PC all-in-one touch screen is on the rise. We want to show the growing number of big names in the industry who market such products. After HP and its TouchSmart, MSI Wind and NetOne or Top of the Asus Eee, it's the turn of the Taiwan Shuttle to get into the race with its X model 5000TA.
Renowned for its mini PC, Shuttle has some experience in the assembly of a compact computer. It is therefore not surprising to find that mark a computer generate all-in-one. However, Shuttle has proven nothing yet in terms of touch interface. The bet is successful with this 5000TA X? What are its strengths and its weaknesses against other products on the market? Answers in this Review.
Shuttle X 5000TA: What hardware in this PC?
While most manufacturers choose to cut costs, a Windows XP license and inexpensive components such as Intel Atom N270 processor and 1GB of RAM, Shuttle surprises us here with a PC that embeds a dual-core Atom, namely the Intel Atom 330. 1.6GHz, equipped with 1 MB of L2 cache and engraved in 45 nm, it has a low thermal envelope of only 8W. Nothing very new face to the Atom N270 us you say, except that this processor has two cores.
Therefore, the choice of Windows Vista is required instead of Windows XP, ULCPC whose license does not allow the use of multiple processor cores. The idea was attractive until they cast an eye on the amount of RAM onboard, only 1 GB! Why, when the license for Windows allows the use of more than one gigabyte of RAM, be limited to that amount? Especially since, as everyone knows, the Microsoft operating system is quite greedy in this memory. Damage, even if it is still possible (albeit difficult on this unit) to change the module in place for a 2 GB card
Concerning the graphics is disappointing: the perennial 945GSE Intel chipset and GMA 950 graphics chip is still in the game, as on most computers based on Atom processor. It should not last much longer, NVIDIA and its platform Ion pointing the tip of their nose. But this 5000TA Shuttle X does not face competition.
Ending with the entrails of this PC, let it contains a 2.5-inch hard drive and 160 GB running at 5 400 rpm. If you look on the outside of the X 5000TA, begin by talking about its dimensions: 391 x 327 x 36 mm. It is smaller than the Asus Eee Top of X while the 5000TA proposes large speakers at its base.
It is also lighter than its competitor, with 3.54 kg, it weighs almost 800 grams less than the Asus model. This is one of the selling points of Shuttle, which sees its X 5000TA transportable PC. Hence the presence of a medium that can also serve as a handle. Clever. This media is that more is particularly strong and inspires confidence. Placed in the "handle", it does not disappoint either, the device is sufficiently well balanced that this is done without problem. Damage, however, that a good device for mobility or no battery. Finally, note that the Shuttle X 5000TA is compatible with VESA standard and it is therefore possible to hang on the wall.
Shuttle X 5000TA: Connectors and ergonomics
Concerning the connection of the X 5000TA, it is a complete detail about the video output. Indeed, only a VGA output is available here. It is a bit weak even though it is hardly a surprise, since the Intel 945 chipset does not natively digital transmitter (TMDS). Moreover, there is an audio output, microphone input and line input, 5 USB 2.0, card reader 4-in-1 (MMC, SD, MS, XD) and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. The network is complemented by a Wi-Fi module is compatible with standard i802.11b / g.
Most elements of this connection is to the right of the screen, the left edge with the power button and three buttons functions. These allow you to adjust brightness, volume and intensity of blue light coming out from underneath the screen. You can also ask the question of the usefulness of this feature that brings a touch on an undeniable aesthetic product lines probably appeal to many. However, no need to specify the value of the 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone above the screen.
And the touch screen in?
Just finish by mentioning the main element of this PC all-in-one touch to the screen. Its size of 15.6 inches to 16 / 9, it has a resolution of 1 366 x 768 pixels and is LED backlit by system. This technology is intended to provide a consistent and uniform brightness. The shiny appearance of the screen is certainly flattering colors, but may interfere with some of you due to its "mirror". Regarding the touch of the screen, it should be noted that the multi is unfortunately not the game.
Bad point finally Shuttle: unlike Asus and its Eee Top, no cloth or keyboard delivered here. You must therefore have a keyboard to plug into the PC, at the risk of breaking the beautiful aesthetic harmony of the X 5000TA. Note however the presence of a stylus, placed behind the upper left corner of the screen.
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