ASRock Intros Calpella-based Core 100HT/BD Entertainment PCs

[btarunr]

ASRock introduced two of its latest entertainment nettops, the Core 100HT and Core 100HT/BD. Unlike older models from ASRock in this category which were based on the NVIDIA ION platform, these use the much faster Intel Calpella mobile platform, making these SFF PCs. Making use of Intel Core i3/i5 dual-core processors, the Core 100HT make use of the embedded Intel HD graphics, 4~8 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory, 2.5" HDD with SSD options, and optical drive options which include Blu-ray Combo for the Core 100HT-BD, and DVD-writer for Core 100HT. Connectivity features are also updated, with the inclusion of USB 3.0, 7.1 channel HD audio with THX TruStudio Pro, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, and gigabit Ethernet. The unit measures no more than 195 (W) x 70 (H) x 186 (L) mm. ASRock did not reveal pricing.



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[Fourstaff]

Looks suspiciously like this. At least they got the USB and power buttons right,

 

[demonbrawn]

Lol, I was thinking the same thing.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Except this one is fugly...
Better CPU, worse graphics...

 

[pjladyfox]

Except this one is fugly... Better CPU, worse graphics...

True but this one has an actual blu-ray drive where the Mini does not and no mention of an OS either from the looks of it. I'd be more excited about this if it actually had a decent GPU on it as well since I'm sure this box will only be able to use the slower and lower-end i3/i5 processors which have the 733mhz and lower GPU's on them which are dogs in the performance department compared to the 900mhz on the i6 661.

Still not really sure why Intel went with the different GPU speeds on the integrated since the only one out of all of them that performs decently is the 900mhz one. Guess I should not be surprised 'tho since for every thing they do right they seem to be dead set on doing an equal number of things wrong. :shadedshu

 

[Rexter]

You guys suspect them of copying mac mini? Did i wake up in opposite world today?
They are in no way copying apple, IF they are copying someone it should be Shuttle who have been making computers that small since the 90's. And even that is stretching it.
There is no "me too!" going on here, and they are both aimed at two completly different user segments.
I am quite amazed the first three commentors threw out such idiocracy. This would be same as saying Toyota makes cheap knock-offs of Mercedes cars.

 

[TheLostSwede]

It's using mobile Core i processors, so the graphics will be even slower...