Inspiron Zino HD Optical out resolution?

to review the Dell Inspiron Zino HD ever since we first saw it at a preview event last August. An affordable, flexible, small-scale desktop, the Inspiron Zino HD seemed like a more accessible version of Dell's older Mac Mini-competitor, the Studio Hybrid. Shipping delays and the disappearance of a promised Blu-ray option have plagued the Zino since its November launch. Dell assures us it's working on both issues, but at the time of this review, order fulfillment times hover around three weeks, and the Blu-ray option remains absent (Dell says it will be back the first week in February). If you're feeling patient, our $468 Inspiron Zino HD review configuration will provide you with a cheap, reasonably effective standard definition home media PC. With no Blu-ray drive, and stuttery 1080p high-definition resolution and streaming video playback from the integrated graphics chip, you'll need to upgrade this configuration or look elsewhere for a fully capable, worry-free home entertainment computer.

The Inspiron Zino HD clearly gets its inspiration from Apple's Mac Mini. Dell's squat, square design and reliance on an all-plastic exterior doesn't quite have the industrial polish of Apple's tiny desktop, but we can also see an argument that the Zino looks a bit friendlier than the Mac Mini. The Zino's default color scheme is all-black, but you can opt for a top plate in various colors and designs for an additional $15 when you place your order. Our review unit came with the True Blue option.

The Inspiron Zino HD is also larger than the Mac Mini, as well as Dell's other small scale system, the Studio Hybrid. Although the 3.25-inch-high, 7.75-inch-wide and -tall Zino is slightly larger than the Mac Mini, Dell's design isn't inappropriate for a system aimed at your living room.