http://www.anandtech.com/show/6444/intels-next-unit-of-computing-hands-on
Top model has Thunderbolt (but very strange idea to include only USB 2.0 ports).
Expected price of barebone - $300-320
Will it play h.264 video in FHD? If it does I see some use in such device. If not only it plays but also can record h.264 then it might be even interesting. Otherwise I see little use for it.
Of course it can play H.264 in FHD.
As for encoding, you need to make tests, as it has QuickSync, so, may be it will work.
It is not for video only.
For example, this thing can be very good synth that you could get with you and just use good midi keyboard.
Or you can use it as universal player, that can also play 3D or anything you throw into it.
Nice to see it supports QuickSync so h.264 encoding might be possible, but still, when I build my systems, I like to have to option to go for some more muscle if I find the need for it later.
I believe you can get close to the volume of that case and still build it yourself if you opt for one of these boards: http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=76
You won't be limited to i3. You can put an i5/i7 just as long as you respect the thermal/power envelope. You will also get USB 3.0 with most mini-ITX boards.
There is plenty of cases choice for all tastes and pockets: http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=3 I've built a very powerful micro-ATX main rig (because I hate big boxes) and I found that site invaluable to assess my assembly options.
Thig is now available and cab be good option if you need something with Thunderbolt
Don't forget that Gigabyte has an i7 version of this coming out in April that will have USB 3!
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