Shuttle XPC X200
- < Prev
-
Page 8 of 8 - A Case of Sequelitis
Page 8 of 8
- Next >
A Case of Sequelitis
A Case of Sequelitis
Fans of movie and game franchises should know this familiar sinking feeling - when the highly anticipated follow up to an excellent movie or game falls flat. There are many varied reasons for this, ranging from a lack of ideas to excessive hype. Apparently this condition has become so widespread that a term, "sequelitis" has been coined to describe this occurrence. For the case of the Shuttle XPC X200 however, it could be interpreted as so, as the newer version is in some ways, inferior to the original.
Of course, that's not to say the XPC X100 was a raging success. It was targeted at such a niche segment that it had an equal chance of being a hit and a miss, especially when there are more mainstream and user-friendly alternatives available, notably the Apple Mac Mini. The XPC X200 is arguably even more of a specialist. The inclusion of a hybrid radio and television tuner further enhances its media center capabilities. Personally, we think that's a fine move as going niche is the only way forward for these types of products. Take note though these are optional components (including the Wireless LAN module and IR receiver) but the X200 is designed with them in mind and there are various configuration options available depending on the vendor carrying it. However, these additions are balanced by the downgrading of the graphics engine from an ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 on the Shuttle XPC X100 to the integrated Intel GMA950 graphics engine on the new X200 system. It is not certain whether the design decision to go with the tuner affected the choice of the graphics chipset but we strongly speculate that this is the reason, since there is only so much space within the tight confines of the X100/200 chassis.
The end result is that the XPC X200 performs much slower than its predecessor in graphical applications and in some HD video clips. Shuttle has at least ensured that the eye candy on Windows Vista can still be experienced with the Intel onboard graphics but we don't recommend trying any modern 3D games on this machine. Another baffling hardware choice that we found on the X200 includes the replacement of the Gigabit Ethernet controller with a 10/100 Fast Ethernet. Going back to legacy PS/2 ports on the X200 could also be seen as Shuttle admitting that it has been too hasty about ditching legacy interfaces.
Still, the X200 is quite decent overall and it certainly fulfilled the quiet quotient. There is also the integrated infrared receiver and remote control that we wished was present in the X100. Perhaps the best way of judging the Shuttle XPC X200 is not to see it as the next iteration of a series, but another variation on the same theme. After all, the X100 is still available and it can be configured to be competitive with the notebooks and desktops available nowadays. The X200 meanwhile serves a different purpose and crowd. It is aimed squarely at the media center enthusiast who would love to have a retro, console-looking HTPC in the living room, quiet and nondescript. This dream however, is not perfect as the lack of a HDMI output and the current driver support for only Microsoft Windows Media Center operating systems hinders it from those hoping to tweak it to their preferences particularly since Linux's MythTV is probably one of the most fully featured media center application now.
Whereas the original Shuttle X100 faced competition mainly from the Apple Mac Mini, the X200 may be fighting against the new generation of consoles cum home entertainment hubs from Microsoft and Sony (as well as the original X100 in certain aspects). These consoles have ambitions to rule the living room and their options for HD media formats could be decisive. Nevertheless, what Shuttle offers is the ability to custom its system to the needs of users and the X200 is usually sold bundled with the required components like the processor and memory modules. Prices therefore vary depending on configurations but from our experience, this is a niche product that may cost more than the typical desktop or even barebones system. In short, unless you're a fan of its appearance, build, concept or its quiet performance, we would give it a miss. If only the X200 was more capable in tackling all forms of HD video processing, we could then label it a true HD HTPC machine worthy of succeeding the X100. Alas, that didn't come to pass.
- < Prev
-
Page 8 of 8 - A Case of Sequelitis
Page 8 of 8
- Next >