Shuttle launches Android-based fanless 0.5-litre PCs

The Shuttle XPC nano product range has been very popular for over two years now. With the addition of the NS02A and the NS02E, it is now being expanded to include two particularly inexpensive models which are positioned primarily as simple content players in the digital signage sector.

Both the NS02A and NS02E are supplied ready-to-connect and, as well as a soldered-on Rockchip RK3368 octa-core Cortex A53 64-bit processor, they feature 2 GB of DDR3L memory and 16 GB of flash memory. If more capacity is required, the internal 2.5-inch drive slot can be expanded with the PHD5 installation frame (available separately) to hold an additional SSD or hard disk. When it comes to the operating system, both models go with the reliable and widespread Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop).

The machines, which measure just 141 x 141 x 29 mm, do away with any fans at all, which not only makes them completely silent and very low-maintenance, but also suitable for continuous, 24/7 operation. Power consumption of just 4 Watt ensures a particularly high degree of energy efficiency.

The NS02A and NS02E differ in one essential aspect - the NS02E is provided without a power supply unit and obtains its power directly via PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) through the network into which it is integrated. By contrast, the NS02A is supplied with power in a conventional way via an external power supply unit.

Furthermore, on the back both models have HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet with WOL, audio and a Kensington lock. WLAN and Bluetooth are included as well. A card reader is part of the front panel and completes it with two USB ports.

Both models play ultra-high-resolution 4K content (3840 x 2160 pixels) at 60 Hz thanks to the PowerVR SGX6110 graphics processor and HDMI 2.0. This again reflects the field of application the NS02A and NS02E are intended for as mentioned in the introduction. The appropriate "DS Creator 2.0" software is yet included for this purpose.

Both models can be operated in any position. A VESA mount for monitor or wall mounting is part of the delivery.

"The real highlight of the models presented here is the bundled software and the machines’ features that are particularly relevant to digital signage such as scheduling or the always-on function,” explains Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "An app for iOS and a desktop application for Windows can be expected in the near future.”

The pre-installed "DS Creator 2.0" app can be used to play videos, images and text on the device. It is also suitable to create and edit projects directly on the device. However, for the best possible convenience, this app is also available for download for free from Google Play. This means that smartphones and tablets with an Android operating system get a fully-fledged editor with ready-to-use templates and easy operation. Once completed, projects can be sent via WLAN to one or more NS02A or NS02E devices.

The recommended retail price from Shuttle for the XPC nano NS02A is EUR 110.00, and for the NS02E it is EUR 120.00 (both prices ex VAT). The NS02A is available from specialist retailers Europe-wide upon publication of this press release. The NS02E is set to follow in May 2017.