

        Other than to tout Pine Trail compatibility, Nvidia hasn't publicly explained any technical differences between the original Ion and the next-generation version that's now shipping. However, the Ion 2 is said to be compatible with the company's Optimus technology. As explained in our previous coverage, here, Optimus consists of special Windows 7 drivers (plus a matching control panel) that can save battery power by switching to discrete graphics only for games and other selected applications.

        The original Ion supported DDR3 memory interfaces with frontside bus speeds of up to 1066MHz. Graphically, the Ion is said to support DirectX 10, offer resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 pixels, provide 1080p HD video playback, and deliver HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and dual-link DVI video outputs.



        Shuttle Barebone XS35 with optical drive open
        (Click to enlarge)

        Shuttle offers relatively few details on the new XS35 mini-PC, but noted that it is only 3 centimeters thick (about 1.18 inches). The system offers a VESA mounting interface, enabling it to attach to the back of a flat panel display. The XS35 is further equipped with an Ethernet port, five USB ports, a HDMI port, VGA out, and audio connections, says the company.


        Shuttle Barebone XS35

        Storage is said to include a multi-format card reader, a 2.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD), and an optical slimline drive, says Shuttle. The XS35 is passively cooled, "and therefore practically noiseless," according to the company. The device is also said to be protected against theft with a Kensington lock. Operating system support was not mentioned.

        Shuttle recently introduced another ultra-thin PC that runs on the Atom D510, called the X5012. An all-in-one design equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, the X5012 lacks Ion-based graphics.

        Further information

        The Shuttle Barebone XS35 will be available in stores in the second quarter, with pricing yet to be determined, says Shuttle. More information should eventually appear on Shuttle's Barebone page, here.

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