iFixit has been busy once again with their screwdrivers and have this week turned to the Vizio Co-Star, revealing its inner workings to the world. The Vizio Co-Star has been created to provide users with a live TV and streaming entertainment in one solution.
The Vizio Co-Star provides Google TV technology with access to browse the web, and OnLive gaming to name just a few of its features, as well as being the ability to be used either on its own, or as an overlay for existing cable or satellite TV services, all for $100.
Hardware Specifications and Features
To recap, the Vizio Co-Star is equipped with a Marvell Armada 1500 1.2 GHz Dual-Core processor supported by 1GB RAM and includes 4GB of internal storage. This hardware configuration ensures that the device can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, providing a smooth user experience whether you’re streaming a movie or playing a game. The Vizio Co-Star is roughly the same size as Apple’s TV box or Roku’s solution, making it a compact yet powerful addition to your entertainment setup.
The device includes a versatile remote control, which is equipped with a trackpad and buttons on one side. This remote offers one-click access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and M-Go, making it incredibly convenient for users to switch between different types of content. The trackpad also allows for easy navigation through the Google TV interface, enhancing the overall user experience.
Teardown Insights and Repairability
After the teardown was complete, iFixit gave the new Vizio Co-Star Google TV box an impressive 8 out of 10 for repairability. This high score indicates that the device is relatively easy to disassemble and repair, which is a significant advantage for users who prefer to fix their gadgets rather than replace them. The teardown revealed that the internal components are well-organized and accessible, making it easier to replace parts like the RAM or storage if needed.
One of the standout features discovered during the teardown was the efficient cooling system. The Vizio Co-Star uses a combination of passive and active cooling methods to ensure that the device remains at an optimal temperature, even during extended use. This is particularly important for a device that is designed to handle high-definition streaming and gaming, as overheating can significantly impact performance.
The iFixit team also noted that the Vizio Co-Star uses standard screws and connectors, which further simplifies the repair process. This is a welcome change from some other devices on the market that use proprietary components, making them much harder to fix.
In addition to its repairability, the Vizio Co-Star’s modular design allows for potential upgrades in the future. For example, users could potentially upgrade the internal storage or add additional peripherals to enhance the device’s capabilities. This flexibility makes the Vizio Co-Star a future-proof investment for tech-savvy users.
You can view a complete walkthrough of the Vizio Co-Star teardown over on the iFixit website. The detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions and high-resolution images, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the inner workings of this versatile device.
Source: iFixit
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