Zotac is preparing to roll out a new, cheaper SKU of its high-end ZBOX Giga ID70 Plus HTPC in a couple of weeks.
The original ZBOX Giga launched a few months ago, powered by a Core i3-2100T processor with 4GB of RAM and 320GB of storage. In addition, the Giga shipped with a Geforce GT-430 discrete graphics, Blu-ray drive, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, eSATA, USB 3.0, SATA 6Gbps and a host of other goodies, all packed in a stylish aluminium chassis.
However, the Giga cost €650 and clearly there was a need to come up with a cheaper alternative. Enter the Giga ID72, a stripped down version of the original Giga with a DVD burner in lieu of Blu-ray, with no discrete graphics. The result? Some retailers are listing the new SKU at €472, while most are going for €499, or €150 less than the original. It is still no bargain, but it sounds like a much better deal, provided you can live without Blu-ray and let’s face it, most people can. You can check out the listings here.