Thursday, May 12th 2016

ZOTAC Announces the ZBOX PI221 and PI220 PC Sticks

ZOTAC International, a global manufacturer of innovation, is pleased to introduce the dongle sized Mini PC, the ZOTAC PC Stick. Joining the lineup of pocket-sized PICO solutions, the PC Stick comes in two ready-to-go solutions: ZBOX PI220 and the award winning ZBOX PI221. With space increasingly becoming a luxury, size is a critical factor in determining the solution for your needs. Often times this means compromising between size and functionality. The PI220 and PI221 pack the functionality of a full size PC in the form of a stick. Equipped with Intel's 14nm Cherry Trail quad core processor, performance and power efficiency are improved over previous generation processors.

The PI220 and PI221 deliver the same network performance as users would expect from a full size PC. Both models come with 802.11ac WiFi capability with external antenna and a full size Ethernet port for an always-on connection. Bluetooth 4.0 also comes standard. ZOTAC is pleased to introduce the high speed USB 3.0 to the tiniest computing solution. Both PI220 and PI221 are equipped with a USB 3.0 port, so users can expand storage space or connect peripherals to augment the PC's functionality on the go. Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot is also a standard feature for quick data transfer or easy storage expansion.
The PI220 and PI221 are complete systems ready to go with pre-installed memory, storage and OS. The PI220 is an energy-sipping unit that is whisper quiet with a smart active micro fan, and the PI221 enables silent operation with a passively cooled solution and zero moving parts. Both models deliver desktop performance in a pocket-able form, and bundled with an HDMI extension cable for flexible connections.

The PI221 was awarded with the 2016 d&i awards (Best in Computers and Systems) by the iF World Design Guide. The ZOTAC ZBOX PI220 and the award winning PI221 will be displayed at the upcoming Taiwan Computex 2016.
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6 Comments on ZOTAC Announces the ZBOX PI221 and PI220 PC Sticks

#1
silentbogo
Computestick with Ethernet, USB 3.0 and CPU cooling (even passive)? Sign me up!

I am always skeptical of Zotac products (videocards especially), but the only thing that they do right is miniPCs. Had a pair of old ZBOX'es and they still work fine and look great on the desk. Only one burned Ethernet controller.
If the price is right - I might just buy one.
Posted on Reply
#2
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
silentbogoComputestick with Ethernet, USB 3.0 and CPU cooling (even passive)? Sign me up!

I am always skeptical of Zotac products (videocards especially), but the only thing that they do right is miniPCs. Had a pair of old ZBOX'es and they still work fine and look great on the desk. Only one burned Ethernet controller.
If the price is right - I might just buy one.
100mb/s though, which is utterly stupid. :shadeshu

I wish they made a small VESA compatible system.
Posted on Reply
#3
silentbogo
Frick100mb/s though, which is utterly stupid. :shadeshu

I wish they made a small VESA compatible system.
For system of that size it's quite OK. Almost all ARM embedded systems with similar applications only have 100Mbit/s ethernet.
I was really surprised to see it at all on a computestick-sized platform.
Plus Zotac has no specs for these models on their website yet, so it might actually be a gigabit ethernet interface.
I only wish that the price was around $80-$90.

Regarding VESA:
Most of their other (larger) mini-PC systems are either VESA mountable, or have special mounting frames.
I broke mine on ZBOX ID41 :nutkick:
Posted on Reply
#4
Disparia
Cool. I know someone that could really use this.

Personally I'm always on the lookout for a stick/mini PC with PoE support. Xtronix in the UK makes a PoE adapter for the Raspberry Pi which is great for when you need such a feature but isn't always feasible for those "nice to have but not necessary" scenarios.
Posted on Reply
#5
Eviling
Looks very nice :)

Where does the Microphone and headphone connect?
Posted on Reply
#6
silentbogo
EvilingLooks very nice :)

Where does the Microphone and headphone connect?
Bluetooth
Posted on Reply
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