VeryPC Nano Sketch review
This tiny PC is a great buy if you need something more powerful than the average compact computer
Also at the back of the PC is the connector for the external power adaptor, a 3.5mm port that serves as a combined analogue and digital audio output, a Gigabit Ethernet port and both HDMI and DVI display outputs. The display outputs let you use two monitors at the same time. At the front are 3.5mm microphone and headphone ports and a card reader that supports a range of formats including SDXC. The PC also has a built-in 802.11n wireless adaptor with dual internal antennas.
The hard disk and memory are the only components that are designed to be accessible. The processor is out of reach, as is its passive cooling system. There’s no active fan anywhere in the case, although vents on the sides provide some airflow. The Sketch became a little warm in use, but its low-power processor means you don’t have to worry about the Sketch overheating.
The Sketch comes with a stand to help support it in a secure upright position; alternatively you can use the supplied VESA mount to connect it directly to the back of a TV or monitor. VeryPC will also engrave any artwork, logo or message you want on to the PC’s chassis. The system is available in a variety of prices and specifications, but the model reviewed here costs £549. It’s a reasonable price for the specification, although you can find better value components if you’re prepared to put up with a bulkier computer. However, this is the best mini PC we’ve seen recently.
Basic Specifications | |
---|---|
Rating | ***** |
Processor | Intel Core i3-3217U |
Processor external bus | 100MHz (DMI) |
Processor multiplier | x18 |
Processor clock speed | 1.8GHz |
Processor socket | FCBGA1023 |
Memory | 4 |
Memory type | PC3-12800 |
Maximum memory | 16GB |
Motherboard | Foxconn AT-7000 |
Motherboard chipset | Intel HM76 |
Ports | |
USB2 ports (front/rear) | 2/4 |
eSATA ports (front/rear) | 0/0 |
Wired network ports | 1x 10/100/1000 |
Wireless networking support | 802.11n |
Internal Expansion | |
Case | mini PC |
PCI-E x1 slots (free) | N/A |
PCI-E x16 slots (free) | N/A |
Free Serial ATA ports | 0 |
Free memory slots | 1 |
Hard Disk | |
Hard disk model(s) | Seagate ST1000LM014-1EJ164 |
Interface | SATA3 |
Graphics | |
Graphics card(s) | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
Graphics/video ports | HDMI, DVI |
Sound | |
Sound | Realtek ALC887 |
Sound outputs | 3.5mm line out (shared optical S/PDIF), 3.5mm headphone out, 3.5mm mic in |
Speakers | none |
Removable Drives | |
Supported memory cards | SDXC, Memory Stick Pro, MMC |
Optical drive type(s) | none |
Display | |
Screen model | N/A |
Native resolution | N/A |
Screen inputs | N/A |
Other Hardware | |
Keyboard | none |
Mouse | none |
Software | |
Operating system | Windows 8 |
Operating system restore option | Windows disc |
Buying Information | |
Warranty | two years collect and return |
Price | £549 |
Supplier | http://www.very-pc.co.uk |
Details | www.very-pc.co.uk |