Introduction
Dell is certainly no stranger to the small form factor (SFF) PC market as its current product mix includes several SFF systems including the Dell Studio Hybrid, the Dell Studio Slim Desktop PC, and the Dell Inspiron 537s Slim Desktop PC. Their latest SFF entry, the Inspiron Zino HD, attempts to fill a gap in their product lineup – the need for an inexpensive consumer-oriented desktop PC that also handles today’s growing library of digital media content available locally and over the Internet.
With a form factor that measures 7.8 x 7.8 x 3.4 inches, it’s easy to draw comparisons to the Apple Mac mini in terms of size and looks. Both systems are square; both have rounded corners; and yes, both are sexy in their own right (although I still think the Mac mini is a tad bit sexier).
However, the Zino HD competes at a market segment below the Mac mini and the Dell Studio Hybrid PC. It’s an entry level PC for the masses that delivers everyday computing capabilities just powerful enough to handle multimedia tasks typically found in home theater PCs. Couple the system with Windows 7 Home Premium and you instantly have the makings for a complete inexpensive home theater PC running Windows Media Center.
