Mini HDMI SATA HDD Media Centre Comes, Somewhat Curiously, Sans Hard Disk

You can rely on all too few things in life but, when it comes to products designed to wholly under whelm, few can be counted on quite to the degree as none other than China Vasion – though the idea of selling an item billed as a (and we quote) ‘HDMI SATA Hard Drive HDD Media Player’ that manages to refer not once, but twice, to a hard disk but actually comes without any sign of a HDD is laudable, even by their standards.

Perhaps it’s the translation that’s at fault as the product description makes more than a few references to a hard disk drive yet the product description also adds this somewhat curious notice: ‘Note: This product is not sold with a Hard Disk included. You will need to purchase a hard disk separately. Also please remember to format your Hard disk to the HDD enclosure, or they will not work together.’

Let’s now compare this to the items description (emphasis our own):

‘3.5 Inch SATA 500GB hard drive multimedia center for playing digital media files on your choice of screens, and including the ability to play on full 1080I high definition HDTV screens. One of the best hard drive players that you can find, this enclosure can also connections for S-Video, VGA, Y/Pb/Pr, 5.1CH surround sound, as well as a USB host IN. Also included are all the connections that you will need, (except HDD, apparently – TFTS) including a HDMI cable and even a R/L audio RCA to 3.5mm earphone jack adapter. Instead of watching all your files on your boring computer screen or sorting though all your DVDs, convert your DVDs to the hard drive, and play them in the absolute best quality available.’

Reminds us of those ‘Where’s Wally’ Books

(except we’re trying to spot a HDD and not a hippy in a stripy jumper)

Casting aside the not insignificant matter as to whether this unit is or isn’t supplied with a HDD, the unit itself, certainly as far as specifications are concerned (you can view the full spec via the product page as we really see no need to copy and paste them here).

Which reminds me. I’m presently looking to sell my Aston Martin DB9. It isn’t actually a DB9. In fact it isn’t even an Aston. Well, ok, it’s not even a car – it’s a roller skate, medium size, design specifically for use with the left foot. Still, if I call it a DB9 I wonder if anyone at China Vasion will stump up the cash to make a reasonable offer? Hell, I’ll even throw in a SATA HDD if it serves to clinch the deal.

China Vasion’s HDMI SATA Hard Drive HDD Media Player retails for $96.94.