2014-05-20, 19:02
(2014-05-20, 17:01)ertman Wrote: Nice reply.
Ok, I think I see the problem, it's more of a definition and language disagreement. I and many others are generalizing, even if incorrectly, that the NUC to not just a form factor but also a product created by a company, specifically Intel. Therefore when considering an alternative, anything else that provide many of the same benefits, without necessarily restricting oneself to a specific form factor is considered.
If we are too look at the NUC as strictly a form factor, similar to atx, then any other form factor that is not a NUC form factor is technically an alternative. Similar to how m-atx is an alternative to atx. To further extrapolate this, an alternative to a NUC based mini-pc being used as a htpc, is any pc running as htpc, regardless of size or shape. If you wish to narrow further, then one should consider any pc running as a htpc in a form factor that can provide most if not all benefits and advantages that a NUC based mini-pc that is running as a htpc can offer.
Agreed.
(2014-05-20, 17:22)nooryani84 Wrote: Sorry, I have also misunderstood what you meant by alternative. When I hear alternative I automatically think: something almost the same/very similar which is why I didn't agree with calling any small HTPC a NUC alternative. Of course this is purely semantics and a matter of how people phrase things differently. In that sense, anything that can run XBMC (even a phone) would be a NUC alternative. Though in the context of most users I don't think that's what they mean.
Agreed, as the way you've come across is that the NUC is "the" core standard for an HTPC and anything thst isn't a NUC is an "NUC alternative". Where maybe it should be HTPC alternative. I feel that any PC in any shape or form. Built for XBMC and the consumption of media in mind, is the core HTPC. Having a NUC is a choice decided by budget and requirements. As is a fanless bay trail box direct from Hong Kong or a custom built HTPC from Dougie. They're all alternatives. To call them NUC alternatives isn't fair on all the better builds! Would you call a Streacom FC8 a NUC alternative?
The pure reason why I have NUCs in my life? Because it lives under the stairs. They're not pretty, they're not interesting. They're small, quiet and they work very very well.
If I wanted an all singing all dancing case. It'd be front and centre under my telly. But I don't have any AV kit on show. I wanted PC power and near raspberry pi dimensions. [ok, it's twice the width and height, but you get the point! ] this meets the demands and is used every day. I applaud Intel for making a unit that is "inquisitive toddler proof" :lol:
I find the bay trail units in this thread interesting as while I'd love to build or buy another. I can't justify the need. But they're not NUC alternatives. They're much better than that! In looks and price most of the time too!
Just my 2p