ZapStation Price Cut, Linux-Only Version

Richard Robison of ZapMedia wrote in to say that their ZapStation stereo MP3 Box has had a serious price cut to $599. If you put in the comments field 'JUST LINUX' they will ship you the box with just Linux installed (and code to control the IR input and screen). In other words, a $600 stereo component PC ready to connect to your TV and speakers for whatever video or audio projects you feel like rolling up yourself. I reviewed this unit last December and found a lot of problems, but many of those glitches have apparently been fixed, and the price was the biggest problem, so this thing may deserve a serious second look this time around.

Comments

$900 price drop?!

[thesolo]

These boxes were selling for just over $1500.00, and now they are down to $600? Is this decrease due to getting cheaper bulk goods, or is this an unofficial liquidation??

Even at $600, it's a little pricey, but it definitely looks a lot better than throwing a PC in your entertainment center. I honestly might buy one of these now for a music server with screen overlay project I've been cooking up.

Re:Cheaper

[HMC CS Major]

Yea, you could.

You're paying for the pretty case, and the software. A lot of people on this site probably do not care a single bit about this product, as they could build their own and write basically equivalent software for nearly nothing. A lot of people who know nothing about computers, but might have an extra $600 to spend, might find this somewhat more attractive.

$600 is still too much

[atrowe]

Who would pay $600 for what essentially is an off-the-shelf PC with a custom shaped case. I can build the same thing with off the shelf components for under $400. I've also found that the S/N ratio on most consumer quality PC sound cards leaves something to be desired. Most low-end sound cards have a S/N ration of around 90 dB, which is completely unacceptable for even the weekend audiophile. I think I'll stick with my PC for gaming and web browsing and use REAL stereo components for my music listening needs.

Re:$600 is still too much

[Sc00ter]

And we all know how much the audiophiles listen to, and love, MP3s. Plus, how do you know this Zapstaion thing even uses a normal PC Soundcard, for all you know it might have a better S/N ratio

Re:$600 is still too much

[TheFrood]

Who would pay $600 for what essentially is an off-the-shelf PC with a custom shaped case. I can build the same thing with off the shelf components for under $400.

Probably the same people who pay $1000 to buy a computer from Dell/Gateway/Compaq instead of just building one themselves from off-the-shelf components for under $700.

TheFrood

Re:$600 is still too much

[Paradise Pete]

I can build the same thing with off the shelf components for under $400.

Assuming, of course, that you value your time at $0.

Re:$600 is still too much

[zmooc]

You can build such a thing (including IR keyboard and RC), install Linux, configure/write the software to controll the whole thing from your TV in an hour? Are you an octopus on speed or something?:P

Re:I bought one... it sits in a box useless

[Anonymous Coward]

An AC posts all this. Doesn't give the name of the 'supervisor' he talked to. Doesn't give the time this happened. Doesn't give anything to back the story up.

Hm. Given that this incident stands alone in this entire thread, doesn't it sound a little fishy?

Re:I bought one... it sits in a box useless

[po_boy]

I'll give you $50 for it.