This device is the successor of Ion nettop Asrock 330 that was released last October. Just to remind, Asrock 330 ion is the nettop that combines Intel’s Atom N270 processor with nVidia chipset Ion.

This combination is slightly deviated from the general grip as Atom nettop is usually paired with the Intel chipset. But Asrock’s “disobedient” makes sense, because our tests have proved Asrock 330 Ion better performance than other nettop.

This success is probably what makes Asrock released Ion 330 with “BD” appendage. BD means BluRay, which suggests that the BD series is equipped with the BluRay optical devices. The price itself is around U.S. $ 485, or U.S. $ 130 more expensive than the plain version. However, given the current BluRay Player price, this device could be a replacement device for a real BluRay Player.

Moreover, the facilities provided by this device is similar to BluRay Player. At the rear, you’ll find an HDMI connector to connect to today’s television. Another alternative, VGA-Out facility is available so that it can also be connected to a regular monitor. Unfortunately in this Asrock 330 Ion Component Out there is no facility that can not be connected to a standard television.

However, our expectation to make Ion 330 as a substitute for BluRay Player is seeing constraints on the software. First, Ion 330 delivered without any operating system. Inside its CD no BluRay movie player software provided. So to play a BluRay movie, you have to buy an operating system and appropriate software. Linux is also not an option because BluRay Player software for Linux still needs much improvement.

If these two software issues can be resolved, Ion-BD 330 can indeed be a substitute BluRay Player. We prove it by connecting this 1.7 kg device to B6000 Samsung LCD TV using HDMI. The film “No Country For Old Man” is running smooth in Full HD resolution (1920×1080). We also can play HD-1080p video without halting. This is special because you can not do that on an Intel chipset-based nettop that dominate today’s market.

Outside of his BluRay ability, Ion 330-BD has standard nettop facilities. In addition to HDMI, on the rear panel are available 6 USB ports, gigabit ethernet, SPDI-F Out. While for storing data, hard drive with 320GB capacity is attached. One thing regrettable is the absent of WiFi facility to connect to a wireless network at home.

With tiny design and glossy appearance, 330-BD Ion Asrock fit very well in the family room, side by side with your HD television. Moreover, this device is very silent in operation. But this combination of hardware and software require funds $ 600, so it is still more expensive than regular BluRay Player. However, because the Asrock 330 Ion-BD is a computer that can also be used to type, connected to the internet, and store data, the device still has a value to consider.

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