14 DAY TRIAL // Although best known for its state-of-the-art displays, ViewSonic seems to want to expand its horizons by starting the production of new types of products. To start with, the company put together two HTPC models that seem to truly fulfill their intended purpose, that is, to make an impression. The VOT530, and the VOT550 are compact products, which pack good performance capabilities and run on Windows 7 Home Premium.
“ViewSonic is changing the way that people think about computing,” Jeff Volpe, vice president and general manager of ViewSonic North America, said. “By providing our customers with multipurpose devices that serve as both Internet servers and entertainment hubs, we are helping them connect with digital content in the most convenient way possible, whether live streaming video or accessing downloaded content stored on the hard drive.”
Truly, the mini HTPCs are fully equipped for anything from streaming Internet content to a TV or accessing movies and music saved on the hard drive. The products operate on Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz processors and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, come with six USB 2.0 ports, as well as connectors for DVI, LAN and eSATA on the back. The VOT530 has 2GB of RAM and a DVD drive, while the VOT550 is more resourceful, using 4GB of RAM and a Blu-ray drive for spotless, HD media playback. Both come with a remote controller for easy access.
As seen, these compact HTPCs are more than suitable for any media-playback operation. Additionally, even while using up to 45% less energy, they offer full possibilities for power computing and the enjoyment of digital media. Not only that but they even use 50% less plastic than most tower PCs.
The two products are already available for purchase at ViewSonic's website, at an MSRP of $749 for the VOT530, and of $949 for the more powerful VOT550.