Zotac ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus
Introduction, Specs, and Bundle
In addition to building graphics cards, Zotac is one of only a handful companies to fully embrace small form factor and home theater systems. Whether you want to build something yourself from the ground up, quickly assemble a barebones rig, or pick up a fully built HTPC, Zotac has you covered. The company offers a wide array of mini-ITX motherboards based on many modern chipsets (including the just released Z77) and barebones ZBOX systems for the DIY Crowd, along with full SFF systems that need nothing but an OS.
Over the last couple of years, Zotac has introduced a number of ultra small ZBOX systems that have seemingly gotten smaller and smaller with each new generation. The latest model we’ll be showing you here today, however, is the smallest yet. The new Zotac ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus is an AMD E-series APU based small form factor / HTPC system that fits in the palm of your hand—literally. Despite offering a dual-core processor, integrated DirectX 11 class graphics, 2GB of RAM, a 64GB solid state drive, USB 3.0, a flash card reader, and various other connections, the ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus measures just 4.17” x 4.17” x 1.46”.
To shrink things down into a package that small, Zotac had to make some concessions with the Nano XS that it didn’t have to make with previous-gen Nanos, however. We’ll explain what those concessions are on the pages ahead. For now, check out the specifications and bundle and then we’ll move on to the juicier details...
The Zotac ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus Ultra Small Form Factor PC
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Zotac ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus Accessory Bundle
Zotac includes a nice array of accessories with the ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus. Along with the machine itself, users will find an owner’s manual and quick installation guide, a drive / utility disc, a USB Wi-Fi adapter, an additional IR receiver, a standard VESA monitor mount (with mounting screws) that doubles as a wall mount, a 1/8” optical SPDIF adapter, a small power brick, and a Media Center Remote, with batteries.
We should point out that the monitor mount allows users to affix the system right to the back of an LCD display so the machine would take up literally no desk space at all. And the additional IR receiver is not needed if the included media center remote has a clear shot of the front of the Nano XS, where the integrated IR receiver is mounted. If, however, the ZBOX Nano XS is hidden in a cabinet or behind a TV for example, the additional IR receiver can be mounted in an accessible location so the MCE remote can still be used. Including it was good thinking on Zotac’s part. Kudos.