14 DAY TRIAL // Digital media solutions provider Mesiro has just unveiled its newest PC system especially tailored to match the needs of the Home-Theater PC enthusiast. Built using what the company names "the Scandinavian design", the new addition in the HTPC portfolio comes with interchangeable skins that can be directly applied on the computer's chassis.
The Mesiro Merium HTPC allows users to bring the Internet directly into their living-rooms, while answering all the digital media needs. The Merium can play almost any type of content, such as music, photos or camera recordings directly on your living-room flat screen TV.
Under the skinned casing, users can expect to find an 1.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor, 250GB internal hard-disk space, dual-layer DVD burner, GMA950 graphics accelerator, Wi-Fi capabilities, 5-in-1 multicard reader, as well as a Microsoft Media Center Edition certified remote control. The system is powered by a pre-installed version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium.
Upon purchasing a new Mesiro Merium home theater PC, users get two different front covers (one in black and one in white), in order to match the new appliance with the furniture. Home Theater PCs are devices with increased levels of integration with the living-room's furniture, and the exterior aspect is extremely important.
Other covers are also available, but they must be purchased separately. You can customize your home theater desktop PC with piano black, sleek white, or other solid-color skins, or you can opt for a cover that mimics wood paneling, zebra stripes, or paisley. The Merium PC can be placed either as a vertical tower, or horizontally.
Despite its extremely sleek look-and-fell, combined with its impressive hardware specifications, there is still a major setback: pricing. Available only in America for now, the Mesiro Merium home-theater PC sells for an estimative retail price of $1,578. Additionally, users who would like to have a suitable cover for any occasion will be forced into paying some extra $87 per faceplate.
