14 DAY TRIAL // Intel's low-end collection of central processing units used to be restricted to single-core and dual-core chips until not too long ago, but quad-core models have made a name for themselves in this area since then, like the Intel Celeron J1900.
It is that very chip, also known as a Bay Trail-Series SoC, that Shuttle used when it put together its two latest miniature personal computing systems, the XS36V4 and XS35V4.
They aren't just any mini PCs either, but very slim and light ones, and totally fanless too, something that would have been all but impossible to pull off in absence of the special case design.
You see, the chassis (it's the same for both PCs) has many square holes in it, to vent whatever heat would otherwise be kept stuffed inside (to the detriment of the hardware).
It's actually quite amazing how thin it is. Just barely more than the height of an optical disk drive of the slot-in variety (which is already pretty thin itself).
Indeed, the back panel just barely has enough room for all the ports that a computer should possess: three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 connector, an HDMI video output, a VGA port, two audio jacks, and a Gigabit Ethernet LAN connector. And there's a port for the AC power adapter too, of course (a 40W power source, a lot less energy-hungry than a light bulb).
As for the insides, the Intel Celeron J1900 quad-core SoC, with its clock of 2 GHz Base / 2.4 GHz Boost and 2 MB cache memory, is backed up by one DDR3L SO-DIMM memory module (up to 8 GB RAM) and one SATA 2.5-inch HDD, plus an SD card reader.
The only thing that seems to set the newcomers apart is the case. The XS35V4 is the unique one, with asymmetrical perforations in the heatsink case, while the other looks a bit more normal, but is just as thin, and has a similar stand to hold it vertical.
The XS36V4 also features two RS232 ports (to link to scanners, receipt printers, keypads, and other peripherals), while the XS35V4 gets two internal USB ports (theft defense, or for installing a USB TV tuner, 3G module or other USB expanders within). Sadly, prices were not specified.
"Shuttle continues to lead the way in robust commercial computer solutions," said Marty Lash, director, sales and marketing, Shuttle Computer Group. "A slim form factor and increased processing speed combined with so many connectivity options means that these new slim PCs are perfect for a wide range of commercial applications."
