14 DAY TRIAL // Apparently, aiming to bemuse people enough to consider taking a closer look, Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH has launched the All-in-One Barebone X70S all-in-one computer.
Barebone PCs are usually small computers that don't have all the parts needed by a system to run. Normally, the memory and storage units are absent, allowing buyers to choose for themselves what configurations to make.
Shuttle's new Barebone is an oddball because it isn't small at all, and it doesn't even qualify as a desktop for that matter.
Instead, it is an all-in-one personal computer, complete with integrated monitor, that measures 18.5 inches in diagonal.
To be fair, the previously-launched XPC Mini-PC Barebones were all-in-one models as well, though they measure 15.6 inches.
At any rate, Shuttle chose a motherboard with an LGA 11550 socket, allowing purchasers to install an Intel Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 Ivy Bridge CPU.
It is the first time that conventional CPUs can be used in this series, although the top TDP is of 65 W, so it won't be possible to make it overpowered.
One might say that is quite unfortunate, given the top RAM (random access memory) capacity of 16 GB (two SO-DIMM slots). A good CPU coupled with so much RAM could do a lot.
Moving on, the X70S has enough room on the inside for a single 2.5-inch storage drive, which can be an HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid-state drive).
Other specs include a mini-PCI Express slot (for mSATA modules or the like), Wi-Fi, a webcam, microphone, stereo speakers, connectors for external speakers/mic and VESA mount support (can be put on walls, monitor arms or floor stands if the pedestal at the back is removed).
Finally, Shuttle included an integrated card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, two Gigabit Ethernet cards and various other interfaces.
The X70S should be good for consumers and business users, as well as digital signage applications, particularly when the PCL70 accessory is bought alongside it: this adds two serial COM ports to the existing three, and a second parallel interface (LPT). The price is of 452 Euro / $452-604.
