At CES 2013, Xi3 Corporation introduced the Z3RO Pro Computer, a small form factor PC with a starting price point of $399. The chassis itself measures 1.875 x 4.875 x 3.625-inches, but don't let the size fool you: the Z3RO Pro is designed for general computer use in the home and business, and can even serve as a home theater PC.
"The Z3RO Pro Computer is the ideal size for the ultimate in small form factor x86-based general computing," said Jason A. Sullivan, founder, President and CEO. "In this post-PC era, it’s clear that there’s no reason to buy a tower or mini-tower computer ever again. Not only does the Z3RO Pro Computer help round out the Xi3 product line, it also marks the end of desktop computing as we’ve known it."
Under the hood, it will have a dual-core 64-bit x86-based CPU clocked at 1.65 GHz (with 2 MB of Level 2 cache). There will also be an integrated 80-core GPU, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and between 16 GB and 1 TB of internal SSD-based storage (with up to 12 Gbps throughput speeds), depending on your budget.
Two display ports will provide a max resolution of 2560 x 1600 including one HDMI/DisplayPort v1.2 and one mini-DisplayPort v1.2. As for other connectivity options, the miniature PC will sport four eSATAp 3.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Wi-Fi connectivity wasn't mentioned, so customers may want to consider a dual-band media bridge that connects Ethernet-based devices to a wireless network.
Slated for a 2Q13 release, the Z3RO Pro will ship with openSUSE Linux v11.2, but it will also run an array of other x86-based platforms including Windows 8 and lower, UNIX, other Linux variants. It will also consume very little energy: 15 watts total.
"The Z3RO Computer runs on 15 Watts, making it arguably the most eco-friendly, small form factor, 64-bit x86-based dual-core general use computer ever built," the company said. "This translates to big savings over time."
For more info on the Z3RO Pro Computer, head here.