14 DAY TRIAL // We've had the chance to review the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID11 nettop a while ago, and, since we found it to be quite an interesting machine, we're understandably very interested by the new nettop from ZOTAC, the ZBOX HD-ID40 series that relies, yet again, on that NVIDIA ION2 (or next-gen Ion) plus Intel Atom CPU combo, in order to deliver a relatively wide range of computing scenarios.
The ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ID40 series is available in two different versions, including the completely customizable ZBOX HD-ID40 with room to accommodate two DDR2 SO-DIMM memory modules and a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or SSD, and a pre-configured ZBOX HD-ID40 PLUS with 2GB of DDR2-800 memory and a 250GB SATA hard drive.
Both models, however, pack an Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor running at 1.8 GHz and featuring Intel Hyper Threading technology that provides smooth multi-tasking capabilities for quick responsiveness with everyday applications and computing tasks, as well as an Intel NM10 chipset.
The systems rely on Next-Generation NVIDIA ION for graphics processing, this solution featuring 16 unified shaders, 512MB DDR3 memory, NVIDIA CUDA technology and NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology.
As most nettops, the systems from Zotac provide plenty of connectivity options, including here HDMI (w/audio), DVI-I, VGA (with included adapter), a 6-in-1 (SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MS Pro/xD) memory card reader, an eSATA / USB 2.0 combo port, 6 x USB 2.0 ports, as well as Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking options.
The HD-ID40 also provides onboard analog stereo high-definition audio (via 7.1-Channel LPCM digital audio (HDMI), and incorporates an Optical Digital S/PDIF audio output.
“ZOTAC listens to feedback from our users.
As a result, the ZBOX HD-ID40 series follows the same award-winning formula as our previous mini-PCs but delivers new features that have been requested such as a faster CPU, improved WiFi and thermal performance, and more memory slots,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.
Sadly, ZOTAC has refrained from providing any pricing or availability details for their new nettops just yet.