2. The Four Mini HTPCs Compared: Features

The following tables compare the features of the four mini HTPCs. To see what the corresponding hardware looks like, click on one of the links below.

The Four Mini HTPCs Compared: Discussion

The Winbook Jiv Mini PC and the PC Alchemy M2B Mini Media Center are virtually identical, having been built around the same OEM package. This explains why we use only one slide show for both offerings. At this writing the Jiv is available for $100 less than the M2B (based on list price, both units as-is). That said, we did find some differences between the two units both in terms of fit and finish and accessories bundled with or available for them.

The Shuttle XPC 100 is by far the biggest of the bunch, and includes a 250 GB 3.5" SATA drive rather than the smaller 2.5" SATA notebook drives included with the three other units. Alas, however, it comes up short in some areas of performance and makes some components optional that really shouldn't be on an MCE PC. But it also offers the most powerful graphics chipset (ATI Mobility Radeon X1400) and may be better suited as a desktop replacement, especially for those in need of somewhat snappier graphics.

The big winner in this review is the astonishingly small and light PC Alchemy M1B Mini Media Center. It not only offers comparatively good performance or better in all the categories that count (and for MCE use that means 3D graphics don't register much), it also offers a killer combination of size, weight, and capabilities. PC Alchemy has also done an outstanding job in bundling everything needed for MCE use except for an HDTV tuner. However, a tiny USB unit is available for only $60 and none of the other vendors is as good about offering these kinds of options or accessories as PC Alchemy. This unit isn't much bigger than a typical external USB hard drive, but packs a full-fledged Media Center PC into a small and potent package. Though both PC Alchemy models are equipped similarly and perform likewise, we give the nod to the smaller M1B because its footprint makes it a great fit for entertainment centers in living or family rooms everywhere.

To see the four mini MCE PC systems included in this review from a variety of angles click on one of the links below.

slide shows:
PC Alchemy Mini M1B HTPC
PC Alchemy Mini M2B and Winbook Jiv HTPCs
Shuttle XPC X100
Performance Charts