Dell Inspiron Zino

George · 27. Sep 2010, 06:06 PM

I was wondering if anybody had any experience with the Dell Inspiron Zino:
http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-zino-hd-410/pd

This little box seems to be the perfect replacement for the MacMini as a Media Center PC.

The Dell sites differ in revealing the availability of the Zino. Dot.Com says it will be shipping in October while European sites look like its available already.

George · 10. Jan 2011, 02:19 PM

I thought I might be of interest to some of you to hear a few words about the Dell Zino HD in action since I have recently purchased it.

I wanted to replace my MacMini from 2006 as a media PC for my HDTV and decided to order the "best" configured Zino model off the shelf: 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, AMD Neo X2 Dual Core 6850e (1.8 GHz) CPU, 512 MB ATI Mobility Radeon 4330 and a DVD+/-RW Blu-Ray ROM drive.

It took Dell some time to deliver it but I guess that was just the higher order volume over Xmas.

The Zino is a small, square computer and therefore an ideal companion for your HDTV stand in the living room.

The Zino offers an 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 2 eSATA, 4 USB and one 4-in-1 memory card reader connectors (conveniently spread over front and back). Ethernet and wireless network is available as well of course.

Configuration of the preinstalled Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit is easy and straight forward.

The color of the blue plastic top of the Zino is pretty disappointing compared to the images on the Dell home page. It as a pale solid blue and not at all metal brushed or a gradient as some online images might want to make you believe. But it is not so important either in the end.

The ATI graphic card produces a good 1080i HD picture of up to 60 Hz. Depending on your HDTV you might have to try different refresh rates so your TV displays the image it receives to the full extend of the monitor. 30 Hz worked best in my case. The picture is steady, sharp and clear.

Once in a while the wireless Dell mouse has some hick-ups but that's about it in regards to things not working perfectly. The Zino is performing very well and stable and is a joy to use with the XBMC Media Center software.

Ritho · 10. Jan 2011, 02:28 PM

Wow nice specs. Have fun with it!

Awgeewhiz · 10. Jan 2011, 05:36 PM

Hmm, flat and small, kinda reminds me of the last girl I dated.

27. Sep 2010, 06:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
George Progradminstrateditor Join Date: May 2008 Location: Frankfurt, GER Posts: 1,253	Dell Inspiron Zino I was wondering if anybody had any experience with the Dell Inspiron Zino: http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-zino-hd-410/pd This little box seems to be the perfect replacement for the MacMini as a Media Center PC. The Dell sites differ in revealing the availability of the Zino. Dot.Com says it will be shipping in October while European sites look like its available already. __________________ Best regards, George

10. Jan 2011, 02:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
George Progradminstrateditor Join Date: May 2008 Location: Frankfurt, GER Posts: 1,253	I thought I might be of interest to some of you to hear a few words about the Dell Zino HD in action since I have recently purchased it. I wanted to replace my MacMini from 2006 as a media PC for my HDTV and decided to order the "best" configured Zino model off the shelf: 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, AMD Neo X2 Dual Core 6850e (1.8 GHz) CPU, 512 MB ATI Mobility Radeon 4330 and a DVD+/-RW Blu-Ray ROM drive. It took Dell some time to deliver it but I guess that was just the higher order volume over Xmas. The Zino is a small, square computer and therefore an ideal companion for your HDTV stand in the living room. The Zino offers an 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 2 eSATA, 4 USB and one 4-in-1 memory card reader connectors (conveniently spread over front and back). Ethernet and wireless network is available as well of course. Configuration of the preinstalled Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit is easy and straight forward. The color of the blue plastic top of the Zino is pretty disappointing compared to the images on the Dell home page. It as a pale solid blue and not at all metal brushed or a gradient as some online images might want to make you believe. But it is not so important either in the end. The ATI graphic card produces a good 1080i HD picture of up to 60 Hz. Depending on your HDTV you might have to try different refresh rates so your TV displays the image it receives to the full extend of the monitor. 30 Hz worked best in my case. The picture is steady, sharp and clear. Once in a while the wireless Dell mouse has some hick-ups but that's about it in regards to things not working perfectly. The Zino is performing very well and stable and is a joy to use with the XBMC Media Center software. __________________ Best regards, George

10. Jan 2011, 02:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ritho Foundation Editor Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,391	Wow nice specs. Have fun with it! __________________ The smallest good deed is better than the greatest intention.

10. Jan 2011, 05:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
Awgeewhiz Full Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA East Coast Posts: 94	Hmm, flat and small, kinda reminds me of the last girl I dated. __________________ I started out with nothing and still have most of it left.

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