| Manufacturer: Via | Model: Artigo A1100 |
| Price: £199 | Web: Via |
Last year, VIA launched a range of barebones Pico-ITX PCs with the Artigo A1000, a spectacularly small PC which came with a number of acceptable limitations with regard to performance. The range has been updated in the last few weeks with the release of an updated model, the A1100. This time around, VIA have positioned the Artigo as an ideal mini-HTPC, offering a 1.2GHz 64 bit processor, a capable graphics chip supporting H.264 and MPEG 4 decoding and a 1080p output, HDMI support and Gigabit Ethernet. All of those features packed into such a tiny box? Sounds too good to be true. Let’s see if that’s the case.
What’s in the Box?
As a barebones kit, you’ll need to supply your own hard drive and RAM. Unlike the A1000 which literally was a kit of parts to build, the A1100 is mostly assembled, and simply requires you to install a 2.5” SATA drive and RAM module, both of which are relatively easy to do. The Artigo itself is very attractively packaged in a small box containing:
- VIA Artigo A1100 Mini PC
- Power Adaptor
- Power Cable
- Installation Guide
- Drivers CD
- Wi-Fi Antenna and Module (Optional)
- SD Card Reader Module (Optional)
Another plus compared to the previous model is the optional SD Card Reader and Wi-Fi module. Both modules further enhance the capabilities of the A1100 to that of a fully fledged PC. The installation guide accompanying the product is well designed and easy to follow, with great visuals explaining each step of the installation. We’ve reviewed a few products from VIA in the past, and their documentation is usually top notch. A full manual is available on the CD provided, but probably won’t be necessary for most users, although it does give a run down of the BIOS options which may be handy for some.
Specifications
| Processor | 1.2 GHz VIA Nano™ CPU Front Side Bus Speed 800MHz 1MB L2 cache memory |
| Chipset | VIA VX855 Unified Digital Media IGP chipset |
| VGA | Integrated VIA Chrome9™ 3D/2D AGP graphics with MPEG-2/4, WMV9 & H.264 video decoding acceleration |
| Storage Interface | 1 x IDE 44-pin interface for Flash Disk On Module (DOM) 1 x SATA interface for 2.5" HDD or Flash SSD 1 x SD card reader slot (optional module) |
| Operating System Support | Windows 7 / XP / XP Embedded, Linux |
| LAN Controller | 1 x VIA VT6122 Gigabit Ethernet controller |
| LAN Port | 1 x RJ-45 connector for Gigabit Ethernet connection |
| USB Ports | 4 x USB 2.0 host ports, 1 x USB 2.0 device port |
| Audio Ports | 1 x Line-out, 1 x Line-in, 1 x Mic-in |
| Display Ports | 1 x HDMI port, 1 x VGA port |
| System Indicator | 1 x HDD active indicator 1 x Power on indicator |
| Wireless | IEEE 80.2.11b/g (optional module) |
| Input Voltage | DC 12V |
| Power Supply | 100~240v input AC/DC adapter |
| Dimensions | 146 x 52 x 99 mm / 5.7” x 2.0” x 3.9” (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.32lbs (w/o HDD) |
The Artigo A1100 is powered by VIA’s 64-bit Nano processor combined with a new integrated graphics chip, the Chrome9, which offers strong media features including decoding of H.264 and MPEG 4 video. The device offers a dedicated 64MB RAM for graphics decoding. That takes a lot of the strain off the processor, the speed of which may look a little slow on first glance. The chip isn’t DirectX10 compatible, so unsurprisingly, you won’t be using the A1100 as a gaming rig!
On paper, we’d be a lot more comfortable with a faster processor (around the 1.6GHz mark), but let’s see how it performs. With an optional SD Card reader, Gigabit Ethernet, 5 USBs (4 standard plus 1 Mini-USB), HDMI, VGA and Wi-Fi (802.11g) module, the A1100 packs a lot of connectivity into its tiny chassis. Positioned as a media device, we’d prefer to see an 802.11n Wi-Fi option for high definition video streaming –with 802.11g you’ll be inclined to use the Gigabit Ethernet connector or Powerline for the best streaming experience.
But for such a small box, it’s an extraordinary specification.
First Looks
VIA have switched from the matt black finish of the A1000 to a flash all white finish for the new model, with additional striping on the front and top of the chassis. It looks great, and will definitely prompt your family and friends to ask what it is, thanks to its size and design. VIA have placed audio ports at the front of the chassis, more than likely with the view that most users will utilise the rear HDMI for audio and video, and as such, the audio ports are more useful for auxiliary devices. Also found upfront are 2 USB ports, 1 mini-USB, LEDs for hard disk and power, plus the power button.
At the rear, you’ll find the HDMI port for connection to TV/Monitor, a VGA port, 2 additional USBs, Gigabit Ethernet port and power socket.
Building the Artigo A1100
The good news is that compared to the A1000, assembling the new model is a breeze. Not that the previous model was difficult, but the A1100 arrives pretty much fully assembled, with only the hard drive and memory to fit. Fitting the memory is very straightforward courtesy of an access hatch on the base of the chassis. The hard drive requires you to open up the chassis fully, but is simply a case of mounting the drive to a bracket and attaching the SATA cables.Life is a little more complex for those opting for the SD Card reader and Wi-Fi module, but given a fair wind, you’ll be done in 30 mins max. The instructions accompanying the product are very good indeed, with clear instructions and great visuals to help illustrate the work to be completed. We have full instructions and a guide to assembling the Artigo A1100 here.
Using the Artigo A1100
Power on the Artigo, and you’ll immediately notice that the fan is relatively noisy – more noisy than you’d wish for a HTPC, and stays on constantly at high speed. This is a significant drawback, and you are definitely likely to notice the fan noise, even above the volume of any media you’re playing – in an otherwise quiet room, the Artigo makes way too much noise for comfort. I’ve asked VIA for clarification on the fan speed, and whether an updated driver is available that reduces the speed, or at least makes the speed variable depending on the temperature of the PC. With a constant, audible high pitched drone, we have a show stopper before we’ve even booted into Windows.
