Dell Inspiron Zino HD Review

Dell’s little box that could has been humming along for a year now, offering Windows users a similar experience to the one that Mac Mini buyers have enjoyed. Replete with attractive, customizable covers, a slim remote control and a full suite of media software, is Dell’s improved Zino finally going to be the PC that conquers the living room?



Specifications:

* Processor: AMD Phenom II P940 Quad-core CPU @ 1.70 GHz
* Memory: 6GB DDR3 SDRAM
* Graphics: AMD ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5450
* Storage: Western Digital 1TB @ 7200 RPM SATA
* Optical storage: Blu-ray, DVD+/-RW
* Networking: Gigabit Ethernet
* Wireless networking: 802.11/a/b/g/n
* Power supply: 90 watts (external)
* Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 3.4 inches (WxDxH)
* Weight: 3.53 lb (1.6 kg)
* Warranty: One year limited parts and labor

What’s in the box:

* Inspiron Zino HD desktop (Inspiron 410)
* One Inspiron Zino HD lid
* Dell Premium Wireless Keyboard
* Dell Wireless Mouse
* Keyboard and mouse USB wireless dongle
* Dell Media Remote
* External power supply (90W)

In this configuration, the manufacturer’s suggested price is $799.99. Going with a basic keyboard and mouse knocks it down to just $725.

Build and design
Dell first announced the Inspiron Zino HD some time ago, to moderate praise. The Zino is a compact unit compared to the majority of desktops, measuring under eight inches on a side. Taking a cue from the Mac Mini, the Dell Zino HD also comes in a pretty small box, so there’s not a lot of needless packaging involved. Go Dell.


The unit is clad in a glossy black plastic on four sides and the top; the bottom is comprised of a rubbery black “foot” that prevents the machine from skidding around while simultaneously protecting customers’ furniture from scratches.

The front of the machine offers users access to two USB 2.0 ports, one headphone jack, an SD card reader and the optical drive. A small lighter colored square to the right of the ports shows the presence of an IR receiver, used to capture commands sent by an included remote control.