The Gear: Shuttle Barebone Without Components
Vital connections like USB 2.0, FireWire (IEEE1394), analog audio and digital audio out (optical) come already integrated in the front panel.
For just under $400, the user gets the SS51G Barebone System plus extensive assembly material (screws, cables, connectors), a digital DIF card and handbook. To run the PC system, you need to get a hold of at least an Intel Pentium 4 processor, RAM (DDR333 or DDR266), hard drive, keyboard, mouse and a TFT monitor.
The reverse comes fitted with a slew of connectors: two USB 2.0 ports, two FireWire (IEEE1394) connectors, network, analog sound and a digital audio input (optical). This means that audio signals can be recorded loss-free from a digital source (minidisk or satellite radio) or rerouted per the front output.