This NUC is a huge upgrade from the first generation. The box is actually smaller than the first generation box. It also comes equipped with USB 3.0 on all its ports. IR is the greatest touch, especially for people like me who intend to turn this thing into a HTPC. The CPU i5 is actually weaker than the first generation's CPU but that is because it packs a more impressive GPU (Intel Graphics 5000). The only problem one may have with this thing is its price. At 380-400 bucks not counting the mSATA SSD (another $100) and RAM (another $20-$40), also the WiFi card (another $40) you are looking at a premium HTPC just under 600 bucks. And the incapability to upgrade might also slow down the sale. But at its size and given its performance, I will still give this thing a 5 star rating!Update: This device is still holding strong. I have discovered its true gaming power after playing the entire Starcraft 2 in Medium graphic setting with it! I was impressed! One thing though, as I used it, there was a problem where it would start itself up after I shut it off. I finally got it to stop after I go into BIOS/UEFI setting and set when wake on LAN just "Stay powered off". Wondered if anyone else have this problem?