Small, cheap, fanless, audio out - Shuttle XS36V?
#1
I've gone through the forums extensively looking for the optimal HTPC hardware for my specific needs. I would prefer something in "group 3" (9 GB 1080p mkv over wifi), very small, reasonably cheap (200 euros or less), fanless and with a separate audio out. No hdd needed or wanted. I also want something that ships within days or weeks, not months or years.

Some options I've rejected:

Miniand minix/mk802/whatever allwinner+mali combo - no audio out, no hardware xbmc, too flaky (heat issues etc)
Every single mini-itx solution - way too expensive and too big
Pivos Xios DS - no audio out, xbmc android still in alpha, pretty much perfect otherwise.
Shuttle XS35 GTA V3 - bigger than needed due to unnecessary BD player, 50% over budget.
Zotac Zbox ID80/AD11 etc - nice but about 50% over budget

What remains is:
Xtreamer Ultra2 barebone - perfect hardware, barely over budget (25%), ships in September at the earliest though.
Shuttle XS36V - perfect hardware, but gfx driver/support is shit. I would prefer to run Linux which barely works.


So my question is whether the Shuttle XS36V is the best option or if there is some option with discrete graphics, same small form factor, similar price? Or should I really drop the extra 120 euros to get a Zbox AD11?
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#2
I'm also looking for a XBMC "box" with the same requirements you have.

I considered the AD11... In fact I even ordered it, but canceled before shipping because it was a bit pricey and not being fanless I worried about it being noisy. Other than that it seemed perfect to run OpenELEC on it.
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Small, cheap, fanless, audio out - Shuttle XS36V?0