gdgt

So long as you're willing to accept the inherent tradeoffs of such a minimalistic computer, the NUC provides excellent incentive to roll up your sleeves and build your next PC.

For home user’s, the Intel Next Unit of Computing is an ideal home theater PC solution that delivers third generation Core i3 processing and wireless connectivity to media storage and DLNA enabled devices.

Intel's Next Unit of Computing is a wonderful device for anyone who wants a genuinely tiny computer system for the home, office, or anywhere else. It supplies speed that's on par with a regular-sized computer and it has a useful range of connectivity.

Intel's NUC is a step in a different direction for PCs, and one that I think has a future among the world of technology. PCs are getting smaller, chips are getting even smaller, and we're doing more work in the cloud. Intel knows this, vendors and companies know this and the NUC is really going to...

For a front-room system, an always-on server or a basic office desktop, a NUC could be just the ticket – and if Intel ever produces a version with USB 3, it will deserve serious consideration from anyone seeking a stylish compact PC.

Intel's pedigree in producing quality mobile parts is in evidence with the technically-competent NUC. The system works well and is more than capable of meeting the needs for a wide range of consumers, from running everyday tasks to casual gaming on the built-in graphics.

The Core i3-3217U is the heart and soul of this machine, and combined with a fast solid state drive, the NUC delivers a formidable one-two punch that can pummel almost any task you throw at it.

The problem for Intel is that you can buy a similar processor, motherboard and case for less than the price of a NUC. Plus, Intel's decision to omit an Ethernet socket, USB 3 sockets and limited management leave us scratching our heads.

I have to admit, if that's where the mainstream PC market is headed, this little box soothes a lot of my worries about the prospects. It's a better PC than the one I was using several years ago, and it's open enough to allow upgrades to several major components.