14 DAY TRIAL // When a consumer is thinking of buying a home-theater personal computer (HTPC), the two main things that are taken into account are the noise output and size. This is because HTPCs always have just enough performance to handle any multimedia files, but they aren't all quiet or space-efficient enough to win the hearts of prospective purchasers. Knowing this, Tranquil PC decided to put its small-footprint T7 technology to good use, along with a fanless case in order to create “a tiny, low power, almost silent, reliable and affordable Media Center.”
The T7-MP2, as it is called, has a small chassis, made of aluminum and steel (over 70% recycled materials) that measures 387 (w) x 356 (d) x 66 (h) mm. The configuration is centered around an Intel Atom D510 64-bit dual-core central processing unit (CPU). This chip has a clock of 1.6GHz and is backed up by 2GB-4GB of DDR2 memory, with a frequency of 667/800MHz. The chipset used is the NVIDIA ION. In addition, the HTPC boasts an NVIDIA GeForce 9xxx graphics adapter, with a maximum resolution of up to 1920 x 1440.
In order to ensure top stability and minimum heat, Tranquil used an Aluminum heatsink based on the TranCool3 custom heatpipe cooling system. There is also one of two 2.5-inch SATA storage devices, as well as activity LEDs, 10.100.1000 LAN, WiFi, eSATA and HDMI, DVI and VGA video outputs. All in all, the entire machine weighs about 4kg, has a maximum sound output of 17dBA and a working temperature of up to 48 degrees Celsius.
Tranquil PC has not yet began to actually sell the T7-MP2, but it has set it up for pre-order, at a price of £562. Actual deliveries should commence sometime at the end of the ongoing month. The system is pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium, as well as IP TV Add Ins and a Video Decoder Pack that includes support for the MKV HD format.